Atlanta Public Schools (APS) is advancing a comprehensive facilities plan designed to address shifting enrollment numbers and improve operational efficiency across the district. The proposal, known as the Long Range Facilities Plan, includes the potential closure or repurposing of several elementary schools and significant expansions for others, aiming to save nearly $12 million in annual operational costs.
The plan focuses on increasing the district's overall facility utilization rate from its current 64% to a more efficient 79%. A final decision by the school board is anticipated in November following a series of community feedback sessions.
Key Takeaways
- Atlanta Public Schools is considering a major redistricting and facilities overhaul to improve efficiency.
- The plan aims to raise school utilization from 64% to 79%, potentially saving $12 million annually.
- Several elementary schools with low enrollment are targeted for closure or repurposing by 2027.
- Maynard Jackson High School and King Middle School are slated for multi-million dollar expansions to address overcrowding.
- A final board vote on the proposal is scheduled for November after public consultation.
Addressing District-Wide Inefficiency
The primary driver behind the Long Range Facilities Plan is the need to optimize the use of school buildings. According to district data, APS is currently operating at just 64% of its total capacity, with 24 school facilities falling below a 65% utilization threshold. This underutilization places a significant strain on the annual budget.
By consolidating schools and repurposing underused buildings, the district projects it can achieve a 79% utilization rate. This strategic shift is expected to free up approximately $12 million in yearly operational spending, which can be reallocated to other educational priorities.
By the Numbers
- Current Utilization: 64%
- Target Utilization: 79%
- Projected Annual Savings: Nearly $12 million
- Facilities Under 65% Utilization: 24
The criteria for potential closures have focused on schools with enrollment figures below 450 students. This data-driven approach is intended to create a more balanced distribution of students and resources throughout the district.
Proposed Changes in the Jackson Cluster
The plan outlines specific changes for the "Jackson Cluster," an administrative grouping of schools that serves neighborhoods such as Kirkwood, East Lake, Edgewood, Cabbagetown, and Mechanicsville. While some areas face closures, others are set for major investments.
School Closures and Repurposing
According to the latest refined scenario presented on September 22, several elementary schools are being considered for closure or a change in function before the 2027 school year. The schools identified in this scenario include:
- Dunbar Elementary School (Mechanicsville)
- Peyton Forest Elementary School
- Humphries Elementary School
- F.L. Stanton Elementary School
- Cleveland Elementary School
- Continental Elementary School
- Hutchinson Elementary School
Under the proposal, Dunbar Elementary would be repurposed into an early childhood learning center. Additionally, the annex at Toomer Elementary School would also be repurposed, with its pre-K classes being redistributed to other nearby elementary schools.
What is the Jackson Cluster?
The Jackson Cluster is a geographic grouping of Atlanta Public Schools that feed into Maynard Jackson High School. It includes several elementary and middle schools serving a diverse set of neighborhoods, including Kirkwood. The proposed changes are designed to balance enrollment within this specific cluster.
Major Expansions Planned for Overcrowded Schools
While some schools are slated for closure due to low enrollment, others are struggling with the opposite problem: overcrowding. To address this, the plan calls for significant capital investments in two key schools within the Jackson Cluster, funded by the Education Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (ESPLOST).
Maynard Jackson High School Expansion
Maynard Jackson High School is set to receive a substantial 600-seat addition, along with expanded parking facilities. This project is a direct response to current over-capacity issues and projected future growth in the area.
- Projected Cost: $70 million to $90 million
- Funding Source: ESPLOST
- Estimated Completion: Fall 2029
King Middle School Expansion
Similarly, King Middle School is also over capacity and will receive a 200-seat expansion to accommodate its growing student population. This addition is crucial for maintaining an effective learning environment as the feeder neighborhoods continue to expand.
- Projected Cost: $20 million to $25 million
- Funding Source: ESPLOST
Community Response and Next Steps
The proposed changes have generated varied reactions from the community. In neighborhoods like Kirkwood, which are not directly affected by school closures, the response has been relatively quiet. However, the planned expansions have been viewed positively.
Taylor Cross, the Education Committee Chair for the Kirkwood Neighbors Organization, noted that many community members have not been as vocal because Kirkwood schools are not facing closure. Cross suggested that the significant investments in King Middle and Maynard Jackson High are a positive sign.
"I just think we are in a place where the neighborhood really does support the neighborhood public schools and they continue to improve, so I think that's a testament to the neighborhood and I expect that will continue," Cross said.
Cross believes the decision to add seats to these schools "reflects the buy-in" from residents who are committed to the success of their local public schools.
APS has scheduled a series of public meetings to gather further community feedback before the final vote. Virtual meetings were held on September 24 and 25, with additional sessions planned for October and November. The district's board is scheduled to vote on the final version of the Long Range Facilities Plan during its November meeting.