Atlanta, September 4, 2025
News Summary
Atlanta Public Schools has announced a series of public meetings aimed at addressing potential school closures, consolidations, and redistricting as part of its Comprehensive Long-Range Facilities Plan. The first meeting is scheduled soon, reflecting concerns about declining enrollment and underutilized facilities in the district. With significant plans to repurpose campuses and optimize resources, the district encourages community participation through surveys and future discussions.
Atlanta – Atlanta Public Schools (APS) will conduct a series of public meetings to discuss potential school closures, consolidation, and redistricting as part of its Comprehensive Long-Range Facilities Plan (CLRFP), APS Forward 2040. The first meetings will take place on September 4, 2023, and will be followed by four virtual meetings. The discussions arise from significant concerns regarding declining enrollment and underutilization of facilities within the district.
Currently, APS has a capacity for 70,000 students but only serves approximately 50,000 students, leaving over 21,000 seats unfilled. The enrollment figures illustrate a gradual decline, holding relatively steady with 49,842 students enrolled in 2015 compared to 49,660 in 2024. However, projections indicate that enrollment could drop to around 48,000 students by the 2028-29 school year, primarily affecting elementary schools.
APS officials emphasize that the CLRFP aims to address several challenges, including overcrowding in certain schools, underutilization of others, aging facilities, and ensuring equitable access to specialized academic programs. This strategic assessment will allow the district to finalize recommendations by November 2023, with adoption expected by December 2023. Additionally, further public meetings are anticipated in October, providing stakeholders with multiple opportunities to engage in the decision-making process.
Facility Utilization and Proposed Changes
The current landscape of APS includes 75 learning facilities, consisting of 49 classified as elementary or K-8 schools. To facilitate planning, the district has enlisted HPM, a construction management firm, to aid in the development of the facilities plan. Proposed changes include consolidating students at Toomer Elementary while repurposing the Toomer Annex. Other discussions involve relocating Douglass 9th-grade students back to Douglass High School, converting FL Stanton Elementary, and various regrouping measures to optimize resource utilization.
Specific schools such as Barack & Michelle Obama Academy, Dunbar Elementary, Peyton Forest Elementary, and others have been identified for potential repurposing. The proposals may also influence several campuses, including Jackson Main, Jackson Primary, and Sutton Elementary, alongside the possible consolidation of Perkerson, Finch, and Carver elementary schools. Plans are also being considered for potential expansions of Midtown High, Maynard Jackson High, and King Middle schools.
Financial Context and Community Involvement
APS is currently facing significant financial constraints, with approximately $350 million in budgeted funds remaining inaccessible due to underutilization of existing facilities. Only around 65% of available seats are currently being used, prompting the district to refine its approach to infrastructure and resources. The district assures that any schools that may close will be repurposed in a manner that avoids creating blighted areas within communities.
The timeline for the restructuring process is estimated to span three to five years, and community stakeholders, including parents, are encouraged to actively participate in the feedback process. An online survey is available until September 15, 2023, to gather input regarding the proposed changes. The Board of Education will review the proposals starting in November 2023, offering an additional layer of community involvement in final decisions.
Conclusion
The ongoing efforts of APS to navigate the challenges posed by declining enrollment and aging facilities through the CLRFP underscore the district’s commitment to optimizing educational resources while responding to community needs. As public engagement continues, the focus remains on ensuring all students have equitable access to quality education.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the upcoming public meetings?
The meetings aim to discuss potential school closures, consolidations, and redistricting under the Comprehensive Long-Range Facilities Plan (CLRFP) for Atlanta Public Schools.
When will the public meetings take place?
The first meeting will occur on September 4, 2023, followed by additional virtual meetings.
What issues is APS aiming to address through the CLRFP?
APS aims to solve problems related to overcrowded schools, underutilized campuses, aging facilities, and ensuring equitable access to specialized academic programs.
How many students are currently enrolled versus the capacity of schools?
APS has the capacity for 70,000 students but currently has about 50,000 enrolled, leading to over 21,000 available seats.
What kind of proposals are being discussed for school changes?
Proposals include school consolidations, repurposing, and reorganizing various grades to optimize facility usage.
How can the community participate in providing feedback?
Community members can provide feedback via an online survey available until September 15, 2023.
Key Features of the APS Public Meetings
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Meeting Types | Two public meetings and four virtual meetings |
| Date of First Meeting | September 4, 2023 |
| Enrollment Capacity | 70,000 seats |
| Current Enrollment | Approximately 50,000 students |
| Projected Enrollment Decline | From 49,944 in 2024-25 to around 48,000 by 2028-29 |
| Final Recommendations Date | By November 2023 |
| Survey Availability | Until September 15, 2023 |
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Additional Resources
- Rough Draft Atlanta: APS Forward 2040 Plan
- K12 Dive: APS Building Closures and Redistricting Plan
- 11Alive: APS to Consider School Closures
- Atlanta News First: APS Previews Redistricting Plan
- Wikipedia: School Closure
Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER
The ATLANTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAtlanta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Atlanta, Fulton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as vibrant music festivals like Shaky Knees and Music Midtown, major cultural celebrations including Dragon Con and the Atlanta Film Festival, and iconic sporting events like the Peachtree Road Race. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, beverages, and retail that power the local economy such as Delta Air Lines, The Coca-Cola Company, and The Home Depot. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAugusta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
