DeKalb Schools to spend $700 million to fix crumbling buildings

WSBTV.com News Staff
·2 min read

Several DeKalb County schools will finally be getting some much-needed improvements.

After months of delays, the Dekalb County School Board voted 7-0 to approve a $700 million plan to fix their crumbling school buildings.

It comes after students went viral last year for exposing deplorable conditions inside Druid Hills High School, including electrical hazards, crumbling ceilings and issues with raw sewage.

Channel 2′s Justin Carter was at the Wednesday meeting.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

“We go to work, we roll up our sleeves,” said Dr. Vasanne Tinsley, Interim Superintendent for DeKalb Schools.

“I’m so appreciative that we are continuing to work collaboratively together,” said Diijon Dacosta, Chairman of the DeKalb County School Board.

The plan includes the revitalization of nearly 130 DeKalb County Schools.

Some schools, like Sequoyah Middle School and the newly-formed Sequoyah High School, are slated to get brand new buildings.

The project will cost roughly $170 million.

In addition, New Dresden Elementary school will get a new $42 million building. Cross Keys Middle School will get a new $90 million building, and Druid Hills High School will get $50 million in facility upgrades and enhancements.

TRENDING STORIES:

The plan also includes updated security cameras and fire alarm systems in all schools, which will cost roughly $24 million.

“We’re talking about painting, we’re talking about playgrounds, security, and infrastructure needs with technology,” Dr. Tinsley added. “I am very confident that this is a huge start to addressing those issues across the DeKalb school district.”

The money to fund these projects will be generated from sales tax dollars accumulated over the next five years, which was approved by DeKalb voters in 2021.

“It’s kind of a no-brainer if the schools are falling apart,” said Dr. Buelah Williams, whose son attends Druid Hills High School. “If they can improve the infrastructure, then that’s all good.”

Superintendent Tinsley says construction will not begin anytime soon because these projects will take years of planning and organizing.

“We have gone through iterations and iterations of project lists,” Dr. Tinsley said. “We have looked at different components and projects we need to consider across the district. We were able to land on a list today that meets the needs of our students and something that will help move the district forward.”

[SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]