NAPPS Opposes Atlanta International School Property Purchase from APS

The North Atlanta Parents for Public Schools announced Tuesday that they are not supportive of the Atlanta International School's move to purchase the building it's leased from Atlanta Public Schools since 1995.

As of 3:15 p.m. on Tuesday, NAPPS had garnered 40 signatures on a petition to have the school's purchase of the APS property rejected.

The NAPPS statement attached explains that the organization finds the property sale would be "a fiscally irresponsible decision."

According to the statement,

"In the North Cluster, had our district chosen to sell our “surplus” buildings on Margaret Mitchell Drive and Northside Drive, it is reasonable to estimate (based on recent renovations and property purchases) that APS would have spent well over 100 million dollars to purchase and prepare new properties. Twenty years ago, APS leadership allowed for this long-term lease on its historic property on
North Fulton Drive never imagining the explosive growth that has occurred."

Currently, the school leases the former North Fulton High build from APS for $225,000 a year and the current lease will expire in 2051. The purchase would cost the school $6.15 million and would help close the district's $61 million shortfall for the upcoming school year.

In a recent statement published in AJC's Get Schooled Blog, AIS Board Chairwoman Deborah Sudbury and AIS Headmaster Glass wrote:

We have improved our historic neighborhood by renovating and maintaining this property and by replacing poorly maintained, crime-ridden apartment complexes with school buildings.

 Yet it doesn’t make sense for us to continue to pour money into property we don’t own, any more than it would for a renter to make improvements year after year to a house the renter could never buy. Atlanta International School wants to own its own home, while partnering with APS to improve educational opportunities for APS students.

 We are disappointed that a faction is attempting to derail what would be a win for both Atlanta International School and the students of Atlanta Public Schools.