ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA — Rockdale County Public Schools is considering a plan to consolidate four elementary schools and one middle school as the district faces a continued decline in student enrollment.
Superintendent Dr. Stephanie Johnson outlined the proposal in a newly released video, explaining that the changes could take effect as early as next fall.
“Our district is experiencing a sharp and persistent decline in the number of school aged children living within our boundaries. We have more than two thousand fewer than we did before the pandemic,” Johnson said.
According to Johnson, the district has more than 5,000 empty seats across its schools.
“And we now have over 5,000 empty seats across our schools. The main drivers are decreasing birth rates in an aging community,” Johnson said.
In addition to consolidating five schools, the proposal would rezone three other schools and two magnet programs to help balance enrollment and transportation.
Johnson emphasized that the proposed changes are not final and must be approved by the Rockdale County Board of Education.
“Please keep in mind that these are proposals only, and all changes are subject to approval by the board of education,” Johnson said.
The district plans to hold five information sessions and public hearings through December to give families and community members an opportunity to learn more about the proposal.
“I know you may have questions about what this could mean for your child, and you deserve clear, honest answers,” Johnson said.
Rockdale County is not the only metro Atlanta school district considering changes because of declining enrollment. Atlanta, Fulton County and DeKalb County schools have also discussed consolidation or redistricting plans, although some proposals have been delayed following community opposition.
The issue extends beyond Georgia. Federal data shows public school enrollment nationwide declined by approximately 1.5 million students between 2019 and 2024.
National enrollment is projected to fall by another 2 million students by 2030, with declining birth rates and relocation trends contributing to the decrease.
WSB Radio’s Ashley Simmons & Veronica Waters contributed to this story.
