DeKalb Parents Weigh Leaving Amid School Closure Fears

District announces potential shutdowns, leaving families uncertain about the future.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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After the DeKalb County School District announced plans to close more than two dozen schools, local parents like Matt Totten are now considering whether to leave the area altogether. Totten's family moved to Dunwoody in 2019 specifically for the proximity to Vanderlyn Elementary and Dunwoody High, but the potential school shutdowns have thrown their future into uncertainty.

Why it matters

The proposed school closures in DeKalb County have sparked concerns among parents about the stability and quality of their children's education, as well as the broader impact on local property values and community cohesion. Families are now weighing whether to stay in the district or seek other options, which could lead to an exodus of residents.

The details

The DeKalb County School District has identified 26 schools as potential closure candidates, citing declining enrollment and budget constraints. This has left many families, like the Tottens, unsure about where their children will attend school in the coming years and whether the neighborhood they chose will still be the right fit.

  • The DeKalb County School District announced the potential school closures on February 10, 2026.
  • The district plans to finalize the closure decisions by the end of the 2025-2026 school year.

The players

Matt Totten

A parent who lives near Vanderlyn Elementary and Dunwoody High in DeKalb County, Georgia.

DeKalb County School District

The public school system serving DeKalb County, Georgia, which has announced plans to close more than two dozen schools due to declining enrollment and budget constraints.

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What they’re saying

“The proximity to those schools is part of why his family moved to the neighborhood in 2019.”

— Matt Totten, Parent (ajc.com)

What’s next

The DeKalb County School District plans to finalize the school closure decisions by the end of the 2025-2026 school year, which will determine the future educational options for families like the Tottens.

The takeaway

The proposed school closures in DeKalb County have left many families uncertain about the stability and quality of their children's education, prompting some to consider leaving the district altogether. This could have far-reaching consequences for the local community, property values, and the overall educational landscape in the region.