February 10, 2025
Overview: The DeKalb County School District (DCSD) remains committed to prioritizing our schools, investing over $550 million this year in maintenance and capital improvements. We understand the urgency of these upgrades, which are a top priority for the District.
The Robert R. Freeman Administrative and Instructional Complex (AIC), the central hub for District operations since the early 2000s, is 50 years old. It houses administrative offices, the Family Engagement Center, International Student registrations, the District print shop, Elizabeth Andrews High School, DeKalb Early College Academy, and regional bus parking. While it contains the District’s two largest meeting rooms, parking is often limited during large events and school dismissals.
DCSD is responsible for providing adequate workspaces for employees, but overcrowding has led many staff members to share small areas or work remotely. The newly acquired building at 2175 Park Lake Drive NE will house select departments from AIC and staff from the East DeKalb Campus, including the Public Safety Unit and the DeKalb Alternative School. Relocating these units is a more practical solution, as many areas of the East DeKalb Campus require significant renovations.
Rationale: Due to market conditions and the availability of move-in-ready facilities, purchasing an existing building within the county was the most cost-effective solution. Although repurposing a school was an option, buying an office building was significantly cheaper than renovating a facility intended for a different purpose.
Funding Source: The Park Lake Drive building was purchased without using E-SPLOST or local tax funds, ensuring no impact on planned capital improvements. Instead, the District utilized its fund balance for this one-time purchase. The 88,000-square-foot building will provide essential space for staff supporting our schools and optimize areas at the AIC and East DeKalb Campus.
Timeline: The need for additional office space was identified in the summer of 2023, prompting evaluations and negotiations. While the specifics of these negotiations are confidential, the superintendent and Board Members have been kept informed throughout the process.
In November 2024, DCSD purchased an abandoned four-story building at 2175 Park Lake Drive NE, formerly owned by Kroger, Inc., for $6.5 million. This acquisition will not lead to staff expansion or new hires.
DCSD staff are cleaning the building and assessing the painting and carpet replacement costs. Relocation is expected to begin this summer.
Moving Forward: DCSD acknowledges that stakeholders were not adequately informed at the time of purchase and regrets the oversight. In the future, we will share all completed real estate transactions on the District’s website and through its various communication channels.
