Atlanta Public Schools Launches Long-Range Facilities Plan

Modern school facility with students engaged in learning

News Summary

Atlanta Public Schools has initiated a Long-Range Facilities Plan focused on modernizing school environments and enhancing safety measures over the next 10 to 15 years. This plan includes community input and aims to address student enrollment growth while integrating advanced technology. Key aspects include compliance with new safety legislation and promoting early childhood education. Parents are encouraged to participate through an online survey and community task force to shape the future of APS facilities.

Atlanta, Georgia — Atlanta Public Schools (APS) has initiated a comprehensive Long-Range Facilities Plan aimed at modernizing school environments and enhancing safety measures over the next 10 to 15 years. The initiative is rooted in the foundation of student success, effective use of school facilities, improved safety protocols, and potential rezoning of school properties.

To develop this plan, APS has partnered with HPM, a national company specializing in educational research and planning. HPM’s involvement is crucial for integrating community feedback and valuable data into their proposals. The vice president of planning services at HPM notes the necessity of acquiring accurate data to facilitate meaningful public engagement throughout this planning phase.

This long-range plan is structured to address anticipated growth in student enrollment and to integrate advanced technology into educational settings. A significant aspect of the plan is compliance with new school safety legislation, notably House Bill 268, which requires the installation of public button technology in every classroom and mandates that schools provide building maps to local law enforcement agencies.

Another focus area of the plan is to promote early childhood education opportunities and to generate discussions about the current absence of a performing arts school within the APS district. These initiatives aim to broaden educational offerings and enrich the quality of education available to students.

APS encourages parental involvement in shaping the future of the district’s facilities. An online survey for parents and community members is open until June 15, providing a platform for input regarding the Comprehensive Long-Range Facilities Plan. Additionally, a community task force has been established, made up of representatives from each school, to help refine recommendations regarding APS-owned properties and facilities.

To solicit further community feedback, APS organized two public sessions where students, parents, staff, and local residents could share their thoughts and ideas. The in-person meeting was held on May 19 at 6 p.m., complemented by a virtual session earlier that day at noon. These gatherings serve to foster dialogue around key issues such as campus safety, technology integration, and the management of resources essential for enhancing student achievement and workforce readiness.

Currently, APS has not specified which particular buildings or schools will be targeted for improvement under this initiative. Ongoing data collection efforts are crucial for ensuring that public opinions are accounted for and that collaboration is maximized in the planning process. Parents have expressed general support for the initiative, emphasizing a desire for increased technological resources and additional support for athletic programs.

Through the integration of diverse feedback from parents and the community, APS aims to create a strategic vision that will shape the future of public schooling in Atlanta, ensuring that school facilities not only meet current needs but are also equipped to adapt to the future demands of education.