City Schools of Decatur unveils Blue and Gold Institute to reengage virtual and off‑track students

Dr. Dwayne Sproul, principal at Decatur High School, presented the Blue and Gold Institute, a non‑traditional academic intervention the district will host at Decatur High School to reengage students who are full‑time virtual, need flexible scheduling, or are off track for graduation. "The Blue and Gold Institute is about closing that distance," Sproul said, describing a blend of in‑person supports and online coursework.

The program will integrate the Decatur Virtual Academy onto the high school campus so students remain enrolled in City Schools of Decatur while accessing BGI. Sproul said BGI is not a separate school but an inclusive program component guided by Georgia alternative education program standards and run alongside Pearson and Georgia Virtual School course platforms. He framed the initiative as both preventative and restorative: "When learning becomes disconnected from school life, students are quietly driven academically, socially, emotionally, further from graduation," he told the board.

District data framed the urgency. Sproul cited MTSS indicators showing rising needs in attendance, behavior, and credit completion: nearly half of some MTSS cohorts require targeted support; in one month 16 students missed six or more days and roughly 68 students were engaged in credit remediation. The stated goals are to increase engagement for full‑time virtual students, provide credit recovery and online initial credit opportunities, and ensure certified staff to support academics and special education.

Entry to BGI will be data‑driven: families complete an enrollment/choice process, a counselor or administrator may refer a student, the team reviews academic and attendance data and MTSS tiering, and families attend an orientation and interview prior to placement. Exit criteria are explicit—students must show sustained academic progress, improved attendance, and self‑management skills before transitioning back to the traditional high school setting. Sproul also described a daily OneGoal coach who will meet participating students several times each week to support postsecondary planning.

Operationally, the district will reassign some Decatur Virtual Academy staff and create two BGI teaching positions (Sproul said at least one will have a special education background). Alethia Williams, the DBA director with 30 years in the district, will retire at the end of the school year; current paraprofessionals will be reassigned as needed. Sproul estimated the initial flexible space can serve roughly 30–35 students at a time while acknowledging students will cycle in and out by period.

Board members asked about hybrid options for athletes, homebound students, and whether BGI is full‑time; Sproul confirmed the model accommodates part‑day on‑campus participation, at‑home virtual work, and eligibility for homebound students. The district will finalize staffing postings and family enrollment timelines and provide community‑wide communications and future updates.

The board did not take a formal vote on BGI at the retreat; next steps are finalizing staffing, communicating enrollment criteria to families, and reporting implementation details at future board meetings.