Community Voices Matter: APS Hosts Vital Meeting at Dunbar Elementary to Address Local Issues

Parental apprehension surged following a proposal to transform Dunbar into an early childhood center, necessitating that current students relocate. Atlanta Public Schools (APS) declared it would host community meetings intended to solicit feedback from educators, parents, and locals regarding the revised APS Forward 2040 scenarios.For families in Mechanicsville, Dunbar Elementary signifies much more than education; it serves as a vital resource offering after-school programs essential for juggling work and home commitments. During the recent meeting, parents passionately expressed their worries, rallying with the phrase, “No Dunbar, No Peace.”Parent Janet Barnett, balancing extensive work hours, articulated the potential upheaval, highlighting her reliance on Dunbar's programs for childcare. Another concerned parent, Yasmine Garner, lamented the loss of a school that has significantly contributed to the community's strength.While APS asserts the proposal remains tentative, they emphasize public input is valued, with over 6,500 survey responses already collected. The proposed changes will continue to evolve before the Board of Education examines recommendations in November.