The Save Spalding Drive Elementary Committee has filed a letter of intent to open a charter school and may seek legal action to stop Fulton County Schools from closing the school.
“We fought hard, the district failed us, and they’ve lost the trust of Sandy Springs taxpayers,” said committee member Raymond Grote, according to a committee news release.
The Fulton County Schools (FCS) Board of Education voted 4-3 to close Spalding Drive Elementary School on Feb. 20.
Grote said the committee has already established a nonprofit organization. An offer has been made to the board to lease the school building for the charter school starting in the 2026-2027 school year.
Committee members are also consulting with legal counsel regarding a temporary restraining order, saying the school district failed to follow its school closing and consolidation policy.
A school district spokesperson told Rough Draft Atlanta that the district understands closing a school can bring a range of emotions, but didn’t comment specifically on the most recent actions by the Save Spalding Committee.
“We want to assure our community that the school board’s decision was made with careful deliberation, following all appropriate policies and procedures,” FCS Chief Communications Officer Brian Noyes said. “Our priority remains supporting every student and family, ensuring a smooth transition where all students feel welcomed and prepared for success in their new school.”
If an entity files a petition with the Fulton County School Board to open a charter school, a response could be made. If it petitions the State Charter Commission, the school district would not have a part in that process.
The Save Spalding Committee said it filed a letter of intent with the school district, but it’s unclear whether the letter was filed before or after the Feb. 20 closure vote. The next step would be filing a petition.
The school district will suffer when parents seek different school options, Grote said. Families are committed to the community and their children, but he added that doesn’t mean it would be in partnership with the school district.
“The vote opened the door for charter schools in Sandy Springs, which would be an additional parent-choice option beyond private schools,” Grote said. “The vote showed that finances over families control the board’s decision. The vote proved the disconnect between our public servants and the communities they serve.”
