Atlanta sits at a crossroads between competing visions of the public good. The City has proposed an ambitious plan to renew Tax Allocation Districts (TADs). Atlanta Public Schools (APS) has painted a picture of expanded early childhood education and better pay for teachers. Two visions for how to best use school funding with our children kept in the middle.

School Centered Neighborhood Development offers a path forward, where strong schools are not at conflict with neighborhood investment but at its very center. Read the proposal here.

As a parent of three current students in the Washington Cluster of Atlanta Public Schools, with two more children who will soon join, this issue is deeply personal to me. Our schools are more than just buildings where our children learn; they are the heart of our community. When our schools thrive, our neighborhoods grow stronger, safer, and more united. However, without responsible financial practices, our schools and our communities face a precarious future.

School Centered Neighborhood Development is a visionary approach that centers the schools neighborhood in the broader development of our local areas. Research shows that communities with strong schools attract better job opportunities and stimulate vibrant local economies. We need investment that happens FOR communities, not just TO communities.

We urge the Atlanta Public School Board to consider school-centered neighborhood investment to secure the future of our schools. This collaborative initiative can set a precedent for other districts across the metro region, fostering growth and prosperity for generations to come.

Join me in advocating for excellent, well-funded, and vibrant schools for our children. Let’s work together to ensure that our schools are at the center of neighborhood revitalization efforts. Sign this petition to demand that our voices be heard.