ATLANTA — While most schools were closed on Monday for Presidents' Day, Atlanta Public School leaders didn't take the day off. APS Interim Superintendent Dr. Danielle Battle, alongside board members, gathered at the Georgia World Congress Center for the annual State of the District meeting.
Following criticism last year for money spent on the state of the district, which was held at the luminarium where over 300 people were served a three-course meal, leaders decided to make this year more intimate.
In a small but packed auditorium with no frills or elaborate meals, Dr. Battle shared how the district was doing this year.
“I say this all the time, and I believe that Atlanta Public Schools could be the urban role model for the country," explained Battle.
Dr. Battle touched on the district's focus on improving literacy rates, as well as how they've improved their learning dashboard, which now features coursework and extracurricular updates all in one place.
Unfortunately, the topic that overshadowed much of the conversation was all too familiar. APS Police Chief Ronald Aplin announced that they have a warrant out for the arrest of a minor who is believed to be involved in a shooting that left four students injured at Benjamin E. Mays High School last week.
Chief Aplin revealed that the four students who were injured are doing well and still recovering, adding that he was thankful for the officers who provided immediate medical help on the scene.
“We decided to give all of our officers tunicates, and so the officers who responded had those and used them....that’s one of the great things that came out of this," explained Aplin.
At last check, no one is in custody, but Chief Aplin said the charges the male suspect is facing include four counts of aggravated assault, one count of possession of a firearm by a minor, and one count of possession of a firearm on school property.
The Chief and Dr. Battle are asking for community help in tackling this issue.
“My message to parents is that we are doing everything we can do…it takes all of us to ensure we’re being safe," said Battle.