The Decatur Public Schools Board of Education voted June 24 to ratify a three‑year collective bargaining agreement with the Decatur Educational Support Personnel Association (DESPA), covering July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2028.

The contract affects 81 DESPA positions (78 currently filled), and district human resources director Monica Wilkes said the agreement includes a net wage increase of approximately 6% in each year, expanded vacation allocations for employees in their first 1–10 years and an added bereavement‑leave provision “just according to federal and state law.”

Monica Wilkes opened the presentation, saying, “We are pleased to report that we have had a successful bargaining and negotiation process with DESPA.” Michelle Dixon, president of DESPA, told the board that ratification by DESPA members was unanimous. “When we had our ratification meeting, all of our members that were there, it was a unanimous decision,” Dixon said.

The district and DESPA also agreed to clarify several working‑condition provisions, add language on procedures for handling money, and establish a work group to address secretary pre‑employment testing and placement on the salary schedule with the goal of producing a memorandum of understanding by October 2025, Wilkes said.

Board attorney David Braun and Chief Financial Officer Dr. Mike Curry were part of the district negotiating team, Wilkes said. The board approved the motion to ratify the contract; the recorded vote was six ayes, zero nays and one abstention. Board member Hale registered the abstention. The motion carried.

The contract takes effect July 1, 2025; district staff will implement payroll and benefit updates consistent with the agreement.