Urban forest coordinator earns state recognition ► PAGE 8
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Elected leaders unite to keep classes open at local elementary
SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — In a display of political unity, local Republican and Democratic officials in Sandy Springs have joined to save Spalding Drive Elementary School. The Save Spalding Drive Elementary School Committee says the announcement Nov. 12 proves that quality education transcends political partisanship. Democrat state Sen. Josh McLaurin has joined with Republican Fulton County Commissioner Bob Ellis and state Rep. Debora Silcox to support keeping the school open because they recognize its role as a cornerstone of the community, the statement says. The committee says elected officials believe keeping the school open is essential for the well-being of local families, property values and community stability. Fulton County Schools staff have not allowed community members and parents to discuss impacts on home values during redistricting meetings at Riverwood High School in October and November. Parents said they are also frustrated with a policy change that would prevent every elementary school in Sandy Springs from participating in the open enrollment process.
See SPALDING, Page 12
HAYDEN SUMLIN/APPEN MEDIA
Artist Curtis Pittman, left, cheers as local philanthropist and business leader Sunny Park, right, and his family cut the ribbon Nov. 11 on Veterans Park’s new sculpture — “Be the Light.” The Veterans Day ceremonies in Sandy Springs also saw the unveiling of Kevin Chambers’ “Three Generations” at the park.
Perimeter crowds commemorate generations of American veterans By HAYDEN SUMLIN hayden@appenmedia.com
FULTON COUNTY SCHOOLS/PROVIDED
The effort to save Spalding Drive Elementary School in Sandy Springs is garnering support from Georgia General Assembly members and a Fulton County commissioner.
NORTH METRO ATLANTA — On both sides of the Fulton-DeKalb County line north of I-285, communities gathered to recognize the selflessness of Americans who served in the U.S. military. Veterans Day ceremonies in the cities of Dunwoody and Sandy Springs Nov. 11 saw community members come together as citizens of the United States to honor Americans who served in the armed forces. Just before Sandy Springs officials unveiled two
new monuments at Veterans Park, the Dunwoody community gathered at Brook Run Park for one of its most important and unifying traditions. The Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 10822 serves both Perimeter cities, Dunwoody and Sandy Springs, which held separate ceremonies at their local veterans’ memorials. Dunwoody resident and retired Lt. Col. Thomas Ariail, who serves as commander of the local Veterans of Foreign Wars chapter, spoke in front of the DeKalb Veterans Memorial to a crowd of 100.
See VETERANS, Page 12