Atlanta Schools Approve Major Turnaround Strategy

ATLANTA, GA -- The Atlanta Board of Education on Monday unanimously approved Superintendent Meria Carstarphen's plan to save 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.

"This means a lot for our students and the future of our Atlanta community,” said Carstarphen. “Since July 2014, this administration has been focused on improving instruction in our most challenged schools, making deeper investments into the students who need the most support, and extending more support to targeted schools so our students have a better chance to graduate from APS ready for college and careers of their choice.”

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.

Here are the schools that are targeted for closure:

• Washington Cluster: Closure of Bethune Elementary School and opening of a new K-8 STEM Academy at the former Kennedy Middle School site
• Washington Cluster: Merger of Connally Elementary School and Venetian Hills Elementary School
• Douglass Cluster: Merger of Grove Park Intermediate Elementary School and Woodson Primary Elementary School

Also, a contract will be signed with Purpose Built Schools for the management of Thomasville Heights Elementary School, Slater Elementary School, Price Middle School and Carver Comprehensive High School.

The Kindezi Schools will run Gideons Elementary School in 2017-2018.

Image: Atlanta Public Schools