If you haven’t heard, the Fulton County School Board is considering closing Spalding Drive Elementary School due to declining enrollment and the deteriorating condition of the building. The schedule for the Fulton County School Board’s process and upcoming community meetings can be found here.
Fulton School Board sets timeline on Spalding Drive closure, redistricting
Let’s take a closer look at why a high-performing school like Spalding Dr. Elementary is being considered for closure. Fulton Co. Schools have an enrollment threshold of 450 students. When a school’s enrollment falls below this threshold, it can be considered for closure.
Spalding Drive Elementary has been a high-performing, traditional “community school” since it opened in 1966. In 2009 over 700 students were enrolled there. In 2010, Ison Elementary opened, and Spalding’s enrollment declined by 300 students, dropping to 428. For several years, the school maintained enrollment just above the closure threshold—until 2017, when the demolition of the Provence North apartment community caused a sharp decline. The redevelopment of Provence North, now known as “Juniper,” led to the loss of 66 students, four full-time teachers, counselors and support staff. The new apartments no longer offer the 3-bedroom units that were affordable to families, and the rental price now for a two-bedroom apartment is twice the price of a three-bedroom apartment before redevelopment, making it difficult for families to return.
Spalding Drive Elementary is NOT the only school with declining enrollment. Across Sandy Springs, both public and private schools have experienced a 10-12% decline in enrollment over the past decade. This trend reflects a broader issue in our community—the lack of affordable housing for families.
Housing, Schools and the Future of Sandy Springs
To thrive, communities need housing at all price points to support the families who work locally, send their children to public schools, and volunteer with organizations that uphold the community’s infrastructure. These connections build the culture and sense of belonging that are vital for a city’s success.
Cities that thrive support housing (with zoning, bonds and other city tools) at all income levels. These create a “ladder of housing,” allowing residents and families to grow or downsize while remaining in their community. Unfortunately, Sandy Springs is facing a significant housing shortage, particularly in multi-family developments with 3-bedroom units that are affordable for young families. Most new rentals are “market rate” and range from $2,000 to $3,000 or more per month, while our median home price is over $545,083. For many first-time homebuyers and even long-time, senior residents looking to downsize, these prices are simply out of reach.
Our seniors are “stuck in place” with limited choices for retirement, our new rentals are unaffordable and we have a shortage of three-bedroom units. Our single-family housing is out of reach, with no starter homes available, creating a stagnant housing pipeline. Our families are being priced out and have to move where there is housing they can afford.
What’s Next for Sandy Springs’ Schools?
The potential closure of Spalding Drive Elementary could be just the beginning. North Springs High School is already being downsized as part of new construction plans. Without intervention and action to increase affordable housing options, more schools may face similar challenges in the future.
It’s time for our community to address these pressing housing issues before more schools face the risk of closure. Supporting a range of housing options is essential for keeping our schools open and maintaining the vitality of Sandy Springs.
