The fight to keep Spalding Drive Charter Elementary School open is gaining support from state lawmakers

SANDY SPRINGS, Georgia. – A community-wide effort to keep an elementary school open in Sandy Springs is gaining support amid proposed redistricting plans in Fulton County.

Spalding Drive Charter Elementary is one of the few schools Fulton County officials are considering closing due to low enrollment and outdated facilities. Parents and staff who spoke at a public forum Tuesday night said that would be a big mistake.

“Please vote no to closing Spalding Drive,” one teacher said.

At the sound of those words, applause erupted at Riverwood High School, where administrators hosted the second of three community input sessions to discuss the future of Spalding Drive.

“I worry about the impact it will have on my son and other children like him,” one parent said.

This parent told school officials that his son, despite his speech delay, had made progress with the help of remedial classes offered by the school.

“There are so many people with children with special needs who just need a little help so they can go to regular classes, and that foundation…the rockstar team we have at Spalding Elementary is absolutely critical to that success “, he explained.

Opposition to the closure has now found support from state lawmakers, who have reached a bipartisan consensus that they want to see Spalding Drive remain open.

“It’s such an important part of our community. “When you talk to families and hear their testimonies, you can see what a big role this school has played in the lives of community members and the unique needs it meets,” State Senator Josh McLaurin told FOX 5.

They hope school board members will take all of this into consideration as the time to make a recommendation nears early next year.

At the next meeting on Dec. 9, parents will have the opportunity to provide additional feedback to school district officials.

The final recommended plan will be presented to the Fulton County School Board in January, with a vote expected in February.