Agenda Item
a. Student Assignment Project Monthly Update
Summary: Presented by: Triscilla Weaver, Ph.D., Chief of Access & Opportunity, Division of Access & Opportunity,
Dr. Cherisse Campbell, Chief of Community Engagement & Innovative Partnerships, Division of Community Engagement & Innovative Partnerships
Student Assignment
Project
March Update
Presented By: Dr. Triscilla Weaver
and Dr. Cherisse Campbell
April 20, 2026
Guiding Principles, Communications Plan
Students are our top priority!
Accessibility
January – May 2026: Feedback Phase
Shared Leadership ▪ Stakeholder feedback is essential.
▪ Prioritizes:
• Early communication
Clarity Without Finality • Intentional listening
• Visible accountability
o especially for marginalized families
▪ Every suggestion is documented.
Internal First • Informs District planning
• Develops local priorities
Respect for History ▪ DCSD Board of Education makes final decisions.
Student Assignment Project Update 2
Student Assignment Project ROUND 2 PROCESS
➢ 1-Press Conference (all major local media attending)
o March 20 @ AIC
➢ 4 -Virtual Community Meetings
➢ 6-Face-to-Face Meetings
o March 23 @ Lakeside HS
o March 25 @ Towers HS
o March 25 @ Stone Mountain HS
o March 26 @ Lithonia HS
o March 26 @ Dunwoody HS
o March 30 @ Dr. Ronald E. McNair HS
➢ 3-Virtual Staff Meetings
➢ 8 -Smaller Strategic Community Meetings
Student Assignment Project Update 3
In-Person Meeting Feedback Themes and Full Report
Expressed the need for clear, accurate, and Underscored the need for transparency
consistent data across enrollment projections, around timelines, boundaries, and cost
capacity, and financials. avoidance.
Emphasized the importance of prioritizing
student well-being and safety throughout the
Highlighted the overall lack of trust in the
process, including considerations related to
fairness and equity in the process.
transportation, grade band configurations, and
specialized programs.
Student Assignment Project Update 4
Staff Comments and Feedback Themes
Expressed similar concerns regarding Raised concerns about impact on special
information and timeline transparency, staffing programs, before and after school and student
uncertainty and job security, and finances experience, as well as large(r) class sizes and
(worry about overall and future costs). school populations.
Noted community impact, trust, and
Highlighted operations, logistics, and
engagement concerns including inclusivity and
infrastructure challenges demanding more
accessibility, building positive relationships,
attention to transportation, facility use, and
and recognition of emotional impact of
adequate staffing.
transition(s).
Student Assignment Project Update 5
Q & A, FAQs
Student Assignment Project Update 6
Communications Channels Utilized
✓ Digital Toolkit Since Feb. Launch: 151 stories that reached 60 million people
✓ Website
✓ School Messenger
✓ 3 Newsletters
✓ DSTV/YouTube
✓ Meta Ads
✓ Radio & Web Ads
MEDIA
✓ Press conference launch
& media release
✓ Pitch media for in-depth
process stories
✓ Media support at all
face-to-face events
Student Assignment Project Update 7
Communications and Outreach
Videos Meetings
✓ Dr. Sauce (Overview, Press Conference, ✓ Principal and Interim Superintendent
Cluster meeting setup, Thank you) Advisory Meetings
✓ Person-on-the-Street (English & Spanish) ✓ Staff Feedback Meetings (virtual)
✓ The Real Cost of Empty Seats ✓ Community Feedback Meetings (in person
✓ Roundtable and virtual)
✓ In the Know Podcast ✓ Guest Speaking Opportunities at civic,
✓ Community Meeting Recaps community, and faith-based groups
✓ Spanish Community Meeting (virtual)
Targeted Outreach
✓ Social Media Outreach to ZIP Codes with
the fewest survey responses
✓ Community meetings/events
✓ 12 Days of Student Assignment Project
Student Assignment Project Update 8
Community
Meeting
Data
(Virtual)
Round 2 = 753
This is a net increase of 194 more
participants than in Round 1 (559)
Student Assignment Project Update 9
Community
Meeting
Data by
Cluster
(In-Person)
Round 2 = 1,288
This is a net increase of 891 more
participants than in Round 1 (397)
Student Assignment Project Update 10
Round 2 Survey Results
Round 2 Online Feedback Survey – 4,005 surveys completed as of April 12, 2026
Parent/guardian (70.0%) Community member (13.6%)
School staff (8.1%) Student (~ 4.0%)
Primary Themes from open-ended feedback
(Themes are closely clustered — no single issue dominates)
• Community Identity & Neighborhood Schools
• Equity & Boundary Transparency
• Instructional Quality & Program Stability
• Opposition to Closures / Facility Changes
• Transportation & Operational Logistics
Key Insight
Community feedback reflects interconnected concerns, with strong emphasis on:
• Protecting neighborhood schools
• Ensuring fairness across the district
• Maintaining academic quality during any changes
Student Assignment Project Update 11
THANK YOU
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