Atlanta Students Head Back to School on Wednesday

ATLANTA, GA — The Atlanta School System begins its 2016-17 year on Wednesday, August 3, as more than 50,000 head back to school.

The summer has been eventful for the system, as Superintendent Dr. Meria Carstarphen undertook a major overhaul to improve the system's failing schools.

Called the Turnaround Strategy, the plan is designed to improve student achievement by directing more services to students; increasing professional development of top turnaround leaders and teachers; implementing school operating model changes; and adding experienced education partners.

The program targets several schools that the Georgia Department of Education has identified as eligible for the state’s proposed takeover Opportunity School District. APS’ strategy targets those 26 schools, starting in the Carver, Douglass and Washington clusters, where some of the district’s lowest-performing schools are in need of immediate help for students.

The district also eliminated 300 jobs from its workforce. The school board eliminated almost 500 jobs but creates 200 new ones. Dozens of jobs were eliminated at the district's downtown central office, while other cuts are the result of schools being closed or projected enrollment drops.

At the same time, the district also created its own police force, hiring a chief of police and more than 60 law enforcement personnel.

There was also a minor controversy over some reported missing handguns the district had purchased.

An intial report from an Atlanta media outlet said that Atlanta police were investigating an anonymous tip that 30 Glock handguns had been stolen. The .40 caliber weapons, retailing for around $450 each, had a combined value of between $12,000 and $15,000.

But the district said it launched its own investigation into the matter, and that all of its handguns are accounted for.

See also:

• Atlanta Schools to Swear In New Police Department
• Atlanta Schools: None Of Our Guns Have Been Stolen
• Atlanta Schools Cut 300 Jobs
• Atlanta Schools Approve Major Turnaround Strategy

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