Heards Ferry Elementary PTO Co-President Stacy Heerin said in a perfect world, her child’s school would stay right where it is.
She said the school’s age and geographic location make moving the school unavoidable, however.
“Given where we live in Sandy Springs, there’s not a lot of space for new development and new construction,” Heerin said.
Officials with Fulton County Schools confirmed they have settled on a site for the new location of Heards Ferry Elementary School. Patrick Burke, deputy superintendent of operations, said the school system has made an offer on property at 6151 Powers Ferry Road, just south of I-285. The building is owned by KBS Strategic Opportunity REIT.
The new school would relocate Heards Ferry from its current location adjacent to Riverwood International Charter School.
Burke said Fulton County Schools officials have worked closely with Sandy Springs to find a viable site, and to make the site as accessible as possible to students.
“We’ve really worked hard to find the most viable option out there,” Burke said.
Under the current plan, the school’s contractor would demolish the six-story building at the site and replace it with a new, three-story building.
The new school is scheduled to open sometime in 2015, Burke said.
Fulton County BOE member Gail Dean told constituents that she appreciated their input as the school system considered sites for the new school. There were some contentious public meetings about the move held in Sandy Springs.
“I appreciate the patience and support extended during the many months it has taken to select this school site,” Dean said. “I know you share my excitement that we remain on schedule to open this new school for students by August 2015. As we begin construction, which should be in early 2014, I will be in touch to share more information, and hope you may be a part of our groundbreaking celebration.”
Heerin said there will be benefits to the new location, even though it won’t be as accessible to pedestrians as the current Heards Ferry location.
“I think they’ll put together a nice building,” she said. “Traffic flow will better.”