Christmas events kickoff downtown D e c e m b e r 5 , 2 0 2 4 | A p p e n M e d i a . c o m | A n A p p e n M e d i a G r o u p P u b l i c a t i o n | 5 0 ¢ | Vo l u m e 1 9 , N o . 4 7
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Fulton County Schools student transfer policy bars redistricting areas
Some patrons frustrated by path forward By AMBER PERRY amber@appenmedia.com
FULTON COUNTY, Ga. — The Fulton County School District’s new transfer policy is turning heads, seen as a solution to declining enrollment but also an end unto itself for some. The Change of School Assignment process, governed by School Board “Policy JBCD,” took effect in August. It allows student transfers for any reason. Previously, students had to file with a hardship or through options made available by state law. The catch? Schools in the region undergoing redistricting are barred from the benefit of wide-open tranfers, a frustrating stipulation for parents in Sandy Springs who face the threatened closure of Spalding Drive Elementary School. The facility’s aging building is experiencing a dwindling student population. Current plans are to consolidate Sandy Springs elementary students. Parents also say the timeline is a crunch. On Dec. 9, the district will announce the list of published schools open for transfer, which is also the day the transfer application window opens. The deadline to apply is Jan. 15, one day after the redistricting recommendation will be made to the School Board. The list includes schools only with available space, defined as 95-percent enrollment or those below stated capacity over a three-year projection. By all accounts, Spalding should be a candidate. Using the district’s fiscal year 2025 data, which includes a formula to project enrollment through 2028, a study by Appen Media anticipates all elementary schools in Sandy Springs will make the list. That includes Spalding Drive, as well as Dunwoody Springs, Heards Ferry, High Point, Ison Springs, Lake Forest and Woodland elementary schools.
See REDISTRICT, Page 20
MILTON EAGLES/PROVIDED
The Milton Eagles second grade football team celebrates its Super Bowl win by taking the field during halftime of the high school Eagles’ game against Dutchtown Nov. 22.
Milton second grade team wins gridiron championship By ANNABELLE REITER annabelle@appenmedia.com MILTON, Ga — After their Super Bowl win over Cartersville Nov. 16, the Milton Eagles second grade team posted an undefeated season, becoming the only team at any grade level competing with the North Atlanta Football League to achieve the feat. The Eagles outscored opponents 173-20 on the year, allowing 198 yards while gaining 1,888. It was
a remarkable stat for the only team in the league that had not competed in tackle football the season before. All but one of the Eagles’ 21 players had ever played tackle football before. The runner-up in points in the league this year tallied 88. Head coach Greg Powers, a Milton graduate, said he is proud of the team’s accomplishments.
See FOOTBALL, Page 19
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