Parents Challenge Closure Justifications
The schools in question, Parklane Elementary in East Point and Spalding Drive Elementary in Sandy Springs, are facing closure due to what the district cites as low enrollment and aging infrastructure. These issues have persisted for years, according to officials.
But parents argue there’s more to the story. They’ve compiled a detailed 106-page analysis, presenting it to the Fulton County School Board. This document disputes the district’s data and raises concerns about the ripple effects closures could have on students and the broader community.
“We think shutting the school down would actually hurt Fulton County in the long term,” said Raymond Grote, a Spalding Elementary parent. “Not only would it not solve a capacity issue, but we think a lot of people would leave the system altogether.”
A Grassroots Movement Emerges
Parents at Spalding Drive Elementary have formed the “Save Spalding Committee” to rally against the closures. They’ve pointed to their school’s high performance and specialized programs as reasons it should remain open.
In their analysis, the committee identified several key flaws in the district’s reasoning:
- Inconsistent Data: Parents noted conflicting models for capacity and enrollment forecasts.
- Building Conditions: The district claims the schools are in poor condition, but the parents’ report highlights contradictory evidence about the facilities.
- Community Impact: Concerns were raised about how closing schools could erode trust and lead families to leave the public school system entirely.
“We do feel the board is receptive to our comments,” said Nora Robb, another Spalding parent. “We have lots of suggestions for the county that would help enrich enrollment and use their buildings in a more creative, collaborative, and cost-efficient way.”
A Long Road to Resolution
The debate began in mid-September when the district confirmed it was exploring ways to address resource management and population distribution within its schools. Since then, the issue has sparked heated discussions at board meetings and within the affected communities.
The district maintains that closures are necessary due to financial and logistical constraints. They argue that the schools have had declining enrollment for years, making it unsustainable to keep them open without significant investment in repairs and upgrades.
Still, parents like Grote and Robb see the closures as a short-sighted solution. They fear it will lead to long-term damage to Fulton County’s education system and community fabric.
What’s Next?
While the school board has yet to make a final decision, the pushback from parents has already made an impact. The “Save Spalding Committee” hopes their report will prompt the board to reconsider and explore alternative solutions.
For now, parents are left waiting, hoping that the board will take their concerns to heart and deliver the miracle they’re wishing for this holiday season.
