Atlanta, October 23, 2025
News Summary
The community around Dunbar Elementary is mobilizing against a proposed closure as Atlanta Public Schools faces a $100 million budget deficit. Parents and residents highlight the school’s importance, citing a recent enrollment increase of 33%. With significant neighborhood development expected, many believe closing Dunbar would negatively impact families and community resources. Current students would be redirected to nearby schools if the closure occurs. Future community meetings are set as the Board of Education prepares to make a final decision.
Atlanta – The community surrounding Dunbar Elementary School is actively opposing a proposal to close the school as Atlanta Public Schools (APS) faces a $100 million budget deficit this year and an additional $57 million deficit next year. The consideration of closing Dunbar is part of efforts by APS to address significant budget shortfalls, with low enrollment being a contributing factor.
APS administrators held a meeting with parents, staff, students, and community members to discuss the potential closure of Dunbar Elementary. Parents expressed concerns regarding the impact on their children and the community. Community member Sharon Collins emphasized the importance of the school, referring to it as “a lifeline to this community” and asserting that “it takes a village.”
Supporters of Dunbar claim that enrollment has recently increased by 33%, as highlighted in the 2024-2025 school year climate survey. The neighborhood is expected to undergo significant development with the construction of hundreds of new homes, which could further increase student enrollment. Currently, the school has a capacity of 450 students but only about 300 students are enrolled this school year.
If Dunbar closes, the building would be repurposed for “community good,” and current students would be redirected to four nearby schools: Benteen, Barack and Michelle Obama, and Parkside. Parents have voiced their concerns about transportation issues, particularly for families who rely on walking to school. Dr. David Holder from the Mechanicsville Community Civic Association raised worries about the impacts of relocating students, especially for those without cars.
During the community meeting, parents chanted “No Dunbar, No Peace” to express their opposition to the proposed closure. Many parents described Dunbar as vital for after-school programs and community resources that help them maintain their work and family lives. Parent Yasmine Garner expressed devastation at the potential loss of the school, emphasizing its contributions to the community, such as food, clothes, and a weekend food pantry.
APS plans to hold two additional community meetings, with the Board of Education expected to make a final decision later in November. The proposed plan to repurpose Dunbar is still in the proposal stage and forms part of the broader APS Forward 2040 long-term plan. APS has received over 6,500 survey responses and aims to incorporate community feedback into future decision-making processes. Additional refined scenarios put forth by APS include the repurposing of Dunbar for community use and aligning school boundaries.
The APS Board of Education is expected to discuss the first reading of the repurposing plan in November, with potential implementation by 2027. The ongoing dialogue between the community and the school district will be crucial in deciding the fate of Dunbar Elementary School.
Key Facts
- Atlanta Public Schools faces a $100 million budget deficit this year and an additional $57 million deficit next year.
- Dunbar Elementary School may be closed due to low enrollment issues.
- Enrollment at Dunbar has recently increased by 33%.
- The neighborhood is set for significant development, potentially increasing future enrollment.
- If closed, Dunbar’s building would be repurposed for community use.
- Current students would be redirected to four nearby schools: Benteen, Barack and Michelle Obama, and Parkside.
- School has a capacity of 450 but is currently only enrolling about 300 students.
- APS plans to hold two more community meetings before making a decision.
FAQ
What budget deficit is Atlanta Public Schools facing?
Atlanta Public Schools (APS) faces a $100 million budget deficit this year and an additional $57 million deficit next year.
Why is Dunbar Elementary School being considered for closure?
The proposal to close Dunbar is a part of efforts by APS to address its significant budget shortfalls, with low enrollment being one contributing factor.
What has been the enrollment trend at Dunbar Elementary School?
Supporters of Dunbar claim that enrollment has recently increased by 33%, as shown in the 2024-2025 school year climate survey.
What will happen if Dunbar closes?
If Dunbar closes, its building would be repurposed for “community good,” and current students would be redirected to four nearby schools: Benteen, Barack and Michelle Obama, and Parkside.
How many students are currently enrolled at Dunbar?
The school currently has a capacity of 450 students but only about 300 students are enrolled this school year.
When is the APS Board of Education expected to make a decision regarding Dunbar?
The Board of Education is expected to make a final decision later in November.
Chart of Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Budget Deficit | $100 million for this year, $57 million next year |
| Proposal | Closure of Dunbar Elementary |
| Enrollment Increase | 33% increase noted |
| Current Enrollment | About 300 students |
| Capacity | 450 students |
| Nearby Schools for Redirected Students | Benteen, Barack and Michelle Obama, Parkside |
| Community Meetings | Two additional meetings planned |
| Decision Timeline | Board of Education meeting in November |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Atlanta Public Schools Launches APS Forward 2040 Initiative
Atlanta Debuts Public Art Installation Misting Mushrooms
Community Voices Concern Over Dunbar Elementary Repurposing
Atlanta Public Schools to Discuss Potential Changes
Additional Resources
- Fox 5 Atlanta: Dunbar Elementary Closing
- Atlanta News First: Neighborhood Voices Concerns
- The Atlanta Voice: Dunbar Early Childhood Concerns
- CBS News: Parents Against School Closures
- 11 Alive: APS Discussing Dunbar Closure
- Wikipedia: Atlanta Public Schools
- Google Search: Atlanta Public Schools
- Google Scholar: Atlanta Public Schools
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Atlanta Public Schools
- Google News: Atlanta Public Schools
Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER
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