DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. — On Monday, the interim superintendent for Dekalb County Schools proposed the district close eight schools. She made her recommendations amid weeks of debate about closing schools and redrawing school lines in the county.
Ramona Tyson told a packed room her proposal would effect close to 9,000 students. So many people attempted to listen to her speech that district leaders had to open an overflow room with a projector. Instead of choosing between a much-discussed decentralized or centralized plan, Tyson's proposal is a mixture of both.
Tyson suggested closing Atherton, Glen Haven, Gresham Park, Peachcrest, Medlock and Sky Haven elementary schools, along with Avondale Middle School and Avondale High School.
The plan also suggests Livsey, Rock Chapel, Toney and Bob Mathis Elementary Schools all remain open. Previously they were mentioned for the possible closure list.
Tyson also calls for the redrawing of several school lines for schools like Pleasantdale, Evansdale, Midvale and Livsey Elementary Schools.
According to district leaders, these change could save Dekalb Schools almost $12.4 million annually. They said the new proposal would drop the number of empty seats in the district from 11,000 to a little more than 6,000.
The proposal also recommends the magnet system not change for the 2011-2012 school year.
Tyson also said no staff members will lose their jobs as a result of the redistricting.
The public will have two opportunities to discuss these possible change at public hearings in early March.
WSBTV
