[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},"mediaId",6278494,"mediaKeyId","2640905-97a9963b258c77c9ad900a8001d3237b","parentId",2640905,"title","Communications department reports growth in engagement, flags education bills to watch","audioSeconds",951,"startMs",1942000,"endMs",2893000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2640905-97a9963b258c77c9ad900a8001d3237b&start=1942&end=2893","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2640905-97a9963b258c77c9ad900a8001d3237b/thumbnail_1942000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6278494/Georgia/Communications-department-reports-growth-in-engagement-flags-education-bills-to-watch","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6278494-75539efe3617c7b165b960eef1a6a349/orig.mp4?Expires=1773839716&Signature=FdIhs8hSo-GO78SoP4ZDnvaCV4c9w~TEIKUlVHza9qc06BgMk8wCjXscXfKJtDIe~DFOJONAS8~g9arR5f4c8xqWzo4T~sLRMdYM6MEnPgvuv8bvRUNtpurKRfOCBivExjYqFcInaXrnhAJYWkzI8skMOzWTgs0O9Raz3eI8RZc7ZMjgT~Dpid2jLBkoEGqQTPaIQUlRhqnQYpXPJ~DFfH2PJwGGcQYWu5uTFjqodWaKTp7xmkvX669~qYr7Y39YehhNQ5EzlYdtBz1qFhHZCQIOK0Wori4zPqvubSu2Y~7Odz~gN-A-RorsshKi4l4dh~brmNjEuNEq351eOCPhfA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","","date","2025-03-14T19:22:53Z","article","The City Schools of Decatur communications department updated the Board on its second year of operations, reporting increased stakeholder engagement, a new website and active legislative tracking as the Georgia General Assembly’s crossover deadline passed.

Key accomplishments: Chief of Communications McCall Parenga (presented as McCall Hartmarunga) said the department established districtwide standards for communications, improved crisis and emergency timelines, launched a podcast (“CSC Words of Dr. Whitaker”), and expanded translation and ADA compliance. The team reported a sharp rise in inquiries handled — from roughly 800 emails the prior year to more than 3,000 from March to March — and said a redesigned district website and app are in rollout. The department said it has begun more proactive media outreach and has supported principal‑level editing and materials to ensure consistent school communications.

Legislative summary presented: The department’s legislative coordinator provided a non‑exhaustive list of education bills the district is monitoring after crossover, including measures that would:
- Restrict transgender athletes’ participation in certain designated female activities (SB1/HB267) and require changes to restroom/changing‑area policies (HB267 contains related language);
- Create an Office of Safe Schools and statewide behavioral threat management support (HB268);
- Revise or potentially repeal certain local automatic traffic enforcement camera authorities and define school zones/timing (HB225, HB651);
- Change compulsory attendance law provisions and require attendance review teams and interventions (SB123);
- Expand required school safety tools and mapping (SB17) and revise responsibilities for board member conduct/training (SB4);
- Limit personal electronic device use in K–8 (HB340), and other bills affecting QBE allocations, preK, and special education provisions (HB307/SB93 among others).

Staff noted the district’s in‑house legislative designee and lobbyist are monitoring nearly 40 education‑related measures and will brief the Board as bills move to final passage. Communications said it will continue to update the Board and stakeholders as the session proceeds and as any legislation affects district operations.

Ending: Board members asked about student engagement products such as a student newsletter; staff said they are exploring student‑led communications initiatives. The department will continue to brief the Board as the legislative session concludes and as the department scales school‑level support.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","March 11, 2025, Board of Education Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","City Schools of Decatur’s communications department reported expanding capacity — including a redesigned website, a new podcast and greater translation/ADA compliance — and gave the Board a roundup of education bills that crossed over the Georgia General Assembly’s deadline.","taxTitle","City Schools of Decatur, School Districts, Georgia","taxId",38463,"location","Georgia","headline","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6278506,"Decatur board backs DDA plan for mixed‑use redevelopment at 750 Commerce Drive",114,1546000,1660000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2640905-97a9963b258c77c9ad900a8001d3237b&start=1546&end=1660","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2640905-97a9963b258c77c9ad900a8001d3237b/thumbnail_1546000.jpg","/articles/6278506/Georgia/Decatur-board-backs-DDA-plan-for-mixeduse-redevelopment-at-750-Commerce-Drive","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6278506-dae24698f997fd0580b7ce22c0347b63/orig.mp4?Expires=1773839716&Signature=BqORmwmZV8Y2OU4~ehTKfFuSMEU0vWvDD7ZMsfbuVx03u4KYsBYmMk0wtZavI6Vqmw4Sn152hZuNvKJAojIAXFal2sHSCy2Gf9~6ZT414VTp5PeDXrp0IbPZZB8wqgkO5nzCzfeX6tEhplAxcGBxoCDklA0mLqzVkg6pwOKgyTuZo6GfY-vwA5xt1yxQrbx1x0uPxfu53yDP5MGiwNggT5fImLqSQdQU4XuRr9hnDlzPATLVJmzIqLrpcmp7mv5Vv2kRVqoVc6BITFuOUNwbE1z6LRKpvGgpYEaObuaE1QEXDD-90dfZdgdwdWqyvagOuBFBjXjHkdx9PxH47C5vVw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The City Schools of Decatur Board of Education on Tuesday voted unanimously to approve a resolution of support requested by the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) so the DDA can move forward with financing a mixed‑use redevelopment at 750 Commerce Drive.

The redevelopment proposed by AMLI/Prime Property Fund would combine the vacant former Kroger site and adjacent land to build 361 residential units, about 13,000 square feet of grocery space, roughly 12,000 square feet of additional street‑front retail and a parking deck. The project includes 36 units set aside at no more than 80% of area median income and a requirement that those inclusionary units be offered first, for six months, to City Schools of Decatur and City of Decatur employees.

Why it matters: Board members said the project would return a long‑vacant grocery anchor to walkable downtown Decatur and add new housing and retail. The city/DDA proposal uses a development‑authority bond structure in which the DDA temporarily owns the land and improvements and leases them back to the developer; the developer makes scheduled payments in lieu of taxes (PILOTs). Over the 10‑year PILOT schedule the developer will pay a reduced tax stream compared with full assessed taxes; the agreement and DDA documents require community benefits (public realm improvements, parking, Paseo, multi‑use path, grocery lease) equal to the value of the incentive.

What the board approved: The Board passed a resolution of support so the DDA may finalize an economic development agreement and proceed toward bond validation. The DDA and city commission have already approved parallel resolutions; the DDA will consider final bond documents later in the week before seeking Superior Court validation.

Key fiscal highlights presented to the board:
- Projected total developer construction cost: about $140 million (roughly $415k per unit).
- Taxes if fully on the rolls (no incentive) were shown as approximately $28.5 million over 10 years; under the proposed PILOT the developer would pay about $14.5 million over 10 years.
- Incremental tax revenue to the city/county over the 10‑year incentive vs leaving the property vacant was presented as a material positive; the analysis projected continued larger tax receipts in years 11–20 once the incentive ends and the property is on the tax rolls.
- The presentation included an estimate that a development at this density would add roughly 44 K–12 students to the system (about a 12% yield based on comparable recent multifamily projects), with taxes per added student rising as the project matures.

Conditions and controls included in the economic development agreement: a definition of a “qualified grocery” (a national chain with at least ~200 outlets), requirement of a 10‑year grocery lease before incentives begin, developer reporting and inspection rights for the DDA, clawbacks and monetary penalties if the grocery fails to open or remains closed beyond short allowable periods, and restrictions on assignment or change of control without DDA approval.

Board action and next steps: The board’s motion to approve the resolution of support carried unanimously. The DDA will consider final bond documents on its next agenda, seek Superior Court validation of the bond issuance, and only after required conditions — including evidence of a grocery lease and completion milestones — will the bond closing and construction proceed.

Discussion vs. decision: The board’s vote was a statement of support permitting the DDA to proceed with financing and validation steps; it was not a development permit or final tax abatement beyond the DDA process. The agreement contains multiple performance milestones and termination/clawback provisions the DDA and city must enforce if conditions are not met.

Ending: The board and city emphasized the project’s downtown grocery anchor and public‑realm improvements as primary benefits; board members asked administration to track anticipated pupil yield and tax receipts and to report any material changes as the project moves through validation and permitting.","The City Schools of Decatur Board of Education voted unanimously to support the Downtown Development Authority’s plan to finance a 361‑unit mixed‑use redevelopment at 750 Commerce Drive that includes 36 income‑restricted apartments and a grocery anchor.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6278497,"City Schools of Decatur gives quarterly update on new Early Learning Center; construction selection planned this spring",500,3240000,3740000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2640905-97a9963b258c77c9ad900a8001d3237b&start=3240&end=3740","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2640905-97a9963b258c77c9ad900a8001d3237b/thumbnail_3240000.jpg","/articles/6278497/Georgia/City-Schools-of-Decatur-gives-quarterly-update-on-new-Early-Learning-Center-construction-selection-planned-this-spring","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6278497-956e44df244d6bb9117ed131c9be8316/orig.mp4?Expires=1773839716&Signature=jrcEgHk99j2tZnH6s~c6xT168yKrK6rO8QOt10o30LSumvqWvRyoNCCtrT9QVGwO46xEluiiC6vPMVxvgzrvbOtoo0gff4NeUVM8G7eiDQ~~k0ugZ5BkowyFU6C0bndmIDxiKo~9nW26dMIxC6FuAYpdZA3QedevBT1Wo~kDr95lDd3Kd4Iu~euLKcJswJbkqziR8GAipy2ZMovNb8rf5hNWFUxUnv2VWl-76~o6MIhqcQPcwMX14bcqT03pLUoMt~85BRmXQhIt3FUAGtrwYbcjgAyEmAbYuXbxbBByfoV9~i7aLgUXe7k1lG9ml1Lkin5-S5NQ7wU5dMZTs1ABJA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City Schools of Decatur provided a quarterly update on construction and programming for a new Early Learning Center the district plans to open in fall 2027, with schematic design and selection of a construction manager‑at‑risk (CMAR) scheduled this spring.

What the board heard: Assistant Superintendent Jennifer Burton recapped a February site visit to the Grand Rapids Community College Early Learning Lab and summarized four design priorities: child‑centered innovative learning environments with natural elements, teacher development and in‑class coaching, integrated wraparound family services (health screenings, early intervention, family workshops), and flexible access strategies (partial‑week or scholarship slots) to improve inclusion.

Enrollment and capacity: Burton said there are existing waitlists at College Heights and Frasier Center (Frasier waitlist 17; College Heights waitlist 98 as of the prior day). Staff said historically 50–60 children living at the Decatur Housing Authority (DHA) are in the birth‑to‑Pre‑K range and the plan is to reserve spaces for DHA children. The early learning program will integrate state Pre‑K classrooms, and Bright from the Start funding rules (roster counts and credentials) will apply.

Funding model and schedule: Burton described a “braided” funding model intended to preserve access for the most in‑need students: (1) scholarship/grant‑funded slots prioritized for highest need, (2) reduced‑pay sliding scale (similar to current Frasier Center practice) and (3) full‑pay slots. The district solicited CMAR proposals; selection and schematic design completion are scheduled for April, with design development in May and a further quarterly update in June.

Facilities coordination: The team is meeting with city departments (fire, traffic, public works), the district’s safety and security staff and the design team to resolve site utilities, traffic and safety benchmarks; roofing/structural items will be included in schematic plans. Burton noted the Frasier Center is at capacity and that the new center should allow the district to provide improved infant/toddler care and relieve overcrowding.

Ending: Board members praised the site visit learnings and the clear timeline. Burton said the construction manager selection will come back to the board for approval and another quarterly update is due in June.","City Schools of Decatur reported progress on the new Early Learning Center, including a braided funding plan to preserve access, current waitlists at existing centers, and a plan to select a construction manager‑at‑risk with schematic design due in April.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6278501,"Board reviews draft policies to reintroduce nonresident paid tuition and courtesy tuition",244,948000,1192000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2640905-97a9963b258c77c9ad900a8001d3237b&start=948&end=1192","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2640905-97a9963b258c77c9ad900a8001d3237b/thumbnail_948000.jpg","/articles/6278501/Georgia/Board-reviews-draft-policies-to-reintroduce-nonresident-paid-tuition-and-courtesy-tuition","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6278501-e3d740cb1cf7c65ca7c8d514b30024c3/orig.mp4?Expires=1773839716&Signature=K9-hz1japoebur~GW~4dz~orI2I~R-Q9N9cS-KjsGlLAFyAF~Ksw5Y3~Vvdeo52lcJ5Vrb26VchEUdOLZl2ct4K415iO8l9-YfC5vpBim54R5ehpiWqacWCo8Y4yqsFMYCMPshdNYIzEf2ojc8eAv5PhmllMe~-Tc-rMqclC2t-lXhq0ev24qgeH1eAahwM9X94TvrH~qLF~rbwSn3B-~rIltRhAvrUEx8yW-oeprFCQJWQoU5IlFga7GgattkkTCeOH2~dvX-Lq911AOHAXEkIE14jDItcbX4XsmNYBxr6gXILUnC1R9TnKrxqv3QiZqQwH~c3jkv7FIGxLdzlynA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The City Schools of Decatur Board of Education on Tuesday discussed draft revisions to the district’s student admissions code that would reintroduce paid nonresident tuition and formalize “courtesy tuition” for employees.

What was presented: Amanda Lynch, chief of staff, told the Board staff propose to split the current admissions language so that policy JBC focuses on standard age/residency admissions and a new policy, JBCB, would address nonresident students and courtesy tuition. Highlights of the proposed JBCB draft included:
- Definitions separating “courtesy tuition” (an employee benefit) from “nonresident paid tuition.”
- Annual application and annual determination for both categories, subject to space and program availability.
- Courtesy tuition eligibility proposed for employees who work at least 0.8 FTE; if an employee separates from service the family would be required to apply as paid nonresident tuition to continue enrollment.
- Nonresident paid tuition rates to be set by law and collected in advance; falsified information would trigger immediate withdrawal and forfeiture of tuition.
- A superintendent‑level regulation would set procedures and a priority method for enrollment.

Board concerns and clarifications: Members pressed for clarity on several operational points that Lynch and staff recommended be handled in regulation rather than policy. Specific topics discussed included:
- Priority when demand exceeds space: staff said courtesy tuition would take precedence over paid tuition (consistent with past practice) and suggested making that clear in regulation.
- Grade‑band limits and cohort continuity: board members asked whether the district should limit eligibility by grade band (for example only K–5 in Year 1); staff recommended leaving that to annually updated regulations and highlighted the importance of a process to consider students aging through cohorts so children are not forced to change schools mid‑path.
- Transportation and extracurricular eligibility: the draft states nonresident students would not be eligible for district transportation to and from school; board members asked whether transportation for athletics/events would be permitted (staff said nonresident students would not ride regular buses to and from school but noted athletic eligibility rules under Georgia High School Association could apply and that those details would be linked in accompanying regulations).
- Cost and “fully loaded” tuition: some members asked staff to calculate the full per‑student cost (including nutrition, transportation and other services) so tuition levels match district expenses.

Next steps: Lynch said the draft policies are an initial presentation for board feedback and will be revised before a scheduled first read next month. Staff indicated most operational details, including grade bands, priority processes, and athletic eligibility details, would be built into the accompanying regulation and administrative procedures.

Ending: The Board gave input and asked staff to return with a revised draft and regulation language clarifying priority rules and the enrollment/continuity process; no formal vote was taken during the prework session.","City Schools of Decatur officials presented two draft policies — a revised JBC (school admissions) and a proposed JBCB (nonresident students) — to govern courtesy tuition for employees and paid nonresident tuition, prompting questions about enrollment priority, grade bands and transportation.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Communications department reports growth in engagement, flags education bills to watch

Decatur board backs DDA plan for mixed‑use redevelopment at 750 Commerce Drive

City Schools of Decatur gives quarterly update on new Early Learning Center; construction selection planned this spring

Board reviews draft policies to reintroduce nonresident paid tuition and courtesy tuition