With Land in Demand There Are Few Options for New Heards Ferry Elementary Site

School officials’ search for a new Heards Ferry Elementary location has revealed what builders have already locked in on. Sandy Springs land is in demand and there’s not much available for interested buyers.

During a Fulton school board work session, last week, Patrick Burke, Deputy Superintendent of Operations, told members that even undeveloped commercial properties are limited. 

Below: See what Burke advises given the circumstances.

“Sandy Springs has been rapidly growing,” Burke explained. Since 2007, there has been an increase of nearly 3,000 students in the K-12 populations, he said. 

“We’re seeing families moving to Sandy Springs and going to both public and private schools at high rates,” Burke said.

Fulton School officials say they’ve considered 20 sites for possibly rebuilding Heards Ferry Elementary School. One of those locations was a site on the southern end of Riverside Drive, which would’ve moved some residents out by eminent domain. That site is no longer being considered.

“Off-site elementary school options is very limited,” Burke said.  

The school board must also figure out the best course of action for Riverwood International Charter School. The high school shares the 50-acre site with Heards Ferry Elementary.

“If the goal is to replace Heards Ferry on the existing site, I would suggest a renovation addition [of Riverwood] is your best compatible option. If you want at some point to replace Riverwood high school on this site, it makes sense to consider moving Heards Ferry off the site,” advised Burke.

A budget of $38.2 million is available for Heards Ferry, whether it's rebuilt at the current location or moved off site.

Burke said $33.15 million is available for site improvements and renovation of Riverwood, however funding for rebuilding both schools on the site is not in the current SPLOST.

Visit Fulton County Schools website to see video of the school board's work session on Heards Ferry Elementary and Riverwood.

See also:

• Update: Riverside Drive Site off the Table for New Heards Ferry Elementary

• Mayor Would Side With Potentially Displaced Homeowners' in Fight for New School District

• Op-Ed Urges Fulton Schools to Utilize Residents' Expertise in Heards Ferry Elementary Decisions

• Residents Strongly Oppose Moving Heards Ferry Elementary at Meeting

• Mayor Wants to Hear Justification for Moving Heards Ferry Elementary

• (Video) Councilman Wants City in the Loop on Heards Ferry Elementary Decisions

• Homeowners Fight Eminent Domain That Would Make Way for New Heards Ferry Elementary