“The safety of our students and staff remains our top priority,” stated Carla Parker, spokesperson for DeKalb County School District, amidst ongoing concerns about safety and communication during emergencies.
Recent events have highlighted the district’s challenges, particularly during a tornado warning issued by the National Weather Service at 6:11 a.m. on a recent morning. However, the district’s first message on Facebook regarding the warning was posted almost 20 minutes later, at 6:30 a.m., with many parents reporting they did not receive notifications until around 7:00 a.m..
In addition to safety concerns, DeKalb County Schools, which is Georgia’s third-largest public school system serving approximately 92,000 students across 138 schools, is facing declining enrollment. This trend has led to a Student Assignment Project that may result in the closure or repurposing of up to 27 schools by 2030.
Dr. Norman C. Sauce III, the district’s Superintendent, emphasized the importance of community input, saying, “These are not decisions. We’re in the feedback phase.” The district is currently working to address the surplus of seats, which is equivalent to several high schools’ worth of capacity.
As of early 2026, the district reported 156 teacher vacancies, achieving a near-full staffing level of 99.8%. This staffing achievement is crucial as the district prepares for the second round of scenarios for the Student Assignment Project, scheduled for release on March 20, 2026.
Despite these challenges, the district has assured the public that no closures will occur for the 2026-27 school year. The district’s 2024-2029 Strategic Plan prioritizes equitable access, academic excellence, and fiscal responsibility.
In light of the ongoing changes, community members, including students like first-grader Evangelina Johnson, expressed their concerns, with Johnson stating, “It would be very scary.”
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the exact timeline for the Student Assignment Project beyond the upcoming scenario release.
