Burgess-Peterson Leaders Weigh In On APS Redistricting

An for her no-nonsense, children-first style.

A school that stayed out of and above the fray of a cheating scandal that rocked Atlanta Public Schools.

Children and teachers recognized by for their health and wellness initiatives and school garden.

Along with an involved parent and business base, these are just a few of the reasons Elisabeth Burgess and Reid Tankersley — East Atlanta residents whose children attend Burgess-Peterson Academy — give for why the school should remain open.

Burgess-Peterson, among the newest schools in the APS system, could close under one of four preliminary redistricting proposals by the district.

The moves — two other proposals call for Burgess-Peterson to merge with other grammar schools — are prompted by some schools facing overcrowding that's only projected to get worse through 2021.

Meanwhile, other schools are barely half-full.

APS has received plenty of feedback from several neighborhoods, including Inman Park, Lake Claire and East Atlanta, over the proposals, which some parents feel would rip their communities apart.

East Atlanta Patch caught up with Tankersley, who is president of the school's Parent Teachers Association and Burgess, chairwoman of its local school council, to get their views on the proposals and what they believe is in the best interest of the school and the neighborhood.