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