Decatur schools honor retiring superintendent Dr. Rochelle Clark as district leadership changes

The Decatur Public School District 61 Board of Education on June 23 adopted a resolution commending Dr. Rochelle Clark for her years of service as superintendent and recognized improvements the district credited to her leadership.

The board’s resolution, read into the record by President Clevenger, praised Clark for long‑range planning, facility improvements, academic progress, fiscal responsibility and community partnerships and formally accepted her resignation in retirement effective June 30, 2026.

Speaking after the resolution, Dr. Clark thanked the board and staff and outlined initiatives she said were implemented under her tenure. She cited a summer voucher program and expanded internships, said the district obtained "$10,000 in grant funds to provide … schooling for those students that were expelled," and reported percentage improvements the district attributed to recent efforts: a stated 59% increase in a targeted cohort’s attendance or participation, a 9% increase in high school graduation, an 84% reduction in expulsions, a 77% drop in expellable offenses, a 28% reduction in physical altercations and a 5% overall increase in reading. Clark also noted expanded security measures, technology upgrades, a camera trailer for events, a districtwide nurse in every building and increases in industry certifications.

Board members and community speakers gave Clark a standing ovation. The meeting also included a formal welcome to incoming superintendent Dr. Nicole Moody, who asked the board for "your trust" and "some time" to continue building on the work cited by Clark.

The resolution and remarks conclude Dr. Clark’s formal duties on June 30; the board and administration said they will continue transition work with Dr. Moody.