Declining enrollment could mean school closures, campus consolidations in metro Atlanta county

Three schools in North Fulton County could close in the coming years as Fulton County Schools considers consolidating campuses amid declining enrollment.

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The proposals come as the district faces declining enrollment and hundreds of empty seats at existing schools.

Wednesday evening, the district went over the first draft of the plan with parents at Centennial High School

Under the proposed timeline, Holcomb Bridge Middle School would close in 2028, with its students temporarily moving to Haynes Bridge while a new school is constructed where the current Holcomb Bridge is now.

In 2030, Haynes Bridge would also close, and students would move into the newly constructed middle school.’

“Instead of funding the upkeep of two older schools that have ongoing needs, we’re able to transition into one brand new building,” Lauren Malekebu, executive director of operational planning for Fulton County Schools, said.

The district is also proposing to close Mimosa Elementary School in 2028, with students reassigned to other nearby schools.

Malekebu said Fulton County is not alone in facing enrollment challenges.

“So we are seeing many districts around the nation that are facing declining enrollment and trying to determine the best way to approach it,” Malekebu said.

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What happens next?

The proposals remain in the early stages, and no final decisions have been made.

Beginning Thursday, families will have an opportunity to provide feedback through an online survey.

The district plans to release another draft of the proposed changes in December, followed by additional opportunities for community input.

The plans are expected to go before the Fulton County Board of Education next year, with a final vote anticipated in February.

Families can learn more about the proposed changes and the public feedback process on the Fulton County Schools redistricting website.

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