Atlanta, October 9, 2025
News Summary
Atlanta Public Schools is considering converting Dunbar Elementary School into an early childhood center amid budget concerns. Local families expressed their opposition during a public meeting, worrying about transportation issues and the school’s vital community role. The district faced a significant budget deficit, leading to this proposal. APS is seeking community feedback before making a final decision, with meetings scheduled for October and November. Parents are particularly concerned about how the changes will affect their children’s education and access to essential resources.
Atlanta
Atlanta Public Schools (APS) held a public meeting on Wednesday to discuss the potential repurposing of Dunbar Elementary School in Mechanicsville. This proposal is part of a broader district-wide strategy to save money by closing, consolidating, and repurposing some schools amid a significant budget deficit.
The district intends to convert Dunbar Elementary into an early childhood center. This move has sparked considerable concern among local families who attended the meeting to voice their opposition. Many expressed worries about the future of their children’s education and the impact on the community.
One parent highlighted her distress regarding the proposal, emphasizing the important role Dunbar Elementary plays within the neighborhood. Dunbar is currently home to about 300 students, although it has the capacity for 450. The school already provides early childhood education programs, which are crucial for families in the area.
A significant point of contention among parents is the issue of transportation should Dunbar close. Approximately 86% of Dunbar students walk to school or attend after-school programs at The Dunbar Center, raising concerns for those who might need to travel further if their children are redirected to other schools.
APS has addressed these transportation worries, assuring parents that they would provide transport to other schools if Dunbar closes. However, parents raised additional concerns regarding situations where their children might miss the bus and the challenge for families without a car.
Beyond academics, Dunbar Elementary serves as a vital resource for many families in the community, offering free food, clothes, and other essential resources, including a food pantry that operates on Saturdays. The role of the school extends beyond education, providing crucial support to those in need.
APS mentioned that the proposal to close Dunbar is not yet finalized and that the district is actively seeking community feedback. They noted that the first reading of the plan will be presented to the school board next month, with a decision expected to follow in November.
Currently, APS is facing a $100 million budget shortfall this year, in addition to a projected $57 million deficit for the next year. The district emphasized the importance of listening to community concerns during the meeting, aiming to understand the potential impact of their decisions.
If the proposal is approved, students from Dunbar would be redirected to schools in the vicinity, including Benteen, Barack and Michelle Obama, and Parkside Elementary. Community members expressed hesitation regarding the logistics of transporting children to these schools, especially for families that lack personal vehicles.
To further discuss the situation, APS plans to conduct two additional meetings on the topic: one on October 20 and another on November 10. Parents and community members also have the option to participate in a virtual meeting scheduled for Thursday at noon to express their views and concerns.
Dr. David Holder from the Mechanicsville Civic Association suggested that enrollment at Dunbar could increase in the coming years due to the construction of around 400 new single-family homes in the area, potentially adding more students to the school’s population.
The APS Forward 2040 plan, under which Dunbar’s proposed closure falls, is still undergoing review and is open to community input. The district is committed to ensuring that decisions made are in the best interests of both students and the broader Mechanicsville community.
FAQ
- What is the proposal regarding Dunbar Elementary School?
- Atlanta Public Schools intends to convert Dunbar Elementary into an early childhood center as part of a district-wide plan to save money by closing, consolidating, and repurposing some schools.
- Why are parents concerned about the potential closure?
- Many parents expressed concerns about transportation for their children to other schools, as approximately 86% of Dunbar students currently walk to school or attend after-school programs at The Dunbar Center.
- What resources does Dunbar Elementary provide to families?
- Dunbar Elementary offers free food, clothes, and resources to families in need, including a food pantry that operates on Saturdays.
- When will a decision on the proposal be made?
- The first reading of the plan will be considered by the school board next month, with a decision expected to be made later in November.
- What is the financial situation of APS?
- APS is facing a $100 million budget shortfall this year, along with an additional projected deficit of $57 million next year.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Current Enrollment at Dunbar | Approximately 300 students |
| School Capacity | 450 students |
| Budget Shortfall | $100 million this year, additional $57 million next year |
| Transportation Concerns | 86% of students walk to school |
| Future Meetings | October 20 and November 10, with a virtual meeting on Thursday at noon |
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HERE Resources
Atlanta Public Schools to Discuss Potential Changes
Additional Resources
- Atlanta News First
- Fox 5 Atlanta
- 11Alive
- CBS News Atlanta
- Rough Draft Atlanta
- Wikipedia: Atlanta Public Schools
- Google Search: Atlanta Public Schools
- Google Scholar: Atlanta Public Schools
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Atlanta Public Schools
- Google News: Atlanta Public Schools
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