February 20, 2025

 

Hand Delivered
Fulton County School System
c/o Board Services
6201 Powers Ferry Road
Atlanta, GA 30339

 

Re: Contingent Offer for Charter Conversion of Spalding Drive Elementary

 

Dear Dr. Looney and Members of the Fulton County Board of Education,

We want to state unequivocally that this offer is not a request for the Board to proceed with the closure of Spalding Drive Elementary. We remain firm in our belief that closing Spalding is both unnecessary and detrimental to the district, the students, and the families it serves. However, should the Board choose to move forward with this decision despite overwhelming community opposition, we submit the following as a last-resort compromise to ensure educational continuity for the 350 families and growing who rely on Spalding.

 

Contingent Offer Terms & Conditions

1. Charter Approval & Transition

   • The Fulton County Board of Education shall approve a charter for a non-profit entity controlled by parents to operate Spalding Drive Elementary.

   • The charter shall take effect no later than July 1, 2026.

   • A Letter of Intent (LOI) has already been filed, and the non-profit entity has been formed and is in the process of obtaining 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status.

2. Interim Operations

   • The district shall continue to operate Spalding Drive Elementary until the transition date of July 1, 2026, ensuring stability for students and staff.

3. Funding & Facilities Use

   • The district shall provide a per-pupil allocation of $12,500 per student to the charter school.

   • The district shall provide and cover transportation costs for students in accordance with existing policies.

   • The district shall lease the existing school facility to the charter operator for $1 per year.

4. Facility Maintenance

   • The charter entity agrees to assume responsibility for routine maintenance and upkeep of the facility, ensuring its continued suitability for educational use.

5. Management Flexibility

   • The charter entity retains the right to contract with a management organization of its choosing, whether for-profit or non-profit, to operate the school efficiently and effectively.

 

 

Why This Offer Should Be Accepted

While we maintain that Spalding Drive Elementary should remain a traditional public school, this proposal presents a financially and operationally sound alternative should the Board proceed with closure:

 

• Minimizes Disruptions: This plan ensures students and families retain access to a stable, high-quality educational environment.

• Demonstrates Readiness & Commitment: The necessary steps to transition Spalding into a charter school are already underway, with the LOI submitted, legal entity in formation, and 501(c)(3) status pending.

• Provides Cost Savings for the District: The per-pupil funding arrangement allows the district to offload operational costs while maintaining an efficient use of existing facilities.

• Demonstrates Good Faith in Community Engagement: By approving this offer, the Board acknowledges the community’s commitment to educational excellence and ensures a responsible transition rather than a sudden displacement of students.

• Manages Enrollment Efficiently: Keeping Spalding open under a charter model alleviates overcrowding elsewhere, avoiding unnecessary pressure on surrounding schools.

• Growing Demand: Enrollment interest continues to increase, reinforcing the need for a sustainable long-term solution.

 

Contingency Clause

 

This offer is contingent upon the Board’s decision to close Spalding Drive Elementary. If the Board instead chooses to keep the school open under its current structure, this proposal is withdrawn, and we remain committed to working with the district to strengthen the school’s enrollment and financial sustainability.

 

We request a formal response to this offer no later than March 19th, 2025 and we remain open to discussions to refine necessary details.

 

Thank you for your time and consideration. We look forward to a collaborative resolution that prioritizes students, families, and the long-term success of our school community.

 

With a commitment to both the success of our school and the overall well-being of the Fulton County School District, I respectfully submit this proposal for your consideration.

 

Raymond J. Grote, III
678-416-3880 (C)

contact@savesde.com             

raymond@rg3consultants.com

Save Spalding Committee, Inc.