In a packed room in early October at the Fulton County School System’s North Learning Center in Sandy Springs, the room was still as Alena Conley spoke about her son, who has special needs.
“When my son was diagnosed, I spent countless sleepless nights worrying about the future,” she said. “Would he end up just as another number? Another statistic?”
Spalding Drive Elementary School, she said, has been able to address her son’s needs. But Spalding Drive may close next year.
The school board announced in September that two elementary schools, Spalding Drive and Parklane in East Point , were being considered for closure and consolidation with other schools due to declining enrollment. Conley, like dozens of Spalding Drive parents, doesn’t want that to happen.
Concerned Parklane parents also showed up to a community meeting at Tri-Cities High School last week. Although the purpose of the meeting was to receive input on different attendance plans if the school closes, some parents expressed frustration that keeping the school open wasn’t up for discussion.