Several changes are in store for students, parents and staff when the DeKalb County School District welcomes students for the first day of school on Aug. 5.

Among them are new school buildings, new bus routes for thousands of students and new principals in several buildings.

New Schools

A new 1,000-seat building for Ronald E. McNair Middle School, at 2190 Wallingford Drive in Decatur, will open for use on the first day of school. John Lewis Elementary School will move to a new 900-seat school at 2630 Skyland Drive in Brookhaven.

In January 2020, Austin Elementary School students will move to a new 900-seat school at 5303 Roberts Drive in Dunwoody.

Principals —

Several schools have already announced new principals. Others will be announced either before school starts or during the school year.

Lakeside High School — Vacant

Ashford Park Elementary — Ms. Tonya Edwards

Cedar Grove High — Vacant, in the process of being filled

Flat Rock Elementary — Dr. Taijuan Clayton

John Lewis Elementary — Dr. LaShawn McMillan

Montclair Elementary — Vacant, and in the process of interviewing

Idlewood Elementary — Ms. Robin Elder

Bus routes

Several schools will see new bus routes, including:

Ashford Park Elementary School, Briar Vista Elementary School, Chamblee Middle School, Chamblee High School, Cross Keys High School, Fernbank Elementary School, John Lewis Elementary School, Laurel Ridge Elementary School, McLendon Elementary School, Montclair Elementary School, Sequoyah Middle School, Woodward Elementary School.

According to DeKalb County School District officials, registration is an ongoing process occurring through the year. Parents and guardians can register new students at any time by visiting the district's online portal at www.dekalbschoolsga.org/online-registration.

Officials will help register students in-person at the former Avondale High School building, at 1192 Clarendon Ave. in Avondale Estates.

Returning students can visit their schools during scheduled open house events.