Atlanta Public Schools is advancing the APS Forward 2040 initiative, a long-term planning effort that could involve closing or repurposing 16 school buildings across the district. The effort is part of the Atlanta Board of Education’s Comprehensive Long Range Facilities Plan, which aims to align school facilities with declining enrollment (APS has 70,000 seats but fewer than 50,000 students), rising operational costs, and future community needs. Officials estimate the proposal could save the school system $25 million annually and avoid $65 million in future repairs.

At a recent Neighborhood Planning Unit Y meeting, Monique Nunnally, a Community Task Force Member for the APS Facilities Master Plan, shared updates on a key proposal: transforming Carver Early College into a district-wide School of the Arts. The new school would serve students in grades 6 through 12, be open to applicants citywide, and require an admissions process. “That could change traffic patterns. It could change the fabric of the community, the walkability of the community, right when we’re getting the Beltline connectivity,” Nunnally said. This specific plan, along with converting Washington High into a districtwide school for career and technical education, would be contingent on voters extending a penny sales tax to fund needed renovations.

The Atlanta Board of Education held a public hearing for community input yesterday. (Read more about that here.) The board will hold a second hearing on December 3, after which members will vote on the consolidation plan.

(Documented by Natalie Pilgeram; additional reporting by Ada Wood)

Atlanta Board of Education Update

📅 December 3, 6 to 7:30 p.m.

📍 Center for Leadership and Learning, 130 Trinity Avenue, Atlanta

🏘️ Neighborhood Planning Unit Y 

NPU-Y voted to approve an amendment to the Atlanta Zoning Ordinance that would prohibit the use of barbed or razor wire in fencing along public streets or along private drives used by pedestrians. NPU-Y recommends that the City create a process for reporting existing barbed/razor wire, as well as for working with property owners to remove it.

Also discussed at this meeting: The City of Atlanta will abandon a quarter-acre portion of St. Johns Circle. The area will be transferred to the Metro Atlanta Land Bank for the purpose of developing affordable housing. (Documented by Natalie Pilgeram)

⏲️ Atlanta City Council City Utilities Committee

The Council approved an agreement to adjust water and sewer infrastructure that conflicts with GDOT’s bridge replacement project on State Route 3/US 41. Documenter’s note: This committee meeting typically lasts 40 minutes to an hour; on this day, it concluded in less than 15 minutes, despite Chair Antonio Lewis announcing a long list of items to address. (Documented by Mitra Kashani)

👮🏽 Neighborhood Planning Unit J 

Atlanta Police Department Assistant Zone Commander Rodney Jones is working with local groups to hold a domestic violence symposium to teach de-escalation techniques and provide resources to victims in the area. He also said that theft of mail, lawn equipment, porch furniture, and cars has been on the rise and will likely remain consistent throughout the coming holiday season.

Also discussed at this meeting: The new owner of the AK Food Store on Joseph E. Boone Boulevard, Shamsuddin Mohammad Sheikh, applied for a change of ownership. According to NPU Vice Chair Derrick Green, this store has been “a long-term trouble spot” in the community. Due to this reputation, Green asked for a new security plan as part of a Good Neighbor Agreement. This plan includes 32 cameras on site, “no-loitering” signs, and increased lighting. (Documented by Faith Mbadugha)

💸 Clarkston City Council 

The highest expenditure in Clarkston’s proposed 2026 $10.6 million budget is public safety, at just under $3.2 million. The budget proposal lacks an employee cost-of-living adjustment. (Documented by Dominique Huff)

🚓 Neighborhood Planning Unit K 

A proposed 300-person holiday event at Parcel 44 sparked concern about its potential impact on Ten29 West residents and other neighbors. Also discussed at this meeting: Community member Nia Pennington asked police to address loitering on Browning Street, and community member Keyona Lawson noted recent car burglaries in the Ten29 West neighborhood between 4 and 6:30 a.m. (Documented by Dominique Huff)

🧐 Atlanta City Council Community Development Committee

Invest Atlanta has allocated $976 million to projects throughout the city, with more than 82 percent of that investment going to traditionally advantaged neighborhoods. Less than 18 percent has been allocated to Atlanta’s disinvested neighborhoods, especially those south of I-20. Also discussed at this meeting: Helen D. Williams, a community activist in Vine City, asked for programs to help local entrepreneurs acquire proper permits and licenses. Her suggestion comes after APD allegedly shut down unlicensed stalls during Clark Atlanta University’s homecoming events. (Documented by Faith Mbadugha)

Neighborhood Planning Units are local groups where residents can weigh in on zoning, public safety, and community issues. You can find yours using this locator from the Department of City Planning.