What’s next for closed Atlanta school?

Whitefoord Elementary School students arrive to the start of school. The Altanta Board of Education voted March 6 to close Whitefoord and Adamsville elementary schools next year.

Credit: Bob Andres

Credit: Bob Andres

Whitefoord Elementary School students arrive to the start of school. The Altanta Board of Education voted March 6 to close Whitefoord and Adamsville elementary schools next year.

Atlanta Public Schools told Whitefoord Elementary School parents Tuesday how it intends to redistrict students, continue local healthcare services and reuse the school building.

The Atlanta Board of Education voted Monday, March 6, to close Whitefoord and Adamsville elementary schools. Students in Edgewood will attend Fred A. Toomer Elementary School next year, while students in Reynoldstown will attend Burgess-Peterson Academy.

“Toomer and Burgess-Peterson, both located in the Jackson Cluster within reasonable proximity of Whitefoord, have capacity to handle additional enrollments,” Superintendent Meria Carstarphen wrote.

Whitefoord, Inc., which operates a health care clinic on the school campus, is working with APS to start an Early Learning Academy in the school building to provide educational programs for 3 year-olds and Pre-K students. The building will also be used by APS to house its Early Learning staff and School-Based Health Center.

“Regardless of upcoming changes, we remain committed to ensuring that under resourced families will continue to have access to high quality health and educational services,” wrote Yvette Hagins, CEO of Whitefoord, Inc.

APS also plans to open a satellite clinic at Toomer to serve its students.

A letter signed by Toomer Principal J. Ashley Adamo and Burgess-Peterson David White assured parents their children will be welcomed in their new schools.

“Even though it is difficult to see a neighborhood school close, we are dedicated to taking good care of your children and meeting the needs of all students,” they wrote.

The principals also encouraged parents to take part in upcoming community-building events and be active in the transition process.

“We are eager to meet you, hear your hopes and dreams for your students and move forward together.”

For more information, visit: http://www.atlantapublicschools.us/Page/52374.