KNOW
Brookhaven unlikely to see school closures in DeKalb Schools redistricting process
The DeKalb County School district is in the midst of a comprehensive redistricting process that could result in new school boundaries, school closures, and programming changes.
Brookhaven is unlikely to see school closures since most of our schools are already near capacity, our school board member Andrew Ziffer said in a recent Facebook post.
Public school enrollment is down nationally, due largely to falling birth rates. (More families moving to private schools and growth in school choice programs are probably contributing factors.) Atlanta, where enrollment is also declining, is currently considering closing up to 13 schools to make the district more efficient.
DeKalb has about 10,000 fewer students today than in 2014 — leaving the district with about 30 school buildings that are under capacity. The enrollment decreases are concentrated in the southern part of the county.
The district is looking to balance things out, in search of greater cost efficiency, more efficient transportation and increased access to arts, athletics and special education services.
However, Brookhaven schools have seen some of the largest recent increases in enrollment: Only the newish John Lewis Elementary (and Montclair Elementary, to a lesser extent) are significantly under capacity.
So while Brookhaven schools are unlikely to be closed, over-capacity buildings mean that redistricting could still be an option. Another option is cluster-based boundaries, which would allow families to choose schools within specific clusters.
DO
Friday Night Football, Story Time and More
🏈 Chamblee Cluster Spirit Night
Friday, Sept. 12 | Tailgate starts at 5:30 p.m., Game starts at 7 p.m.
North DeKalb Stadium @ Chamblee High School
Cheer on the Chamblee Bulldogs as they take on Decatur High School in football. Get tickets here.
🧑🌾 Brookhaven Farmers Market
Saturday, Sept. 13 | 9 a.m.-noon (ongoing)
1375 Fernwood Circle (Off Dresden Drive, in the University Baptist Church parking lot)
Shop for seasonal produce and other goodies, rain or shine.
📚 Story Time at City Centre
Wednesday, Sept. 17 | 10:30 a.m.-11 a.m
Brookhaven City Centre, next to the Brookhaven-Oglethorpe MARTA station
Join the first Storytime at Brookhaven’s new city hall building, presented by the city’s Public Engagement Specialist in partnership with the DeKalb County Public Library Brookhaven Branch and the Brookhaven Police Department's Community Engagement Unit.
Want to see your Brookhaven neighborhood event featured? Email [email protected]
EAT
Music Bingo, Restaurant Month and Mexican Hot Chocolate
🌮 Music Bingo
Chico Cantina in Town Brookhaven
Sept. 17 (and all Wednesdays in September) | 7-9 p.m.
This September, Chico Cantina is featuring music bingo every Wednesday night. A live DJ spins your favorite hits while you sing along, show how much you know about the tunes and try to win prizes.
🍽️ Brookhaven Restaurant Month
Through Sept. 30
Download the free Brookhaven Restaurant Month Pass for food deals and exclusive experiences at selected restaurants. Check in at three participating restaurants this month and you’ll earn 15% off your ticket to Taste Brookhaven on Oct. 2.
🍦 Southern Custard Flavors
Fri: Mint Oreo
Sat: Peanut Butter
Sun: Cookie Dough
Mon: Red Velvet Cake
Tues: Mexican Hot Chocolate
Wed: Caramel Apple Pie
Thurs: Coconut
Want to see your Brookhaven food or restaurant event featured? Email [email protected]
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