Fulton to close two elementary schools despite parent protests

Parents at both schools were surprised in September when the district recommended the school board consider closing the schools. Officials cited low enrollment and aging building conditions in community meetings as two main reasons for closure. However, some parents questioned those explanations. Spalding Drive parents said they don’t want to lose the school’s tight-knit community and argued new housing planned in Sandy Springs will boost enrollment.

“Our slogan is: Use us, don’t lose us, because you will lose us,” said Spalding Drive parent Andrea Pearson before Thursday’s vote. “We are people that make calculated, conscious decisions regarding our children’s education ... we chose Spalding, and if you take that away from us, we will choose again.”

Neither school meets Fulton’s enrollment threshold of 450 students for elementary schools. If a school is under that number, it can be considered for closure, according to district policy. Parents have said the schools’ small sizes are part of their appeal.

“Parklane is more than just a school,” said parent Joanna Harris Worelds. “It is a community pillar, a stabilizing force for families and a beacon of hope. We must protect this vital resource.”

In addition to parents, city council members from both cities and East Point Mayor Deana Ingraham filed into the crowded meeting room Thursday and implored board members to keep the schools open. In the end, the district’s concerns about declining enrollment and rising costs overrode the communities’ pleas.

“We have to be responsible with our taxpayer dollars, and with that comes some very tough choices, and that is why I’m going to have to vote to close Spalding Drive,” said school board President Kristin McCabe. “I ask you, parents, please continue to give public education a chance.”

However, some parents said they have been so frustrated by the redistricting process, they don’t want to stay in the Fulton school district. Spalding Drive parent Raymond Grote said he’s considering sending his children to private school.

“The board has done a very poor job at arriving at this conclusion, not just in the decision itself, but in the timing, in the lack of transparency and the incorrect information,” he said. “The whole process from start to finish has just been embarrassing.”

Credit: Jenni Girtman

Credit: Jenni Girtman

Fellow Spalding Drive dad Steven Guy said he and his wife aren’t sure what the next steps will be for their two children.

“We’ve been looking at private and other schooling options outside the public realm, but we’ll see what happens,” he said.