09-28-18 Sandy Springs Reporter

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SEPT. 28 - OCT. 11, 2018 • VOL. 12— NO. 20

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► Innovation Center celebrates its first startup ‘graduation’ PAGE 12 ► As 285/400 interchange expands, air pollution is a concern PAGE 6

Group calls for independent school system

Festival friends

BY EVELYN ANDREWS evelyn@reporternewspapers.net

Starr Alston says hello to Boots the goat at the petting zoo, just one of many attractions at the 33rd annual Sandy Springs Festival that ran Sept. 22-23. This year’s edition was held at the new City Springs civic center.

PHIL MOSIER

Two Sandy Springs residents, including City Councilmember Jody Reichel, have launched a group to study the feasibility of an independent school system, citing the desire for greater local control. The study would explore whether Sandy Springs’ taxes would generate sufficient funding to operate the 11 public schools within the city’s borders, which are currently operated by the Fulton County School System. Regardless of the results, creating a new district would require a state constitutional amendment. “It’s just an investigation right now,” Reichel said in an interview. Fulton County Schools and area school board members Julia Bernath and Gail Dean did not respond to questions about the idea. Members of the group suggesting an independent school system include Reichel, who says she is working on the effort as an independent citizen, and CherSee GROUP on page 22

Battle against Tesla CEO is latest high-profile case for local lawyer Page 4

Would a local Board of Education for Sandy Springs be able to better understand the unique needs of our 10,000 students at our 11 public schools? We believe all evidence points to ‘yes.’ CHERYL BARLOW CITIZENS FOR LOCAL AREA SCHOOL SYSTEMS.

See COMMENTARY, page 10

OUT & ABOUT Welcome fall with Apple Cider Days Page 16

City cites transitional housing in condos BY EVELYN ANDREWS evelyn@reporternewspapers.net

The city plans to take a controversial nonprofit to court over lack of a business license for using condos as transitional housing. The owner of Mary Hall Freedom House, which provides several services out of condos it purchased earlier this year, said it does have proper licenses and See CITY on page 15


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