Parents and local leaders are coming together tonight in Sandy Springs to urge the Fulton County School Board to reconsider closing Spalding Drive Elementary School. The meeting will include Superintendent Dr. Mike Looney’s recommendation to shut down the school as part of a redistricting plan.
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Sandy Springs Parents Rally to Save Spalding Drive Elementary as Closure Looms

January 14, 2025
1 min read

Parents and local leaders are coming together tonight in Sandy Springs to urge the Fulton County School Board to reconsider closing Spalding Drive Elementary School. The meeting will include Superintendent Dr. Mike Looney’s recommendation to shut down the school as part of a redistricting plan.

What’s Happening: Parents, alongside elected officials like Sandy Springs Mayor Rusty Paul and Fulton County Commissioner Bob Ellis, will make their case to keep the school open during a public comment session at the North Learning Center. Supporters, including the Save Spalding Committee, argue the closure plan is based on flawed data and will disrupt community stability and educational quality.

When and Where: The meeting begins tonight, with the superintendent’s recommendation expected at 5 p.m., followed by public comment at 6 p.m. It will take place at 450 Northridge Parkway in Sandy Springs.

Why It Matters: In December, the Save Spalding Committee presented a report delving into the issues with the district’s closure rationale. Parents say the proposed closure could impact their children’s academic environment and their community’s cohesion.

What’s Next: Key dates in this process include a January 23 board vote to proceed, a second presentation on February 11, and a final vote set for February 20.

In The Know: While much attention is given to national politics and the workings of Congress and the White House, local government meetings are where the decisions that impact your daily life are made. City Council, County Commission, School Board Meetings, and Town Halls are where your elected leaders discuss and decide the issues that most effect your family and your community. These meetings are open to the public.

Each week, The Georgia Sun highlights some of the meetings and local government actions you need to know about in your community to keep you informed and to make sure you know what decisions your elected officials are considering and how your tax dollars are being spent.

Parents and local leaders are coming together tonight in Sandy Springs to urge the Fulton County School Board to reconsider closing Spalding Drive Elementary School. The meeting will include Superintendent Dr. Mike Looney’s recommendation to shut down the school as part of a redistricting plan.
B.T. Clark
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B.T. Clark is an award-winning journalist and the Publisher of The Georgia Sun. He has 25 years of experience in journalism and served as Managing Editor of Neighbor Newspapers in metro Atlanta for 15 years and Digital Director at Times-Journal Inc. for 8 years. His work has appeared in several newspapers throughout the state including Neighbor Newspapers, The Cherokee Tribune and The Marietta Daily Journal. He is a Georgia native and a fifth-generation Georgian.