Secondary Schools Planning and Feasibility Study

As School Council Representatives from Cross Keys High School, we support a

modified version of Option B with the following key points:

A new HS with common areas, such as the cafeteria, auditorium, gymnasium, to

support 2,800+ students; the initial site plan could support 2200-2400 students.
A new MS to support 1800 students.
Both new schools utilizing the existing properties at the Briarcliff and current
Cross Keys HS locations; the final determination of which location houses which
school to be determined at the discretion of DCSD.

Supporting Rationale:

Option B as modified provides the most seats in the least amount of time with the
least amount of money and will benefit the highest number of students in both
Regions 1 and 2.
Options A and C require additional land purchase(s) and funding to be secured
before construction can begin. Neither variable is guaranteed; a modified Option B
can begin immediately. We are not willing to wait or gamble on uncertainties.
If additional money is available, it should be used to remodel other schools in the
Cross Keys cluster. Many of them have been completely neglected in previous
SPLOST allocations; they are in a state of disrepair and are unable to accommodate
students in an equitable way.
Options A and C create a fourth cluster that would continue the segregation of
low-income and minority students.
o
Based on current and projected housing populations and patterns, it is not
possible to have a fair and equitable feeder pattern that creates a diverse
school of mixed ethnicity and income levels without any one population
traveling unacceptable distances.
o
A modified option B helps ensure the past segregation and inequities do
not continue.
Option B with a more centrally located HS is better positioned for flexibility and
adaptability of use beyond what current planning models can predict. Options A and
C create a large new HS at the northern periphery of the County, making it vulnerable
to underutilization as populations and housing patterns change over time.
Bigger high schools provide more academic opportunities (e.g. additional AP
classes, an IB program, and/or a language-immersion program) and greater
athletic opportunities that will help close the current gap in Title IX athletic
offerings for the Cross Keys cluster.

Cross Keys High School

1626 N. Druid Hills Road NE | Atlanta, Georgia 30319 | 678-874-6102 | crosskeyshs.dekalb.k12.ga.us

Important Points:

Economically diverse schools provide all students with important opportunities

and exposures that go beyond academics.
o
Communicating and collaborating with people who are different from you
and learning how to handle new situations are two of the most critical life
and work skills needed to succeed in the 21st century; students from both
ends of the spectrum benefit when they interact with each other.
o
Underprivileged students become exposed to a world that previously may
have been unknown or seemed unattainable to them. Through friendships and
activities outside of school, they make connections, learn skills and gain
motivation that will help them pull themselves and their families out of
poverty.
o
Students whose birth circumstances afforded them more advantages and
opportunities are able to develop a better sense of understanding, compassion
and appreciation that will help them grow into well-rounded, happier adults.

Children are not Title 1; schools are Title 1.

o
Title 1 resources are not allocated to individual students; if they leave a
school, the money does not follow them.
o
Title 1 resources are allocated to schools that are unable to generate
additional PTA, foundation or other community funding mechanisms.
o
All schools provide support for students who are behind or who have
challenges, regardless of Title 1 status.

Additionally, we recognize that current political proposals might affect the Briarcliff property, such
as the potential annexation of Emory University and surrounding neighborhoods. We recommend
that DCSD be strategic in its decision to place either a high school or middle school at this location.
We greatly appreciate the DSCD taking the necessary steps to address the severe overcrowding and
inequities that have existed in our cluster for way too long. We are thankful for the opportunity to
provide feedback and we look forward to working together as solutions are implemented.
Sincerely,
Cross Keys HS School Council
Sequoyah MS School Council
Please note, our position is based on the following input received from our community: 2 public
meetings with the Latin American Association and Center For Pan Asian Community Services, along
with numerous informal dialogues with the Northwoods Area Neighborhood Association, the Cross
Keys Parent Center, the Cross Keys Foundation, and the general student and parent population from
the Cross Keys cluster.

Cross Keys High School

1626 N. Druid Hills Road NE | Atlanta, Georgia 30319 | 678-874-6102 | crosskeyshs.dekalb.k12.ga.us