City seeks grant to help subsidize scenic river path
By JON WILCOX jon@appenmedia.com
SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — Sandy Springs officials approved an application Feb. 18 for a National Park Service grant to help fund a portion of the city’s Springway Trail Loop near the Chattahoochee River.
Applications for the federal Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership Grant, which requires matching local funding, will be handled in Georgia through the Department of Natural Resources.
The Springway Trail Loop is a 5-mile path connecting the Morgan Falls Overlook to wooded and riverfront landscape to the southeast. Plans call for addressing the project in five segments. The grant application would help fund construction administration of Section 2C which runs along the river from Morgan Falls to Grogans Ferry Road. Total cost of the segment is estimated at $13.9 million, and the grant application is for $6.9 million. The city currently has $3 million available in its budget for a match.
Segment 2A of the loop is slated for completion later this month.
The about 1.6-mile-long 2C segment runs along the Chattahoochee River, through a forested area adjacent to apartments and neighborhoods.
See PATH, Page 13
Fulton Board votes down effort to salvage elementary schools
By SARAH COYNE sarah@appenmedia.com
SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — The six-month fight to save Spalding Drive Elementary School in Sandy Springs and Parklane Elementary in East Point went down in a split decision Feb. 20.
The Fulton County School Board voted 4-3 to follow recommendations from district planning officials to close the two schools, citing low enrollment and the state of the buildings.
Parents and children donning matching T-shirts, sat in the district’s South Learning Center in Union City, awaiting the decision after more than four hours of public comment
RACHEL PROVOW
and board member discussion. Supporters in the audience made a final, desperate plea at the meeting to save the two schools.
“We wouldn't even be talking about Spalding Drive if it wasn't for our teachers and our staff,” Kim Parkman, a Spalding Drive parent and PTO member said. “So, the reason why I want to bring them up is not just to celebrate them, but also I just urge you that the next time this happens, please include them, because we know how hard it is to find teachers.”
Sandy Springs City Councilwoman Jody Reichel blasted the School Board for its handling of the matter.
Ada Shope, Spalding Drive Elementary second grader, holds up a poster she made to support her school at the Fulton County School Board meeting Feb. 20.
PHOTOS BY: SARAH COYNE/ APPEN MEDIA
Community members await a decision about school closures at the Fulton County School Board meeting Feb. 20.
See SCHOOL, Page 13
NEWS TIPS
770-442-3278
AppenMedia.com
319 N. Main Street Alpharetta, GA 30009
HANS APPEN Publisher CONTACT
Contact reporters directly or send story ideas to newsroom@appenmedia.com.
LETTERS, EVENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Send your letters, events and community news to newsroom@appenmedia.com. See appenmedia.com/submit for more guidance.
ADVERTISING
For information about advertising in the Sandy Springs Crier or other Appen Media properties, email advertising@appenmedia.com or call 770-442-3278.
CIRCULATION
To start, pause or stop delivery of this newspaper, email circulation@appenmedia.com or call 770-442-3278.
Fulton takes ‘shot in the dark’ to estimate rollback property tax rate
By SARAH DONEHOO newsroom@appenmedia.com
FULTON COUNTY, Ga. — Nearly five months before they will have accurate numbers to support it, Fulton County commissioners approved an estimated rollback tax rate for property.
Speaking to commissioners Feb. 19, Chief Financial Officer Sharon Whitmore said new legislation this year requires local governments to certify an estimate reflecting a property tax levy that will bring in the same revenue as last year. The Fulton County Tax Commissioner’s Office has set March 1 as the deadline for the estimate.
Generally, the rollback rate is published near summer, when governments have a better idea of current property values.
“We have no information with which to make a calculation,” Whitmore said.
In most years, cities and counties record increases in property values, so maintaining the same tax rate as the prior year brings in more revenue. By law, governments must calculate and publish a rollback tax rate – expressed as a mill levy – that would bring in the same amount of revenue as the prior year, factoring in the increase in property values.
Fulton County currently has a levy of 8.87 mills on the assessed value of proper -
ty. One mill brings in $1 in taxes for every $1,000 of a property’s assessed value. So, a home assessed at $300,000 would bring in $3 for each mill levied against it.
While commissioners were flummoxed by the purpose of the new requirement, they voted 5-1 to set the rollback rate at the current real rate of 8.83 mills. An updated rollback rate will be published later this year when the Assessor’s Office assembles and releases actual property value figures.
County Tax Commissioner Arthur Ferdinand said the new law will require his office to entirely change the structure of the tax bills for property owners.
The new bills may have to include significant wording to explain how the rollback rate is determined.
“It has to be totally redesigned,” he said, adding that it will require more work for his department to reformat the bills.
“So, we have to gut everything that we have and start anew,” Ferdinand said. “All the paper we have in stock will have to be trashed, and that’s a cost.”
County Manager Dick Anderson said he anticipates county staff will be flooded with calls from confused residents after tax bills go out late this summer.
He called the March rollback tax estimate a “shot in the dark,” because it will be based on information yet to materialize.
Jail blitz progress
Also at the Feb. 19 meeting, the Fulton County Operational Report contained an update on the progress of gathering statistical information of its justice system.
Strategy and Performance Director Stephen Nawrocki said that complete and accurate information will take several months.
”I can say that we are moving as quickly as possible to conduct the assessment, prepare that report, analyze the findings and come up with (improvement) recommendations,” Nawrocki said.
The jail assessments are part of a continuing program from the Department of Real Estate and Asset Management (DREAM) and the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office to provide data for the capital improvement of its facilities.
Quality of the aging jails remains a concern for the Board of Commissioners and the public.
DREAM Director Joseph Davis said that since a budget of $3.2 million was approved for critical jail repairs and upgrades, seven of 11 housing units are completed and flooding has decreased, reducing the number of unavailable beds from 744 to 540.
Davis added that the backlog of work
orders had generally decreased over a three-month period, using 1,794 in January to 1,661 in February as an example.
Ambulance access
The board discussed ambulance services in South Fulton to clarify their existing rules and regulations and identify options for people to best access their service.
Director of Strategy and Performance Management Mike Rowicki presented options including construction of a new emergency department in South Fulton, allowing cities to use fire department vehicles to speed up response times, and recommending that the Region 3 Council have yearly reviews of the service levels of providers.
Region 3 of Georgia consists of Cherokee, Clayton, Cobb, Dekalb, Douglas, Fayette, Fulton, Gwinnett, Henry and Rockdale counties.
“ One thing we want to be clear is that Fulton County does not have any direct contracts with ambulance service providers,” Rowicki said.
The city government is not responsible for the transportation of people in need of medical services. However, it is responsible for providing fast and efficient access to its
U.S. Rep. Rich McCormick, R-Ga. fields questions from constituents during a town hall at Roswell City Hall on Thursday. McCormick was asked about his stance on foreign policy, healthcare, and recent workforce cuts by the Department of Efficiency.
Constituents grill congressman on intentions to check Trump
By AMRITHA JOSEPH newsroom@appenmedia.com
ROSWELL, Ga. — An overflow of District 7 residents stretched down the steps of Roswell’s City Hall Thursday, eager to challenge U.S. Rep. Rich McCormick, R-Ga., about the Trump administration’s policies.
They came armed with queries on foreign policy, federal employee cuts and how presidential powers will be restrained.
McCormick, a decorated Marine and physician, shared where his views veered from that of the commander-in-chief and other Republicans, but he was met throughout the 90-minute session with booing and cries of “Shame!” when he advocated for bipartisan solutions that would require Democrats’ cooperation.
Cumming resident Claudia GamlienCastro asked McCormick his stance on President Trump’s most recent declaration that Ukraine is responsible for the war that has ravaged its people. McCormick said the Trump administration wants to investigate how Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky has used the $175 million in aid that the U.S. has provided Ukraine. About 67 percent of the congressionally approved funds were for defense-related priorities and 33 percent for nondefense
priorities, according to the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget.
The congressman said the war could have ended sooner if the European Union and U.S. had been more forceful. Given the cumulative European-U.S. GDP of roughly $47 trillion versus Russia’s GDP of $2 trillion, he said a Russian defeat could be realized rapidly through sanctions, undermining Russia’s energy production, and by overwhelming weapon systems.
“I want Ukraine to win, and President Trump says he wants Ukraine to win… and by the way, this splits the Republican party down the middle,” McCormick said. “I voted for Ukraine support every single time.”
Given his ties to healthcare, the congressman fielded several questions about recent cuts executed by the Department of Government Efficiency, which has eliminated thousands of federal employee jobs since Trump’s inauguration. Specifically, the Associated Press reported the jobs of more than 5,000 probationary employees will be nixed at the Department of Health and Human Services, which includes the Centers for Disease Control and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. HHS has not released a final number.
See McCORMICK, Page 12
AMRITHA JOSEPH/APPEN MEDIA
YOUR VOICE. YOUR BUSINESS. YOUR SUCCESS.
YOU ARE WHAT MAKES US GREATER.
JOIN US
Memberships is now opendon’t miss out on this exciting new chapter! today and become part of a dynamic network that’s shaping the business landscape.
Together, we’ll create opportunities, drive innovation, and build a brighter tomorrow.
Sandy Springs adds tennis to adaptive recreation list
SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — The Sandy Springs Recreation and Parks Department has added the Special Populations Tennis Program to its Adaptive Recreation lineup for residents with disabilities.
The eight-week program begins March 8 and meets each Saturday.
Special POPS is offering adaptive tennis designed to introduce the sport to children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Participants will receive instruction on forehands, backhands, volleys, serves and match play from trained volunteers.
The program takes place at the Sandy Springs Racquet Center off Abernathy Road and is free after registration.
Jane Jarrett, the city’s certified adaptive sport specialist, said the goal is to ensure everyone, regardless of ability, can experience the physical, social and emotion benefits of an active lifestyle.
“By expanding our adaptive programs, we aim to foster inclusion, promote wellbeing and empower individuals to lead active, fulfilling lives within their community,” Jarrett said.
Special POPS Tennis joins other popular adaptive programs, such as adaptive kayaking and fishing at Morgan Falls
CITY OF SANDY SPRINGS/PROVIDED Participants and instructors enjoy an afternoon of fishing at Morgan Falls Overlook Park as part of the Sandy Springs Recreation and Parks Department’s adaptive programming for residents with disabilities. The city has added tennis to its Adaptive Recreation offerings, beginning this March.
Overlook Park. Other upcoming events in the Adaptive Recreation series include the Feb. 28 Superstar Dance and the April 12 Dino Egg Hunt.
For more information on the city’s Adaptive Recreation programming, visit www.sandyspringsga.gov/adaptive-recreation.
— Hayden Sumlin
Sandy Springs announces details for interactive Lantern Parade
SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — Sandy Springs has announced details about its annual Lantern Parade April 5 along Morgan Falls Road down to Overlook Park and the Chattahoochee River.
The city invites everyone to bring handcrafted lanterns and join the community parade, which concludes with a lit display along the river.
The pre-parade block party, including food trucks and music, will kick off at 6 p.m. less than a mile from the park at Steel Canyon Golf Club. The parade steps off at 8:15 p.m.
Spectators are welcome to line the sidewalks from the golf course down Morgan Falls Road to Overlook Park and witness the nighttime spectacle.
Following the parade, the National Park Service will reveal hundreds of glowing lanterns throughout the park, including five giant floating displays in the river.
The Sandy Springs Lantern Parade offers an interactive experience, giving attendees the option to bring their own lantern creations to life.
There are a couple of ways to get involved, including city-provided lantern kits and expert-led workshops from
Chantelle Rytter, creator of the city’s Lantern Parade, and others around Metro Atlanta and the Southeast.
Rytter, a local artist and parade innovator, is hosting guided workshops March 29 and 30 at the Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center. Some of her new creations this year include the Fantastical Bird and Botanicals lanterns.
There are three time slots each for the two different float Rytter-led workshops, including a special 20th anniversary edition kit of “Sanderson the Flying Pig” and the typical lantern puppet.
The idea for the parade mascot stems from Sandy Springs’ effort to incorporate in 2005. Some residents once believed that Sandy Springs would become a city “when pigs fly.”
In honor of the city’s 20th anniversary in December, a special edition lantern kit is available, and participants who craft this unique lantern get to march at the front of the parade. The city says the workshops are expected to reach capacity.
To register, visit sandyspringsga.gov/ lantern-workshops.
For more details, visit sandyspringsga. gov/lanternparade.
— Hayden Sumlin
New Podcast Series From The Georgia Politics Podcast
BREAKING AWAY: How Sandy Springs Became a City
Part 1: The Legislative Battle for Sandy Springs
The Georgia Politics Podcast kicks off Part 1 of its new mini-series, Breaking Away, exploring the municipalization of Sandy Springs.
Joining to discuss the legislative efforts behind the city’s incorporation are former House Representative Wendell Willard and former Fulton County Commissioner Lynne Riley. Together, they take a deep dive into the behind-the-scenes work under the Gold Dome that made Sandy Springs a reality—an achievement that reshaped local governance in Georgia.
For decades, residents of this northern Fulton County community fought for the right to govern themselves, facing resistance from county officials and state lawmakers. Their 30-year struggle, driven by issues of taxation, representation, and local control, ultimately led to a political showdown with lasting implications.
In this episode, the podcast examines the political battles, grassroots activism, and key figures who turned the dream of incorporation into reality in 2005. But Sandy Springs’ story doesn’t end there—its success sparked a wave of new city formations across metro Atlanta, reshaping the state’s political and economic landscape.
How did one community’s determination change Georgia’s approach to local governance? And what lessons can be learned from their experience?
Join the show as it unpacks the history, controversy, and lasting impact of Sandy Springs’ journey to cityhood in Breaking Away.
Sandy Springs Mayor Rusty Paul stands with the city's first mayor, Eva Galambos.
Scan to Listen on Apple Podcasts
Scan to Listen on Spotify
Sponsored Section
Spend your summer at Marist School
Brought to you by –
Marist School
This summer, make memories that will last a lifetime at Marist School! With a wide variety of engaging and enriching camps, Marist offers something for everyone, whether your child is looking to learn new skills, develop a passion, or simply have fun.
Our summer camp lineup includes a dynamic mix of options:
• Sports Camps: Baseball, basketball, cheerleading, diving, flag football, football, lacrosse, running, soccer, softball, sports camp, sprint training, tennis, volleyball, and wrestling.
• Specialty Camps: Theater, music technology and production, sports medi-
SUMMER Summer Camps
cine, Entertainment Tonight broadcasting, Sports Center broadcasting, and FCA Sports & Leadership.
• Academic Enrichment: SAT/ACT Boot Camp and Personal Essay Start-Up.
• General Fun: Fun Camp designed for a variety of interests.
With full- and half-day sessions offered weekly from June 2 to August 1, Marist’s camps are open to children ages 5 to 17. Plus, our convenient after-camp care is available until 5 p.m., Monday through Thursday, to fit busy schedules.
Don’t wait—visit //marist.com/summer camps today for more details and to register.
Make this summer unforgettable at Marist School!
SPORTS
Camps
New novel-turned-miniseries lights up March author events
By KATHY DES JARDINS CIOFFI newsroom@appenmedia.com
“Will Trent” fans take note: Emily Carpenter is poised to become the next Atlanta-area author to have a novel adapted for television.
“Gothictown,” the Roswell resident’s 10th title, was simultaneously optioned for both print and production two years before the book’s March release.
“It was a whirlwind for sure and not what I had ever experienced,” said Carpenter, who will be co-producing the miniseries. While an executive producer/ showrunner has also been named, a script, cast and locations have not.
“Apparently, TV moves even slower than publishing does,” joked Carpenter, who will share more at her free “Gothictown” launch party in Roswell March 25.
PROVIDED
Bestselling author Emily Carpenter is launching her latest suspense novel, “Gothictown,” which has been optioned for television.
Here are the details, along with other March events
Saturday, March 1, Dahlonega Book
Festival. The 20th anniversary celebration features 20 authors, including Pulitzer Prize-winning Rick Bragg, former Gov. Nathan Deal and local writers Kim Conrey, George Weinstein and Kimberly Brock. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. All sessions, except lunch with Deal and Bragg’s keynote address, are free. Dahlonega Baptist Church, 234 Hawkins St., Dahlonega. Ticket prices and schedule at literaryfestival.org.
Saturday, March 8, Kimberly Brock Friends of the Sandy Springs Library and Bookmiser will host Brock recounting her latest novel, “The Fabled Earth.” 2 p.m. Free. Sandy Springs Library, 395 Mount Vernon Highway Northeast, Atlanta. 770-509-5611. bookmiser.net/ events.html
Tuesday, March 11, Colleen Oakley launching “Jane and Dan at the End of the World.” 12.30 p.m. Free. Bookmiser, 3822 Roswell Road, Marietta. 770-509-5611. bookmiser.net/events. html
Thursday, March 13, Kimberly Belle The USA Today and internationally bestselling author will recap her thriller, “The Paris Widow.” 6:30 p.m. Free. Read It Again Bookstore, 3630 Peachtree Parkway, Suite 314, Suwanee. 770-2329331. read-it-again.com
Wednesday, March 19, Daniel Stone author luncheon spotlighting “American Poison.” 11:30 a.m. $40, which includes lunch. Polo Golf and Country Club Clubhouse, 1300 Polo Fields Parkway, Cumming. Sponsored by Altrusa International of North Georgia with book sales by Read It Again Bookstore. ticketleap. events/tickets/altrusangaevents/ author-s-luncheon-with-daniel-stone
Wednesday, March 19, Delilah Dawson detailing her latest novel, “It Will Only
Hurt for a Moment.” Free. 7 p.m. Johns Creek Books, 6000 Medlock Bridge Road. 770-696-9999. johnscreekbooks.com
Saturday, March 22, Atlanta Self-Publishing Conference for indie authors and anyone considering self-publishing. Sponsored by the Atlanta Writers Club. 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. $139-$199. Georgia Tech Hotel & Conference Center, 800 Spring St. NW, Atlanta. atlantaselfpublishingconference.com/
Saturday, March 22, Aimie Runyon discussing “The Wandering Season” with Grace Helena Walz. Free. 1 p.m. Poe & Company Bookstore, 1890 Heritage Walk, Suite P101, Milton. 770-7975566. Poeandcompanybookstore.com
Tuesday, March 25, Emily Carpenter “Gothictown” launch party with sips, snacks, books and gifts. Free but a book purchase is appreciated, available through Bookmiser. 6 p.m. Deep Roots Wine Market & Tasting Room, 1055 Canton St., Unit 100, Roswell. RSVP to Emily@emilycarpenterauthor. com
Wednesday, March 26, Colleen Oakley celebration hosted by Poe & Company Bookstore. 5:30 p.m. $40, which includes a copy of “Jane and Dan at the End of the World,” drinks and heavy appetizers. Brookfield Country Club, 100 Willow Run Road Roswell. 770-797-5566. poeandcompanybookstore.com/all-events
Thursday, March 27, Emily Carpenter, “Gothictown.” 6:30 p.m. Free. Read It Again Bookstore, 3630 Peachtree Parkway, Suite 314, Suwanee. 770232-9331. read-it-again.com
To submit an author event for the upcoming month, email Kathy Des Jardins Cioffi at kathydesjardins3@gmail. com by the 15th.
Importance of skin checks for mature skin
Brought to you by - Dr. Kehinde Olumesi of Epiphany Dermatology - Brookhaven
As skin matures, it undergoes various changes that necessitate regular skin checks to ensure overall skin health. Differentiating between age spots, healthy moles and potential skin cancers is crucial. Age spots, often appearing as flat, brown, or black spots on sun-exposed areas, are generally harmless but can be mistaken for more serious conditions. Early detection of skin cancer, including melanoma, basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, significantly increases the chances of successful treatment. Therefore, routine skin examinations are essential for mature skin to maintain health and catch any issues early.
Addressing skin conditions and rejuvenation procedures
Dermatologists can assist with a variety
of skin conditions and rejuvenation procedures for mature skin. Common issues such as dryness, age-related pigmentation and conditions like rosacea, psoriasis and eczema, which can persist or develop with age, are also addressed with specialized care plans.
In addition to treating conditions, dermatologists offer rejuvenating procedures to enhance the appearance and health of mature skin. Treatments such as chemical peels, laser rejuvenation and injectable treatments like BOTOX® Cosmetic and dermal fillers can reduce the appearance of wrinkles, improve skin texture and promote collagen production. These procedures not only rejuvenate the skin but also boost confidence and overall well-being. Establishing a relationship with a dermatologist ensures that your skin receives comprehensive care tailored to its evolving needs, promoting long-term skin health and vitality.
OPINION: LETTER TO THE EDITOR
There is plenty of space for downtown development
In the February 13th edition of the Sandy Springs Crier, the front-page story discussed the city government’s annual retreat. A key concern shared by city employees and council members was the lack of “space” for downtown development, especially compared to other north Fulton County cities. While this concern is valid, I believe the “space” issue isn’t solely about undeveloped land. Sandy Springs has an abundance of another type of space — parking.
A quick look at the downtown area using a satellite program like Google Earth reveals how much land is taken up by surface parking lots. These lots take up far more space than the buildings they surround. The city government isn’t to blame for this surplus, as they’ve already eliminated the downtown parking minimums which predated the city itself. However, the challenge now is how to transform these parking lots into valuable businesses and homes.
Decades of government-mandated parking minimums have resulted in widespread sprawl, the polar opposite of walkability. Successful downtown revitalizations — like those cited in the ar -
Opinions
ticle — have emphasized walkability, not parking. Sandy Springs has a chance to correct the mistakes of the past by capping parking. The existing parking lots, many of which are underutilized, should be reimagined for more productive uses, such as mixed-use buildings that would bring in both people and revenue. The City Walk shopping complex, for example, devotes about 60 percent of its property to parking that sits underused during the day and completely empty at night.
Jeff Speck, a city planning consultant, highlights how “the twin gods of Smooth Traffic and Ample Parking” have turned downtowns into places that are easy to get to but not worth visiting. Sandy Springs should look to Decatur’s approach of incremental densification, where parking caps have allowed for more vibrant commercial spaces. By repurposing these areas for people, not cars, Sandy Springs could increase housing supply and create a more attractive, walkable downtown.
Greer Henderson Sandy Springs
Appen Media aims to present a variety of views in its opinion pages. Send your thoughts, questions and letters to newsroom@appenmedia.com.
McCormick:
Continued from Page 5
“Why is a supposedly conservative party taking such a radical and extremist and sloppy approach to this?” one Canton resident asked.
McCormick said 10 percent of the CDC’s employees are probationary, and recent developments in AI will handle healthcare administrative tasks more efficiently at several health departments.
“The fact of the matter is there's going to be a downsizing of government,” he said.
Just as the Biden administration made dramatic cuts to other aspects of federal spending, so too, the Trump administration is slicing through the budget, McCormick said.
No question garnered more audience applause than one posed by a Roswell resident, who said she was shocked when President Trump de -
clared himself “king” in a recent social media post.
“Tyranny is rising in the White House, and a man has declared himself our king. So, I would like to know, rather, the people would like to know what you, congressmen, and your fellow congressmen are going to do to rein in the megalomaniac in the White House?”
The Regulations from the Executive in Need of Scrutiny (REINS) Act would check presidential power by mandating Congressional approval of any new rule that impacts the economy by at least $100 million. However, it has yet to be passed, even by the previous Biden administration, McCormick said.
McCormick said he doesn’t think executive privilege should be as strong as it is, and he serves as the district’s direct representation in Congress.
“I don't want to see the president make all the decisions I don't. I don't want to see any president be too powerful,” he said.
School:
Continued from Page 1
“This has not been a thoughtful, transparent, community-driven decision, and that's a problem,” Reichel said.
School Board member Michelle Morancie, who represents much of North Fulton, including parts of Sandy Springs, called the district’s action hurried, leaving little time for the community to mount a proper defense.
“They would express their concerns about what feels to them like a rush timewise,” Morancie said. “They would like the time to address these issues [and] explore alternatives before making such a drastic decision, in my opinion. That's a reasonable request.”
Board members faced backlash from the community, including claims that the closures were culturally driven or that they were made in private before the hearing.
East Point Mayor Deana Holiday Ingraham, who championed the cause to save Parklane, said the decision was culturally driven.
She said Schools Superintendent Mike Looney has been culturally offensive from the outset of his tenure.
“…His actions from his first day to now, have consistently been duplicitous with regards to the schools in South Fulton and, more specifically, schools in the city of East Point,” Ingraham said.
Many opponents in the audience proposed the decision was already made, because of an error that removed Spalding Drive from the redistricting map on the Fulton Schools website.
But the district’s Chief Information Officer Joe Phillips rebuffed the claim, saying the district’s information system incorrectly posted a proposed map, and there was no intent to portray the issue as final.
Phillips said he plans to adjust the website to alert his office if something similar happens again.
School district officials have said the closures will save the system $2 million per school.
“We have to be responsible with our taxpayer dollars, and with that comes some very tough choices,” School Board President Kristen McCabe said.
Emotions were high as the vote was cast, with supporters drifting into the lobby to support and console each other.
“I think they made the decision with the wrong data,” parent Amy Lund said.
The theme, “use us, or lose us,” still rang in the air after the vote.
Emily Bell, Spalding Drive PTO Co-President, said her family will be looking into moving out of the county.
“I feel like life as we know it is going to change completely,” Bell said.
Path:
Continued from Page 1
The fact that it won’t be there next year, I just can’t even comprehend at this point.”
LAUREN ROSENBAUM
Spalding Drive PTO co-president
Many members of the community felt as though, they don’t know what the next day will bring.
“The fact that it won’t be there next year, I just can’t even comprehend at this point,” Lauren Rosenbaum, Spalding Drive PTO Co-President said.
Board members said they hope parents will continue their momentum and support for their community at their existing schools.
“You clearly have had a positive impact on your children, having them come and speak so eloquently and confidently, that's your leadership,” Board member Sara Gillespie, said. “And they will follow you, no matter what happens.”
A conceptual design of Segment 2C features a scenic greenway and boardwalks.
Already, Sandy Springs is home to more than 20 parks and 22 miles of trails along the Chattahoochee River.
The city’s 2019 Trail Master Plan, which outlines the creation of more than 30 miles of new trails throughout the city, identified the Segment 2C as a priority.
DEATH NOTICES
Wallace Berry, age 90, of Alpharetta, GA passed away on February 11, 2025. Arrangements by Northside Chapel
Robert Kelly, age 80, of Roswell, GA passed away on February 8, 2025. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.
The Springway Trail will add a 5-mile loop, linking a variety of popular destinations in the city.
The Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership Grant program includes awards between $300,000 and $15 million for projects. Projects must meet required uses, which include
Gregory Lefler, age 73, of Alpharetta, GA passed away on February 15, 2025. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.
pedestrian and cyclist mobility, and eligibility requirements. The program weighs projects based on their ability to improve recreational opportunities in urban and disadvantaged communities, promote greenspace and reflect community collaboration.
Georgia Rigg, age 100, of Alpharetta, GA passed away on February 15, 2025. Arrangements by Northside Chapel
Funeral Directors & Crematory.
Funeral Directors & Crematory.
PHOTOS BY: SARAH COYNE/ APPEN MEDIA
Parents anxiously await the closure decision at the five-hour long Fulton County School Board meeting on Feb. 20.
Supporters for Parklane Elementary School wait in line for the public hearing held at the Fulton County School Board meeting Feb. 20.
Communications and Marketing Manager NFCC is seeking a qualified candidate to fill the fulltime Communications and Marketing Manager position. The Communications and Marketing Manager is responsible for helping raise awareness of North Fulton Community Charities and its programs and services. One of the primary responsibilities of this role is to create internal and external communications and marketing materials to promote NFCC’s overall mission.
The Manager will manage and update multiple channels including social media, email, websites, newsletters, presentations, and video. Proficiency in WordPress, Microsoft Office, and Canva are required and experience with Salesforce or other CRM and Pardot/Account Engagement a plus.
If this sounds like the role for you, we’d love to hear from you! Please submit your resume to jobs@nfcchelp.org
