RCPS proposes consolidating several Rockdale elementary and middle schools, public hearings set

CONYERS, GA– Rockdale County Public Schools (RCPS) announced a proposal to consolidate and rezone select elementary and middle schools beginning with the 2027-28 school year. The proposal is the first phase of Future Ready RCPS, a three-part plan to create capacity, define opportunity, and build the future for students.

The proposal responds to a sharp and persistent decline in school-aged children in the district, driven largely by decreasing birth rates and an aging population in the county. Across the district, RCPS has more than 5,000 open seats with elementary schools using about 62 percent of their seats and middle schools using about 71 percent of their seats. Enrollment fell from 16,718 students at the 2017-18 midpoint to 14,693 at the 2025-26 midpoint, a decrease of 2,025 students. Because about half of the RCPS budget comes from state funding tied to enrollment, declining enrollment means declining funding, officials said.

Instead of stretching resources thin across current schools, by combining some schools, RCPS will be able to offer more to students, officials stated in a news release. Consolidating buildings would allow schools to earn maximum state funding, strengthen programs, and potentially support a more competitive pay scale. If schools are consolidated, students will have the opportunity to access more robust enrichment and learning opportunities.

“Future Ready RCPS is not simply a plan to consolidate schools,” said Superintendent Stephanie Johnson. “It is a plan to strengthen them. Our goal is to align our resources to the students we have and the students we expect to have, so that every child has access to robust programs, excellent instruction, and caring support.”

The following schools are proposed to consolidate with other schools: M.G. Barksdale Elementary, D.L. Sims Elementary, Shoal Creek Elementary, Hightower Trail Elementary, and Memorial Middle School. 

Sections of Flat Shoals Elementary, Honey Creek Elementary, and Edwards Middle School would be rezoned to balance enrollment and transportation. Magnet grades 4-5 would relocate to Flat Shoals Elementary and Magnet grades 6-8 to General Ray Davis Middle School. High school attendance zones will not change.

Benefits for students and families: 

• Stronger programs: More robust electives and specials, such as art, music, and physical education, instead of resources stretched thin.
• Consistent class sizes: Staffing calculations remain 20-22 students for PK-K, 23-25 for grades 1-3, and 25-27 for grades 4-8.
• More equitable funding: Per-pupil funding distributed more fairly across the district.
• A broader vision: STEAM certification across all K-5 schools and more class offerings for middle school.

Some positions may be subject to a reduction in force, but RCPS has stated that consolidation does not automatically mean job loss. Certified teachers in good standing will receive priority through a transfer process that precedes the regular annual transfer process, and the Human Resources team will communicate directly with affected employees.

“We understand that this decision touches students, families, and the dedicated employees who serve them, and we do not take it lightly,” said Rockdale County Board of Education Chairwoman Sandra Jackson-Lett. “Every child in our community matters deeply to us. Our commitment is to move forward with care, transparency, and respect, keeping the well-being and success of our students at the center of every decision.”

The Superintendent will make a recommendation to the Board of Education, which is expected to consider it on Dec. 17, 2026. If approved, families will receive letters in February 2027 with their new attendance zones. Parents and the community are invited to the following information sessions and public hearings:

• Monday, Nov. 16, 2026 – Community Information Session at Rockdale Career Academy at 6 p.m. 
• Monday, Nov. 30, 2026 – Community Information Session at Pine Street Elementary at 6 p.m. 
• Tuesday, Dec. 1, 2026 – Community Information Session at J.H. House Elementary at 6 p.m. 
• Thursday, Dec. 10, 2026 – Required Public Hearing, Central Office Board Room at 5 p.m. 
• Thursday, Dec.17, 2026 – Required Public Hearing, Central Office Board Room at 6 p.m.