header banner

Redistricting

Overview of the DCSD Redistricting Process

Board Policy AD

Policy Descriptor Code: AD
School Attendance Areas

An attendance area shall be established and maintained for each school in the DeKalb County School District, with the exception of certain district-wide schools. The attendance area shall relate to the neighborhoods surrounding and in which the school is located. Students must attend the school serving the attendance area where they reside unless an exception is provided by law or Board policy.

A. Alteration of School Attendance Areas

School attendance areas may need to be altered for a variety of reasons including, but not limited to, population changes, capacity or operating efficiency concerns, change in the use of a school, closure of a school, and the opening of a new school. The Board, upon recommendation of the Superintendent, may alter school attendance areas. The Superintendent’s recommendations for alterations in school attendance areas shall be based on the following primary criteria:

1. Geographic proximity;
2. Instructional capacity; and
3. Projected enrollment.

When the primary criteria indicate more than one option for action, the options shall be evaluated on basis of one or more of the following:

1. Safety and traffic patterns;
2. Previous redistricting;
3. Intact neighborhoods;
4. Special programs, i.e., programs serving special needs students that require additional classroom space;
5. Condition of facility;
6. School feeder alignment;
7. Efficient and economical operations; or
8. Other criteria, to be publicly disclosed at or prior to a final decision by the Board.

The Superintendent shall develop a process for obtaining input from the community. In the case of school closures, the Board shall follow the procedures provided in state law regarding public hearings and comment. The Board, at its discretion, may accept, modify, or reject the recommendation of the Superintendent. The Board will base its final decision on the needs of all students in the District. The Board provides the Superintendent or his or her designee with the necessary authority to enact minor attendance area alterations that are consistent with the primary and secondary criteria listed above. Minor attendance area alteration are defined as a change in attendance area that involves the attendance line displaced no more than 1/8 of a mile from the Board approved attendance line and that involves a change of enrollment (positive or negative) of five or less (currently enrolled) students. The Superintendent shall notify the Board of any attendance area alterations.

B. Students Living in Areas Where Attendance Lines Are Altered

When attendance lines are altered, all students must attend the school serving their new attendance area, except that students rising into the highest grade available in an elementary school or middle school or rising into grades 11 or 12 in a high school will have the option of either continuing in their former school with no transportation provided by the District or attending the new home school with transportation provided under Policy ED. Students who choose the Board Policy AD: School Attendance option of remaining in their former school may later transfer to their new home school. Once the student has transferred to the new home school, the student cannot transfer back to the former school.

DeKalb County School District
Date Adopted: 1/1/1900
Last Revised: 8/5/2013

Policy Reference Disclaimer: These references are not intended to be part of the policy itself, nor do they indicate the basis or authority for the board to enact this policy. Instead, they are provided as additional resources for those interested in the subject matter of the policy.
State Reference Description
O.C.G.A 20-02-0060 Consolidation of county schools
O.C.G.A 20-02-0290 Organization of schools; employment of school administrative managers
O.C.G.A 20-02-0293 Student attending school in system other than system of student’s residence

Contact Us

Previous Redistricting Efforts

On June 6th, 2022, the DeKalb Board of Education approved new elementary attendance areas for the 2022-2023 school year as well as the temporary relocation of Cary Reynolds ES to the former Nancy Creek facility.

On April 12th, 2022, a virtual community meeting was held which presented the proposal to move Cary Reynolds ES to the Nancy Creek Facility and redistrict some students to Doraville United ES. The proposal is in response to the recently completed Comprehensive Master Plan.

Note: the information below will remain on the website as an archive only. The final plan approved by the Board on June 6, 2022 is posted at the top of this page. 
Amharic | Burmese | Nepali | Swahili

Redistricting Plan for the 2020-2021 School Year – Approved by Board February 10, 2020

Austin ES Redistricting (October 2019 – February 2020)

Austin Elementary Redistricting 2019

The purpose of this redistricting process will be to determine new attendance lines for Austin ES and to better balance student enrollment in the areas around the new school facility. In addition to Austin Elementary, the redistricting process could impact any (or all) of the Dunwoody Cluster Elementary Schools.

FAQ and Additional Redistricting Information

Round 1 – Thursday, September 26, 2019 – Dunwoody High School Auditorium – 7:00 PM

Community Feedback:

Meeting Materials:

Additional Information:

Round 2 – Wednesday, October 23, 2019 – Dunwoody High School Auditorium – 7:00 PM

Round 3 – Wednesday, November 20, 2019 – Dunwoody High School Auditorium – 7:00 PM

Superintendent’s Interim Redistricting Plan – Monday, January 13, 2020

Redistricting Plan for the 2020-2021 School Year – Approved by Board February 10, 2020

Doraville United ES Redistricting (October 2019 – February 2020)

Doraville United Elementary Redistricting 2019

The purpose of this redistricting process will be to determine new attendance lines for the new elementary school being opening in Doraville for the 2020-2021 school year and to better balance student enrollment in the areas around the new school facility. The redistricting process could impact any or all of the schools in the Chamblee and Cross Keys Clusters.

FAQ and Additional Redistricting Information

Round 1 – Wednesday, September 25, 2019 -Chamblee Charter High School Auditorium* – 7:00 PM

*Correction

Community Feedback:

Meeting Materials:

Additional Information:

Round 2 – Wednesday, October 16, 2019 – Chamblee Charter High School Auditorium – 7:00 PM

Round 2 presents alternative redistricting options for community feedback.

Community Feedback:

Round 3 – Tuesday, November 19, 2019 – Chamblee Charter High School Auditorium – 7:00 PM

Community Feedback:

Superintendent’s Interim Redistricting Plan – Monday, January 13, 2020

Redistricting Plan for the 2020-2021 School Year – Approved by Board February 10, 2020

Pleasantdale ES Redistricting (October 2019 – February 2020)

Pleasantdale Elementary Redistricting 2019

The purpose of this redistricting process will be to determine new attendance lines for Pleasantdale ES and to better balance student enrollment in the areas around the new school facility. In addition to Pleasantdale Elementary, the redistricting process could impact any or all of the Lakeside Cluster Elementary Schools.

FAQ and Additional Redistricting Information

Round 1 – Tuesday, September 24, 2019 – Lakeside High School Auditorium – 7:00 PM

The Round 1 Public Meeting introduces the redistricting process and provides information about the criteria used for redistricting.

Community Feedback:

Meeting Materials:

Additional Information:

Round 2 – Tuesday, October 15, 2019 – Lakeside High School Auditorium – 7:00 PM

Round 2 presents alternative redistricting options for community feedback.

Community Feedback:

Meeting Materials:

Round 3 – Monday, November 18, 2019 – Lakeside High School Auditorium – 7:00 PM

Community Feedback:

Meeting Materials:

Superintendent’s Interim Redistricting Plan – Monday, January 13, 2020

Redistricting Plan for the 2020-2021 School Year – Approved by Board February 10, 2020

John Lewis ES Redistricting (October 2018 – February 2019)

English | Amharic | Arabic | Bengali | Burmese | Chinese | French | Hindi | Karen | Nepali | Somali | Spanish | Swahili | Teluga | Tigrinya | Vietnamese

Superintendent Recommendation (Approved February 4, 2019)

Data Information

Public Input: Round 3 (November 27, 2018, 7:00 PM at Cross Keys HS)

Round 3 Redistricting Maps:

Public Input: Round 2 (October 24, 2018, 7:00 PM at Cross Keys HS)

Round 2 Redistricting Maps:

Public Input: Round 1 (October 2, 2018, 7:00 PM at Cross Keys HS)

The purpose of this redistricting process will be to determine new attendance lines for John R. Lewis ES and to better balance student enrollment in the areas around the new school facility. This redistricting will be the first of three years of redistricting in the Cross Keys and Chamblee clusters, as a new elementary school is scheduled to open in the northern part of the Cross Keys cluster in Fall 2020 (one year after the new John Lewis ES opens), and the new Cross Keys HS and converted Cross Keys MS facilities will open in Fall 2021.

The John R. Lewis Redistricting process could impact:

  1. Ashford Park ES (Chamblee)
  2. Dresden ES (Cross Keys)
  3. John Lewis ES (Cross Keys)
  4. Montclair ES (Cross Keys)
  5. Montgomery ES (Chamblee)
  6. Woodward ES (Cross Keys)
  7. Chamblee MS (Chamblee)
  8. Sequoyah MS (Cross Keys)
  9. Chamblee HS (Chamblee)
  10. Cross Keys HS (Cross Keys)

The attendance areas of Briar Vista ES and Fernbank ES inside the Cross Keys cluster will be included in this process.

Public Input: Round 1 (October 2, 2018, 7:00 PM at Cross Keys HS)

The purpose of this meeting is to provide and receive information to/from the community as follows:

  1. An overview of the numerous factors contributing to the redistricting recommendation
  2. A list of schools and attendance areas that could be affected
  3. General and preliminary input to/from the community regarding the redistricting process and criteria

Note: No plans will be put forward for public consideration during this first-round meeting. All comments received will be combined with staff analysis to create three redistricting options that will be presented for community input and feedback at the second meeting.

Public Input: Round 2 (October 24, 2018, 7:00 PM at Cross Keys HS)

The purpose of this meeting is to present two – four options for possible redistricting, and to solicit community input/feedback on the various elements of each option.

Note: Comments from this second-round meeting will be used to create a single staff-recommended option for possible redistricting, which will be presented for public comment and input in the third round.

Public Input: Round 3 (November 27, 2018, 7:00 PM at Cross Keys HS)

The purpose of this third and final round is to present a single staff-recommended option for possible redistricting, and to solicit community input/feedback on this option.

Note: The single option presented may not necessarily reflect any single option presented during round two. Rather, this option will be the result of all compiled public comments from rounds one and two, as well as staff analysis. Presenting this singular option will result in focused community input regarding the specific elements of the plan being considered. This plan is not intended to be final.

Superintendent-Recommended Redistricting Plan

Following community feedback from all rounds of public input (and especially the most recent staff-recommended option), the Superintendent will make any changes deemed necessary and submit the Superintendent-Recommended Redistricting Plan for Board approval.

Board Approval (February 2019)

Board approval is expected in February 2019, and any attendance-area adjustments will take effect Fall 2019.

Druid Hills Cluster Redistricting (October 2018 – February 2019)

English | Amharic | Arabic | Bengali | Burmese | Chinese | French | Hindi | Karen | Nepali | Somali | Spanish | Swahili | Teluga | Tigrinya | Vietnamese

Superintendent Recommendation (Approved February 4, 2019)

Data Information

Public Input: Round 3 (November 28, 2018, 7:00 PM at Druid Hills MS)

Round 3 Redistricting Maps:

Public Input: Round 2 (October 25, 2018, 7:00 PM at Druid Hills MS)

Round 2 Redistricting Maps:

Public Input: Round 1 (October 1, 2018, 7:00 PM at Druid Hills MS)

The purpose of this redistricting process would be to take advantage of the 300 seats of available capacity at Fernbank ES and Briar Vista ES to balance elementary enrollment in the Druid Hills cluster.

The Druid Hills Redistricting process could impact:

  1. Avondale ES
  2. Briar Vista ES
  3. Fernbank ES
  4. Laurel Ridge ES
  5. McLendon ES

Public Input: Round 1 (October 1, 2018, 7:00 PM at Druid Hills MS)

The purpose of this meeting is to provide and receive information to/from the community as follows:

  1. An overview of the numerous factors contributing to the redistricting recommendation
  2. A list of schools and attendance areas that could be affected
  3. General and preliminary input to/from the community regarding the redistricting process and criteria

Note: No plans will be put forward for public consideration during this first-round meeting. All comments received will be combined with staff analysis to create three redistricting options that will be presented for community input and feedback at the second meeting.

Public Input: Round 2 (October 25, 2018, 7:00 PM at Druid Hills MS)

The purpose of this meeting is to present three options for possible redistricting, and to solicit community input/feedback on the various elements of each option.

Note: Comments from this second-round meeting will be used to create a single staff-recommended option for possible redistricting, which will be presented for public comment and input in the third round.

Public Input: Round 3 (November 28, 2018, 7:00 PM at Druid Hills MS)

The purpose of this third and final round is to present a single staff-recommended option for possible redistricting, and to solicit community input/feedback on this option.

Note: The single option presented may not necessarily reflect any single option presented during round two. Rather, this option will be the result of all compiled public comments from rounds one and two, as well as staff analysis. Presenting this singular option will result in focused community input regarding the specific elements of the plan being considered. This plan is not intended to be final.

Superintendent-Recommended Redistricting Plan

Following community feedback from all rounds of public input (and especially the most recent staff-recommended option), the Superintendent will make any changes deemed necessary and submit the Superintendent-Recommended Redistricting Plan for Board approval.

Board Approval (February 2019)

Board approval is expected in February 2019, and any attendance-area adjustments will take effect Fall 2019.

Stone Mountain & Clarkston Cluster Redistricting (November 2017 – February 2018)

Public Input: Round 3 (January 11, 2018, 6:30 PM at Rockbridge ES)

Round 3 Redistricting Maps:

Public Input: Round 2 (November 30, 2017, 6:30 PM at Clarkston HS)

Round 2 Redistricting Maps:

Public Input: Round 1 (November 2, 2017, 6:30 PM at Freedom MS)

DeKalb County School District is announcing three public meetings to discuss redistricting in the Stone Mountain and Clarkston clusters.

The new Rockbridge Elementary School facility is slated to open January 3, 2018 following a 2.5-year temporary relocation to the former Wadsworth campus. The first full school year at the new permanent facility begins Fall 2018.

As a result of the space made available by this new, larger facility, a redistricting of attendance lines is being recommended to address overcrowding at schools in the Stone Mountain and Clarkston clusters. This redistricting recommendation, scheduled to take effect Fall 2018, could potentially impact neighborhood schools in those clusters.

Elementary schools that could be affected:

  • Allgood ES (in Clarkston cluster)
  • Dunaire ES (in Clarkston cluster)
  • Hambrick ES (in Stone Mountain cluster)
  • Indian Creek ES (in Clarkston cluster)
  • Jolly ES (in Clarkston cluster)
  • Rockbridge ES (in Stone Mountain cluster)
  • Stone Mill ES (in Stone Mountain cluster)
  • Stone Mountain ES (in Stone Mountain cluster) Middle Schools that could be affected:
  • Freedom MS (in Clarkston cluster)
  • Stone Mountain MS (in Stone Mountain cluster)

High Schools that could be affected:

  • Clarkston HS (in Clarkston cluster)
  • Stone Mountain HS (in Stone Mountain cluster)

The redistricting process is driven by three rounds of increasingly specific community input. Once all three rounds of community input are complete, a Superintendent-Recommended Redistricting Plan is presented to the Board for approval in February 2018.

Note: All comments throughout all three rounds are limited to the redistricting criteria listed below:

  1. Safety and traffic patterns
  2. Previous redistricting
  3. Intact neighborhoods
  4. Special programs, i.e., programs serving special needs students that require additional classroom space
  5. School feeder alignment
  6. Efficient and economical operations

Public Input: Round 1 (November 2, 2017, 6:30 PM at Freedom MS)

The purpose of this meeting is to provide and receive information to/from the community as follows:

  1. An overview of the numerous factors contributing to the redistricting recommendation
  2. A list of schools and attendance areas that could be affected
  3. General and preliminary input to/from the community regarding the redistricting process and criteria

Note: No plans will be put forward for public consideration during this first-round meeting. All comments received will be combined with staff analysis to create three redistricting options that will be presented for community input and feedback at the second meeting.

Public Input: Round 2 (November 30, 2017, 6:30 PM at Clarkston HS)

The purpose of this meeting is to present three options for possible redistricting, and to solicit community input/feedback on the various elements of each option.

Note: Comments from this second-round meeting will be used to create a single staff-recommended option for possible redistricting, which will be presented for public comment and input in the third round.

Public Input: Round 3 (January 11, 2018, 6:30 PM at Rockbridge ES)

The purpose of this third and final round is to present a single staff-recommended option for possible redistricting, and to solicit community input/feedback on this option.

Note: The single option presented may not necessarily reflect any single option presented during round two. Rather, this option will be the result of all compiled public comments from rounds one and two, as well as staff analysis. Presenting this singular option will result in focused community input regarding the specific elements of the plan being considered. This plan is not intended to be final.

Superintendent-Recommended Redistricting Plan

Following community feedback from all rounds of public input (and especially the most recent staff-recommended option), the Superintendent will make any changes deemed necessary and submit the Superintendent-Recommended Redistricting Plan for Board approval.

Board Approval (February 2018)

Board approval is expected February 2018, and any attendance-area adjustments will take effect Fall 2018.

Redistricting Options to Address Cross Keys Cluster Overcrowding

DeKalb County School District will be holding three (3) public meetings to present redistricting options to address overcrowding in the Cross Keys Cluster. The community will have an opportunity to voice their comments on the proposed options at these meetings. The affected schools include Briar Vista ES, Cary Reynolds ES, Chamblee HS, Cross Keys HS, Dresden ES, Fernbank ES, Montclair ES, Warren Tech, and Woodward ES. Final recommendations on redistricting will be presented for approval at the March 2016 Board Meeting.

The meetings will be held on the following dates at the locations and times shown:

Thursday, January 14, 2016
6:00 PM
Sequoyah Middle School
3456 Aztec Road
Doraville, GA 30340 map
Video of Presentation

Tuesday, January 19, 2016
6:00 PM
Druid Hills High School
1798 Haygood Drive NE
Atlanta, GA 30307 map
Video of Presentation

Thursday, February 11, 2016
6:00 PM
Cross Keys High School
1626 N. Druid Hills Road NE
Atlanta, GA 30319 map

* Meetings will be available in the following languages: English, Español – Spanish, 中國 – Chinese, বাঙালি – Bengali, Tiếng Việt – Vietnamese, ኣማርኛ – Amharic

Round 1

Sequoyah MS (January 14) and Druid Hills HS (January 19)

  • Round 1 Meeting Comments English / (Spanish translation is forthcoming / Traducción en Español estará disponible pronto)

Round 2

Cross Keys HS (February 11)

  • Round 2 Meeting Comments English / (Spanish translation is forthcoming / Traducción en Español estará disponible pronto)
  • Round 2 Online Comment Form (Comment form closed on Monday, February 22nd at 11:59 PM)

Redistricting Process