January 20, 2022

Dr. Cheryl Watson-Harris Mrs. Melanie Pearch
Dekalb County School District
1701 Mountain Industrial Boulevard Stone Mountain, GA 30083

Dr. Watson-Harris and Mrs. Pearch,

The Principal's Advisory Councils of Chesnut Elementary School, Dunwoody Elementary School,
Dunwoody High School, Kingsley Elementary, Peachtree Middle School and Vanderlyn Elementary School and are appreciative of the time and effort that you put into optimizing schools Region One Dekalb County Schools.

Having recently heard the PAC presentation about the Comprehensive Master Plan suggested by Perkins and Will, we have significant concerns. While we appreciate the effort to address the significant overcrowding at Peachtree Middle School, our schools are not in favor of creating K-8 schools at only two of the feeder schools. From our discussion, we are concerned about equity and access to unique programming offered at Peachtree Middle including our STEM Academy, arts programs (band, orchestra, chorus, theater), foreign language classes (French and Spanish), and extracurricular activities that create community within the school including athletic programs and clubs. It seems it would be a challenge to replicate these opportunities in a K-8 environment in smaller schools with smaller campuses.

We strongly encourage you to proceed with the addition to Peachtree Middle School that was drawn on the original plans for the school and intended once student population presented the need. This addition includes new classroom space as well as a much-needed auditorium. Peachtree is fortunate to have the land to accommodate this addition. This is an equitable solution that addresses current needs and future growth.

Thank you for your attention to these concerns and for your efforts in optimizing educational opportunities for all students. We welcome discussion with you.

Sincerely,

Laraine Price and Chesnut Elementary School PAC

Wendy Foote and Dunwoody Elementary School PAC

Allegra Johnson and Dunwoody High School PAC members

School PAC

Megan Cann and Peachtree Middle School PAC MegancannOO@hotmaiI.com; 404-944-7073

Meagan Galle and Vanderlyn Elementary School PAC