DeKalb County (Ga.) board approves $500 million facility upgrade plan
The DeKalb County (Ga.) School Board has voted to move forward with plans to spend more than $500 million on facility improvements throughout the district.
WSB-TV reports that the board's approval of the construction plan came despite concerns from some parents who wanted the board take an additional 30 to 90 days to re-evaluate its options.
Funding for the projects is provided by a half penny sales tax extension approved by voters in May.
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution says the sales tax is projected to raise $531 million over five years. The project list includes $85 million for a new Cross Keys High School and $30 million for a new John Lewis Elementary School. It also includes $25 million for new buses and $50 million for management support, and $10 million for new musical instruments.
Parents representing several other schools questioned if the right parts of the county are receiving attention for additional classroom capacity.
Video from WSB-TV:
About the Author
Mike Kennedy
Senior Editor
Mike Kennedy has been writing about education for American School & University since 1999. He also has reported on schools and other topics for The Chicago Tribune, The Kansas City Star, The Kansas City Times and City News Bureau of Chicago. He is a graduate of Michigan State University.