November book events pay homage to veterans ► PAGE 13 O c t o b e r 2 6 , 2 0 2 3 | 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 2 7 , N o . 4 3
Synagogue sets support session for community FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Congregation Beth Israel will host “The World of Kabbalah” Nov. 1-Dec. 6 to offer comfort to the community in the wake of the Israel-Hamas war. Rabbi Levi Mentz said the synagogue has fielded phone calls for support from Jews and the larger community every day. “People are really hurting inside,” Mentz said. Congregation Beth Israel also hosted “North Georgia Stands with Israel,” a night of prayer and solidarity that drew dozens of guests Oct. 13 following the Hamas terrorist attacks that launched the ongoing conflict. The courses will be held Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m. at 785 Brannon Road. Those interested can register for the course at jewishforsyth.org/form/ JLIWorldofKabbalah. — Shelby Israel
County approves proposal for new day care operation ► PAGE 3
Elementary redistricting plan passes School Board hurdle By SHELBY ISRAEL shelby@appenmedia.com FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — In a unanimous vote, the Forsyth County Board of Education approved a 2024-25 elementary school redistricting map that ignited pushback from patrons affected by the change. The School Board approved the map at a formal meeting Oct. 17. Schools Deputy Superintendent Mitch Young said the redistricting lines remained unchanged from the Oct. 10 work session, where the map was presented in its final form. The Board of Education first shared the redistricting plans Aug. 8, and the district solicited public feedback from mid to late September. A public forum was held Sept. 20 at West Forsyth High School. Following the forum, the school district shifted the redistricting lines to allow fewer than 50 students who were redistricted to Kelly Mill to remain at Sawnee Elementary School. The Oct. 17 meeting marked the final opportunity for residents to speak on the matter, and public sentiment remained much the same. Four affected residents spoke against the redistricting at the meeting, emphasizing the bonds their students have made at their current schools, the strain of longer commute times and traffic concerns. Speaker Jason Potter, who lives off Bentley Road, said he and his community
ASK APPEN
SCREENSHOT
Forsyth County resident Jason Potter speaks in opposition to the 2024-25 elementary school redistricting Oct. 17 at a Board of Education meeting. Potter was one of four speakers who took a final stand against the redistricting plan at the meeting. launched a petition to provide a platform for residents who may have been unaware of their redistricting from Vickery Creek to the new Midway Elementary School. He said 129 neighbors signed off in opposition to the plans. “Vickery is our home,” Potter said.
What do you want to know about the community?
“Please don’t make us move our children from our home.” At the various meetings, speakers have expressed concerns about increased traffic congestion on Post Road.
See SCHOOLS, Page 20
Submit questions at appenmedia.com/ask or scan QR code.