I sat through the DeKalb Schools community meeting so you didn't have to

You’re welcome.

On Thursday night, DeKalb Schools held the first of two scheduled community meetings for District 1, which includes Brookhaven (and Dunwoody, Chamblee and Doraville).

District 1 Board Member Andrew Ziffer was joined by Interim Superintendent Norman C. Sauce III and more than a dozen central office staff members. 

Much of the presentations and audience questions focused on former Superintendent Devon Horton, who was indicted earlier this month, and on the Student Assignment Project, which aims to basically “right-size” the district’s schools, buildings and programs. 

Highlights are below – but be sure to scroll down past the school news for info about a proposal to raise the city’s tax rate.

1. He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named

District speakers didn’t mention Horton’s name the entire night, focusing instead on Sauce’s full steam ahead, “forward together” message 

“We're going to ensure that our [focus] stays on the needs of our children and the staff that we're serving,” Sauce said. (He also noted that Horton’s weekly newsletter, the unfortunately named Hitting the Road with Horton, has been rebranded as the DCSD Weekly Digest.)

In response to an audience question, Ziffer called the board’s decision to pay Horton a month’s salary plus accrued vacation days in exchange for his resignation “the best outcome possible.” 

“He had a three-year contract that we were concerned that he was going to try to protect. That was a million-dollar contract, and if we got any type of dispute over that, it would have been a lot of legal fees, it would have been a lot of expenses to defend it, and it would have dragged on,” Ziffer said. 

Ziffer also outlined the financial audits the district is undertaking in the wake of Horton’s indictment, including internal and external audits of any financial “touchpoints” Horton had within the district, including P-card spending and contracts approved solely by Horton.

2. Transparency and the Student Assignment Project

In January, the school board is set to consider initial recommendations on changes to school buildings, boundaries and programs, including potential closures, as part of the Student Assignment Project. The plan is for the board to make a final decision in May. 

Sauce pledged a transparent process throughout.

"I personally wouldn't support making those kinds of decisions in the dark," he said.

3. Ashford Park is the big issue

At least for Brookhaven. 

Ziffer noted Ashford Park Elementary School’s status as “the most overcrowded school in DeKalb County.” Ashford Park is at nearly 160% of its intended capacity. (Kittredge Magnet is the second most crowded elementary school in DeKalb, at nearly 140% capacity.)

“We need to fix that,” he said.

4. Changes could be coming to Kittredge

Students zoned for Montgomery and Ashford Park elementary schools make up a significant portion of the student body at Kittredge Magnet School. Members of an appointed advisory group had previously supported moving programs like the magnet program to local zoned schools. That could mean closing schools like Kittredge.

In response to audience questions, Ziffer declined to commit to keeping Kittredge open.

“I don’t know the answer to that question,” he said.

Priscilla Weaver, a central office administrator who fielded questions on the Student Assignment Project, mentioned that the district does not currently have data on how programs (including magnets) are performing. That makes it difficult to make decisions about their futures. She said the district is working to gather that data.

🐶 Howl-o-Ween Costume Contest
Sunday, Oct. 26 | 11 a.m.
Brookhaven Dog Park, 4158 Peachtree Road NE
Halloween celebration for dogs and their owners at the Brookhaven Dog Park. Pre-register online.

🧙‍♀️ Brookhaven Witches Ride
Sunday, Oct. 26 | Ride starts at 5 p.m.
Starting from Ashford Park Elementary School
Line the streets for the Brookhaven Witches Ride in Ashford Park for candy, fun and community! Follow @brookhavenwitchesride for official route and more info.

🎃 Boo Bash at Chick-fil-A Brookhaven
Wednesday, Oct. 29 | 5-7 p.m.
Chick-fil-A Brookhaven, 4046 Peachtree Road NE
Join the annual Boo Bash at Chick-fil-A Brookhaven for a night of fun, costumes and sweet treats.

💀 Haven Halloween Bash
Thursday, Oct. 30 | 6-10 p.m.
Haven Restaurant, 441 Dresden Drive NE
Live music, food + drinks, and "a costume contest that could pay for your outfit." Early bird tickets $50.

👻 Halloween Fall Sounds @ Town Brookhaven
Friday, Oct. 31 | 5-8 p.m.
Town Brookhaven, 4330 Peachtree Road NE
Enjoy trick-or-treating, crafts, LLAMA PICS and live music.

🚲 Brookhaven Bike Alliance Friday Fun Ride
Friday, Oct. 24 | 6 p.m. arrival
Brookleigh Marketplace, 3575 Durden Drive NE
Join the Brookhaven Bike Alliance for an easy 5-mile social cruise through quiet streets and car-free paths. Perfect for beginners, casual riders, and anyone who loves good company on two wheels. Stay for a social after the ride. Register.

🏈 Chamblee High School Homecoming Game
Friday, Oct. 24 | Game starts at 8 p.m.
North DeKalb Stadium, 3688 Chamblee Dunwoody Road
Celebrate #HOCO with a tailgate with bounce houses, face painting and giveaways; parade, Ed Voyles Kia Kick for Cash and football!

♻️ Buy Nothing Event
Saturday, Oct. 25 | Shopping hours 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
John Lewis Elementary School, 2630 Skyland Drive NE
Find items you need for free while clearing out unwanted items of your own. Categories include clothes, baby items, electronics, housewares and more. Donation drop off is 9-10 a.m.

🧘 Free Barre Class
Saturday, Oct. 25 | 10 a.m.
Town Brookhaven, 4330 Peachtree Road NE
Enjoy a spooky-themed 45-minute pop-up class outdoors followed by discounted deals at nearby partners. Costumes encouraged.

📚 Brookhaven Silent Book Club
Sunday, Oct. 26 | 1-3 p.m.
Sucre Brookhaven, 3940 Peachtree Road
Read silently and meet other book lovers. Bring your own book!

🍂 LaVista Park Fall Festival
Sunday, Oct. 26 | Noon-5 p.m.
LaVista Park, 1200 Block of Wild Creek Trail
Enjoy family entertainment, games and live music.

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