As Redistricting Decision Nears, Two Schools Still Push for Changes

Most of the North Druid Hills-Briarcliff community seemed to breath a sigh of relief after interim DeKalb County schools chief Ramona Tyson released a scaled back proposal of school redistricting and closures earlier this week.

But frustration remains among parents at a number of local schools, including and elementary schools, which could see significant changes if the board of education approves Tyson's recommendation March 7.

A small number of parents attended a meeting at on Thursday night to voice their disapproval. The proposed closure of Medlock Elementary School will have a pronounced effect on the surrounding area under Tyson's recommendation released Monday night. The students there are being split up into three schools: Laurel Ridge, McLendon and Avondale elementary schools.

And while 56 students are proposed to join Laurel Ridge Elementary on the south end of Laurel Ridge's newly proposed attendance zone, 70 students from Laurel Ridge's northeast corner are being moved to McLendon Elementary. Parents at Thurday's meeting, which was held by local parents who helped that played a role in Tyson's rolled-back proposal, were upset about that change.

Some of them said they were worried that the shift from Laurel Ridge to McLendon might be a move designed to make the school a better candidate for closure in future phases of the school system's 2020 Vision Plan. Walter Woods, a DeKalb County School System spokesman, did not immediately return a call for comment.

"We would prefer not to lose [those kids]," said Katy Cochran, parent of a former student and resident near Laurel Ridge Elementary. "We're really going to advocate for those 70 students."

Amy Ridgway, a parent at Druid Hills High School, agreed with Cochran, and she also worried the system could have future plans to close Laurel Ridge Elementary. Parents there are organizing to push back against the proposed change, she said.

Several parents said they were upset the system plans to move 90 students from Sagamore Hills Elementary to Briar Vista Elementary School. Glen McDonnell said he has two children at the school but attended the meeting because he likes Tyson's proposed plan and wants to make sure the board doesn't alter it any detrimental way.

"I'm happy with what we've got here," he said.

Donny Bailey, a parent of a student at Sagamore Hills Elementary and another at , said he was also concerned about the school board's vote.

"They could throw it all out and replace it with something we've never seen," he said.

Parents also discussed the best way to influence school board members, including, perhaps, a petition.

"I don't see how it could hurt as long as it's worded in a positive way," said Bob Chambers, one of the parents who organized the alternative plan called SCORe. "When a lot more people were [proposed] to be affected, we were ready to do everything."