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Decatur students thank school board for programs, safety measures and new facilities
Summary
Students told the Decatur SD 61 Board of Education during public comment that they appreciate expanded after-school programs, free bus access for high schoolers, CTE and dual-credit classes, paid internships, a new STEM magnet school and solar panels.
Student speakers addressed the Decatur SD 61 Board of Education during public comment to thank the board for programs and safety measures they said helped students learn and feel secure.
Student (speaker 1), a student in Decatur SD 61, opened the remarks by thanking board members "for all the ways you helped make school better for students like me." She listed several district services, saying, "Thanks for giving us the for and after school programs where we can learn more and have fun with our friends. And thank you for making sure we have breakfast, lunch, and even snacks on half days so we're never too hungry to learn."
The students described summer supports and in-class assistance for younger learners. Student (speaker 2), a student in Decatur SD 61, said, "Over the summer, you've helped us stay busy with cool community activities and gave us reading and math kits so we could keep learning even when school was out." The speakers also thanked the board for teaching assistants in kindergarten through third grade, which they said "really helps with reading and math skills," and for behavior interventionists and security staff who "help keep things calm and safe in our schools and classrooms."
On safety measures and district programs, one speaker said, "We see the metal detectors and wands when we come to school, and we know they're there to keep us safe." The students also cited district mental-health access programs by name, telling the board it had "approved to continue a special program like Teacher Ready. You approved Cartwheel for our district where families have access to free mental health services when families need someone to talk to."
Speakers described opportunities for older students: "My older siblings in high school can ride the city bus for free because they have a DPS high school ID. That helps a lot," one student said, adding that high schools offer more career and technical education classes and dual-credit classes, plus college visits. The students thanked the board for supporting paid internships with local businesses, naming ADM, Caterpillar and DMH.
They also commended recent facility and sustainability projects. "Most importantly, thank you for building a brand new magnet school for kids who love STEM. And thank you for installing solar panels in our district so our school used energy smarter," a student said.
The remarks ended with repeated expressions of gratitude: "You've done so much to help us learn and grow while you were a board member," and multiple "Thank you board members."
