Atlanta, September 25, 2025
News Summary
Atlanta Public Schools (APS) is facing a significant decline in enrollment and is contemplating the closure or repurposing of several school buildings. With approximately 50,000 students currently enrolled, far below the budgeted 70,000, the district is exploring ways to utilize its facilities more efficiently. Public engagement is critical, with community meetings planned for feedback before final decisions are made regarding school closures. APS Superintendent Dr. Bryan Johnson acknowledges the challenges ahead as they strive to optimize educational resources amid a nationwide trend of declining student enrollment.
Atlanta
Atlanta Public Schools (APS) is considering the possibility of closing or repurposing several school buildings as the district faces a significant enrollment decline. Currently, APS schools accommodate approximately 50,000 students, well below the budgeted capacity for 70,000 students, resulting in a surplus of empty seats. The district is inviting community input to gather feedback on its long-range facilities plan.
With around 10,000 charter students enrolled in APS, this leaves approximately 20,000 to 30,000 vacant seats across the district. Tracy Richter, a vice president of planning services at HPM—the management firm engaged by APS—highlighted concerns regarding the inefficiency of underutilized school buildings.
APS Superintendent Dr. Bryan Johnson has recognized that discussions surrounding potential school changes will be challenging. The average age of the school buildings within the district is nearing 60 years, indicating a pressing need to evaluate their utility.
Public Engagement and Decision Timeline
To facilitate community involvement, HPM is conducting public meetings aimed at collecting input from parents about the future of their local schools. As part of this initiative, APS has already received approximately 3,700 survey responses regarding the long-range facilities plan over the summer.
Key discussions regarding school closures will take place in November, with a final vote by the school board anticipated in December. Currently, APS operates a total of 87 schools, but the district is considering the closure of between 11 and 13 of those schools to optimize resources. Various scenarios for potential school closures and repurposing are being reviewed.
Staffing challenges have been noted in under-enrolled schools, particularly those with only 150 to 200 students. Data analyst Matt Sachs indicated that these staffing difficulties could further complicate the operational efficiency of such schools.
Projected Decline in Enrollment
APS is bracing for a continued downturn in student enrollment, projecting a decrease from nearly 50,000 students in the 2024-25 school year to around 48,000 by 2028-29. This decline reflects a nationwide trend impacting public school systems, with similar concerns noted in districts such as St. Louis Public Schools.
The district is seeking to use its facilities more efficiently to reallocate funds towards education and student programs rather than the upkeep of underused buildings. Community meetings are scheduled for September, October, and November to ensure that families can engage in the discussions that affect their schools and children’s education.
Final recommendations for the school facilities plan are expected to be presented to the APS board in November, with the potential for adoption of a formal plan in December.
FAQ
What is Atlanta Public Schools (APS) considering?
APS is exploring the possibility of closing or repurposing some school buildings.
What is the current enrollment in APS schools?
Current enrollment in APS schools is approximately 50,000 students, while the budget is designed for 70,000 students.
How many empty seats are there in the district?
There are about 20,000 to 30,000 empty seats across the district.
When is the school board expected to discuss the plan?
The school board is expected to discuss the plan in November, with a final vote anticipated in December.
What staffing issues does the district face?
Matt Sachs noted difficulties in staffing under-enrolled schools, particularly those with just 150 to 200 students.
What trend is affecting public school systems nationwide?
The decline in student enrollment is part of a nationwide trend affecting public school systems.
Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Current Enrollment | Approximately 50,000 students |
| Budget Capacity | Designed for 70,000 students |
| Empty Seats | 20,000 to 30,000 |
| School Buildings’ Age | Nearly 60 years |
| Potential School Closures | 11 to 13 schools |
| Public Feedback | 3,700 survey responses received |
| Expected Enrollment Decrease | From 50,000 in 2024-25 to approximately 48,000 by 2028-29 |
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Additional Resources
- Atlanta News First
- Wikipedia: Atlanta Public Schools
- Fox 5 Atlanta
- K-12 Dive
- 11Alive
- Google Search: Atlanta Public Schools closures
Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER
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