SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. – A community-wide effort to maintain a Sandy Springs Elementary School Opening Gains Support Amid Proposed Redistricting Plans in Fulton County.

Spalding Drive Charter Elementary is one of a handful of schools Fulton County officials are considering closing due to low enrollment and aging facilities. Parents and staff members who spoke at a public forum Tuesday evening said that would be a big mistake.

“Please vote no on closing Spalding Drive,” one teacher said.

Applause erupted at the sound of those words inside Riverwood High School, where school officials held the second of three community input sessions to discuss the future of Spalding Drive.

“I worry about the effects this will have on my son and other children like him,” one parent said.

This parent told school officials that despite her son’s speech delay, he had made progress with the help of specialized classes offered by the school.

“There are so many people who have special needs kids who just need a little help to be able to attend regular classes and that foundation…this rockstar team that we have at Spalding Elementary is very crucial to that success,” he explained.

Opposition to the closure has now gained support from state lawmakers who have reached a bipartisan consensus that they want Spalding Drive to remain open.

“It’s such an important part of our community, you can see from talking to families and hearing their stories how important this school has been in the lives of members of the community and the special needs that it serves. responds,” said State Senator Josh. McLaurin told FOX 5.

They hope school board members will take all of that into consideration as the time to make a recommendation early next year approaches.

Parents will have the opportunity to provide additional feedback to school district officials at the next meeting on December 9.

The final recommended plan will be presented to the Fulton County School Board in January, with a vote expected in February.