A new proposal to close 27 schools in DeKalb County has sparked significant concern among parents, who point to data showing the plan would disproportionately affect schools serving a high number of low-income students. The list also includes several high-performing schools, leaving many to question the district's criteria and long-term strategy.
The comprehensive plan, which also involves expanding 11 other schools, aims to address issues of facility condition, capacity, and enrollment across Georgia's third-largest school system. However, the initial list has raised more questions than answers for many families now facing an uncertain future.
Key Takeaways
- DeKalb County's initial plan proposes closing 27 schools and expanding 11 others.
- A majority of schools on the closure list serve a higher-than-average percentage of economically disadvantaged students.
- Several high-performing schools with strong academic records are also slated for potential closure, confusing parents.
- The district cites facility condition and capacity as key factors, not academic performance, but financial data presents a complex picture.
- A final decision will not be made until spring, following a period of public feedback.
A Disproportionate Impact on Vulnerable Communities
When the list of potential school closures was released, a pattern quickly emerged that worried many parents. An analysis of the schools shows a strong correlation between being slated for closure and serving a high percentage of students from low-income households.
Of the 27 schools on the list, 20 serve a student population where the percentage of economically disadvantaged students is above the district average. For many of these schools, the numbers are stark. Over 60% of their students qualify for free or reduced-price meals or other assistance programs. At 11 of these schools, that figure climbs to over 80%.
This has led to fears that the district's most vulnerable families will bear the brunt of the consolidation efforts. Courtney Ruben, a Decatur mother of two, expressed this concern after reviewing the proposal.
"When you see it on paper, you’re seeing that who’s being affected are often the marginalized communities — the ones who are needing that close-proximity support," she said.
Parents like Ruben worry about the disruption to families who may lack the resources to adapt to new school zones, potentially affecting everything from transportation to access to specialized services offered at their current neighborhood school.
What Defines 'Economically Disadvantaged'?
In this context, the term refers to students who qualify for programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or receive free or reduced-price school meals. This metric is often used to understand the economic challenges within a school's community.
High-Performing Schools Also on the Chopping Block
While the impact on low-income communities is a primary concern, the district's logic has been further questioned due to the inclusion of several high-achieving schools on the closure list. This has left many parents scratching their heads, wondering why successful academic environments are being targeted.
Vanderlyn Elementary in Dunwoody, for example, is one of the district's top performers. Data shows that 98% of its third-graders are proficient in reading, a critical indicator of future academic success. Yet, it is slated for potential closure.
Matthew Totten, a father with a child at Vanderlyn, voiced the confusion felt by many in his community. "I just think, why would you throw away a winning program?" he asked. "You have the staff, the coaching... it is one of the best."
The contrast is sharp when compared to the schools targeted for expansion. Of the 11 schools set to grow, nine have reading proficiency levels that are below the district average. This has fueled a perception that the district may be dismantling successful programs rather than learning from them.
A Surprising Statistic
Ashford Park Elementary, another school on the closure list, is currently operating at 171% of its intended capacity, indicating high demand from families in the area.
The Financial and Logistical Complexities
The school district has stated that decisions are based on factors like facility condition, enrollment trends, and building capacity, rather than academics. A closer look at the finances reveals a complicated picture that doesn't always align with a simple cost-saving narrative.
Many schools on the closure list have a higher per-pupil cost than the district average. In some cases, spending reaches nearly $17,000 per student, often due to smaller enrollments or the need for more specialized services. However, experts caution that closing buildings doesn't automatically translate into major savings.
Tracy Richter, a consultant with a project management group advising the district, noted that the goal is to maximize the impact of every dollar spent. "If we're going to invest in improvements, we want to make sure we're investing in a facility that has a long-term future," she explained during a recent committee meeting.
This makes the situation at Ashford Park Elementary even more perplexing. The school, which is over capacity, just completed a $23.5 million construction project. The new building, funded by federal, state, and local dollars, includes significant upgrades to its HVAC system. Now, it could be shut down.
District's Position and What Happens Next
District officials maintain that this is a necessary process to create a more efficient and equitable system for all students and taxpayers. Jennifer Howard, a parent who has followed the district's performance, noted the difficult position officials are in. DeKalb has one of the highest millage rates in the metro area but has consistently underperformed academically.
The district's plan aims to address these long-standing issues by consolidating resources and investing in modernized facilities. According to a district spokesperson, the evaluation process was comprehensive, looking at building suitability, location, enrollment, and more.
The current list is not final. The district has emphasized that it is now entering a phase of public engagement to gather feedback from the community. These discussions will continue through the winter, with the school board not expected to vote on a final plan until the spring.
For thousands of families across DeKalb County, the coming months will be filled with uncertainty as they wait to see if their neighborhood school will survive the final cut.