SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — State Representative Deborah Silcox is urging the Fulton County School Board to reconsider the potential closure of Spalding Drive Elementary School, a topic of concern after recent discussions during a school board work session on Sept. 10.
Fulton County Schools (FCS) said it is considering closing and consolidating Spalding Drive Elementary and Parklane Elementary as part of efforts to balance enrollments among neighboring schools.
In a letter to the board, Silcox emphasized the school’s importance to the community, stating that many families move into the neighborhood specifically to attend Spalding Drive Elementary. She also shared her personal connection to the school as a former student and aunt to two alums.
"This school is not only a mainstay of our community, but families move back into the Sandy Springs area in order to give their children the best opportunity at receiving a quality education that will prepare them for middle school, high school, and later higher education should they choose," she said.
She expressed concerns about the disruption closing the school would cause to students and families, particularly regarding changes in friendships and commuting routines. Silcox also highlighted the need for state efforts to support schools through funding and teacher pay raises, advocating for the continued operation of Spalding Drive.
Spalding Drive parents recently launched a petition on Change.org, which has amassed over 1,800 signatures in opposition to the school’s closure.
"I am proud to stand with local parents to keep this banner school open. I will continue to work in Atlanta to ensure that our children get access to quality education that will help them thrive," Silcox said in a release. "We must keep Spalding Drive Elementary School open!”
Meanwhile, FCS has scheduled community meetings in October, November, and December to gather input and discuss potential new attendance boundaries. A formal recommendation will be brought to the school board for a vote in February.
