Outgoing Decatur board leader urges focus on vulnerable students as reading scores climb
Get AI-powered insights, summaries, and transcripts
Subscribe
Summary
Dr. Jana Johnson Davis, leaving the City Schools of Decatur board after six years, highlighted improved reading outcomes for economically disadvantaged students and urged continued focus on early childhood access, teacher development and inclusion.
Dr. Jana Johnson Davis, a longtime teacher and outgoing member and former chair of the City Schools of Decatur board, reflected on six years of district work and urged the board and community to keep the district’s most vulnerable students at the center of decisions.
Davis credited a multi-year strategic plan developed during her chairmanship and data-driven instructional changes for recent gains on the College and Career Ready Performance Index (CCRPI). "So from moving from 38% to 54% to now being at 63% without regression to the mean," she said, describing improved reading proficiency among students who are economically disadvantaged.
The progress, she and host Dr. Whitaker said, rests on three pillars: stronger tier-one instruction, evidence-based remedial programs and investment in staff. "Making sure that teachers are firmly established in the science of reading," Davis said, naming curriculum, remedial supports and professional learning as central elements.
Both hosts pointed to a "grow-your-own" hiring pipeline. "When we were hiring, 60% of those that are new to their role this year came from within," Dr. Whitaker said, and Davis described efforts to convert paraprofessionals and local college graduates into certified teachers.
Looking ahead, Davis said she wants the Early Childhood Learning Center (ECLC) project completed so more families can access quality early childhood education. "My desire is to see the new ECLC come to fruition," she said, linking early learning access to longer-term gains in proficiency.
Davis also urged continued community engagement and empathy toward school board members. Reflecting on her final board meeting, she said: "I challenge my fellow board members to continue being the voice of our most vulnerable students... not all families are gonna write the op ed to Decaturish. Not all families are gonna be able to... speak during public comment. But their voices are no less important."
Davis will remain active in Decatur community work, the hosts said, and the interview closed with thanks for her six years of service and an appeal to maintain focus on inclusion and outcomes for students.
The district did not announce new deadlines or votes during the conversation; Davis framed the items discussed as ongoing priorities rather than immediate board actions.