UPDATE: Avondale Middle and High to Close; Avondale Elementary Attendance Lines Redrawn

Even power outages didn't stop the DeKalb County School System from voting on the redistricting and school closures, including Avondale Middle and High schools.

Interim Superintendent Ramona Tyson's recommendation presented to the board during its February 7th meeting was approved with a few adjustments, according to a press release that came at the end of the meeting.

As a result, in the Decatur-Avondale Estates Patch local area, Avondale Elementary attendance lines were redrawn with exceptions, though it's unclear because maps were not published at the time of this article.

In addition, Avondale Middle and High schools will go dark at the end of this school year. For the next academic year, students will be sent to schools, including Druid Hills High and Shamrock Middle in the local Decatur-Avondale Estates Patch area.

"This is a good win for our community," said David Milliron, mayor pro tem of Avondale Estates, who with local resident Lawrence Shaw petitioned the school board with nearly 500 signatures in support of the closures and redistricting.

"Now the focus has to be on a long term plan to fill Avondale Middle and High school facilities with programs of excellence," Milliron added. "That can be done with the [DeKalb Schools'] 20-20 Vision that the school board is expected to receive in August."

According to the school system, the latest maps and updates regarding the final redistricting plan will be available later this week athttp://www.dekalb.k12.ga.us/redistricting.

Despite attempts by some Avondale High alumni and students to keep the school open, during the months-long process. More than 500 local residents signed a petition supporting Tyson's suggested closure.

"When you look at what's going on tonight, keep in mind what schools are being affected," said DeKalb School Board member Sarah Copelin-Wood, before the vote. She said the schools in the southern part of the county were singled out, as several shouts of "resegregation" from the crowd were heard.

Milliron said Avondale Estates "never turned its back" on Avondale schools including in the most recent academic year as the residents continue to provide funding through the Touchdown Club and tutoring help.

"We have continued to invest in our schools," Milliron said. "History is as thick as blood in this community. Just as we are excited for the new opportunity to have our children attend Shamrock Middle and Druid Hills High, we are just as saddened that an era is about to close on these Avondale schools."

The DeKalb County School System is scheduled to present the 10-year facility master plan as part of its 2020 Vision to the board in August.