Fulton school board members support keeping Spalding Drive open

The two Fulton County School Board members representing Sandy Springs don’t support closing Spalding Drive Elementary School.

Fulton County Schools (FCS) staff recommended the closure of Spalding Drive and Parklane Elementary School in East Point due to declining enrollment projections, the condition of the facilities considering the cost of systems maintenance, and the availability of space for students in nearby schools. That recommendation triggered community meetings on redistricting as staff prepares new attendance zones.

Fulton County Board of Education member Katie Gregory represents District 3, which includes areas in the cities of Sandy Springs, East Point, College Park, and all of Hapeville. She said in her last community meeting held in Sandy Springs she supported the Spalding Drive community and would not vote to close the school.

Gregory said she plans to make a similar statement in support of Parklane Elementary School at a community meeting later this month.

“Please remember, district staff have not provided a final recommendation to the Board, as they are still gathering community feedback on various aspects of this process,” Gregory said.

Michelle Morancie represents District 7, which includes the rest of Sandy Springs and portions of Alpharetta, Johns Creek, and Roswell. She also offered support of Spalding Drive Elementary using the information already presented.

“We do not expect the matter to come before the Board for a vote until January 2025,” Morancie said.  “I will continue to listen to the concerns of my community and respond throughout the process.”

Rep. Deborah Silcox, R-Sandy Springs, wrote a letter to the Fulton County School Board in mid-September to protest the closing of Spalding Drive Elementary, which she said was one of the highest-ranked elementary schools in the region.

“My nieces have attended this school, and countless students have as well,” Silcox said. “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.”

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