Local

Parents voice concerns over DeKalb school closure plan

DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. — DeKalb County parents had a chance Thursday night to have their voices heard on plans to tear down several schools.

The county school board is in the early stages of possibly closing some schools, and tearing down and rebuilding others. School zones could change for some students.

Parents at Midway Elementary school are fighting the school's closure for the second time in 18 months.

"We are trying to make this community something that we can build together, and right now, the county is trying to tear it down," parent Lisa Lake said.

Midway is one of 12 schools listed to close in a proposed reorganization plan. Eight other schools would be rebuilt into bigger buildings to house more students.

"How is that helping? It's developing prisons for the system and a community as a whole," parent Ty Davis said.

Midway parents are not alone. Some Southwest DeKalb High School parents protested early Thursday. The group was especially upset about plans to make some schools grade 6 through 12. During Thursday's meeting, the school board backed off that plan.

After initially setting a vote on the matter for next week, the school board was bombarded with emails and calls. Thursday night, members assured parents that no decision would be made until late January.

"Please don't blast me out anymore about betraying you or you not trusting me or any board member. We will not betray you and will represent you to the fullest," board member Dr. Eugene Walker said.

Lake said parents will use the extra time to call, email and organize.

Leading up to the Jan. 23 vote, the district said it will hold a series of meetings to get community input.