DeKalb County Schools threatens to sue over Emory annexation
This story has been updated.
DeKalb County Schools is threatening to file a lawsuit over the city of Atlanta’s decision to include DeKalb County students in the annexation of Emory University and properties surrounding it.
The annexation petition was unanimously approved by the City Council on Dec. 4. The 744 acre annexation proposal that also includes petitions from Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Georgia Power, Villa International, Synod of South Atlantic & Presbyterian Church (USA) Inc. and the Centers for Disease Control. While the city and DeKalb County had reached an agreement to resolve potential conflicts created by the annexation, a proposal to expand Atlanta Public Schools boundaries was added shortly before the vote occurred.
The initial proposal, which didn’t expand APS boundaries, prompted the school district to reassure parents that the annexation wouldn’t affect them. The annexation area includes about nine or 10 students, but also would remove about $2.5 million in revenue from the county school district.
The money is a pressing concern for the school district.
“With all due respect to our neighboring school district, APS should not obtain a windfall of at least $2.25 million tax dollars at the expense of DeKalb children and their educational needs. This windfall is especially egregious when this annexation does not impose an equivalent obligation,” the letter from Superintendent Stephen Green says.
Atlanta Loop contacted the city of Atlanta and Emory University seeking comment. The city of Atlanta declined to respond and a message sent to Emory University has not been returned.
Last year, DeKalb Schools unsuccessfully tried over the annexation of the University Drive and Spring Valley Lane area. The annexation took in more than 100 residents on 16.31 acres. The annexation also includes the Congregation Shearith Israel synagogue. A judge ruled the city had sovereign immunity from such a suit, School Board member Marshall Orson said.
Here’s Green’s letter.
Annexation_Letter_December_18._2017
