The Fulton County (Georgia) school board has voted to close two elementary schools over the objections of dozens of parents.
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports that Spalding Drive Elementary School in Sandy Springs and Parklane Elementary in East Point will close their doors for good.
The Marietta Daily Journal reports that the board's 4-3 vote came after a review of enrollment data and facility conditions. Both schools were found to have declining attendance rates and outdated infrastructure that no longer meets the district’s educational standards.
The decision left many parents visibly emotional. The majority left the board meeting frustrated after hearing the final votes.
After the vote, the Save Spalding Committee said that it has filed a letter of intent with the Fulton County district to pursue opening its own charter school.
Fulton County Schools Superintendent Mike Looney said discussions are ongoing regarding the future use of the closed school facilities. An official from East Point has contacted the district about the possibility of converting Parklane Elementary School into a fire station.
