Atlanta parents camp outside school district headquarters, rally to save schools

The Atlanta School Board is scheduled to take a big vote on Monday, deciding whether to go forward with school closures and consolidations proposed by Superintendent Dr. Meria Carstarphen.

SAVE OUR SCHOOLS message from Atlanta Public school parents re proposal to close campuses in SE partner city due to low enrollment pic.twitter.com/WWel07DUQ7

— Kaitlyn Pratt Fox 5 (@Fox5Kaitlyn) March 6, 2017

The changes were recommended due to low enrollment at several elementary schools. The campuses on the list include Fain Elementary, Towns Elementary, Adamsville Primary and Whiteford Elementary.

Frustrated parents gathered over the weekend and camped out Sunday night, saying the proposal will lead to larger class size – something that will not benefit student performance. They also worry about empty school buildings, fearing they will create blight and lower property values.

The school board is expected to vote on the proposed closings at its regularly scheduled meeting at 6 p.m. Monday.

Parents are holding a rally at 4 p.m. outside the chambers.

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