Supporters Urge Funding for Jesse Norman School of the Arts; County Approves $10,000 Allocation

Several speakers appealed to the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners Oct. 28 to fund the Jesse Norman School of the Arts, a recently launched Eastside Atlanta nonprofit arts school serving children across grade levels.

Public-comment speakers described rapid program growth and community impact. Trevor Austin Pearson, representing the school, requested equitable support and cited the program’s comprehensive arts-education goals. Soyini Coke, a strategy consultant and board supporter, said the school expanded from 35 to 65 students in about 14 months and is serving at‑risk youth with after‑school programming. Lindy Newman and others also urged commissioners to invest county funds to sustain and grow the arts education offering.

Board action: The school was included in the consent agenda as item 15.19 — “Allocate $10,000 of District 4 FY25 reserved for appropriation to the Jesse Norman School of the Arts Eastside Atlanta to support fine arts and academic achievement.” That consent package was moved and approved during the meeting; the clerk recorded the consent motion and the board passed the consent items as read.

Why it matters: Speakers said the school serves students who otherwise lack access to intensive arts instruction, and that county support would help maintain tuition accessibility as the program grows.

Details and context: The Jesse Norman School opened roughly 14 months ago, according to commentators, and has expanded enrollment. Supporters said the program helps students at risk and that commissioner-level sponsorship (District 4) helped the school obtain initial county consideration.

Next steps: The $10,000 allocation appears on the consent items approved at the Oct. 28 meeting; the county’s finance and grants processes will address disbursement and any reporting requirements associated with the appropriation.