Georgia / School Districts / City Schools of Decatur
Principal Alexis Glenn described a year of instructional and cultural changes at Beacon Hill Middle School — from new state ELA standards and a shift to a block schedule to student-led initiatives such as a student-designed crest and an April 14 turf ribbon-cutting — and said the school's CCRPI score "exceeds 100."
Georgia / School Districts / City Schools of Decatur
At a special-called meeting, the City Schools of Decatur board considered a March 15 request from the DeKalb legislative delegation asking the district to hold a public referendum on the Early Childhood Learning Center plan and, after legal analysis and member debate, recorded a 3'0 vote on the motion.
Georgia / School Districts / City Schools of Decatur
Human Resources reported contract distribution and recruitment successes but also survey findings showing teacher concerns about workload and work‑life balance; the district will run a spring follow‑up survey and deliver school‑level action plans.
Georgia / School Districts / City Schools of Decatur
Board and staff presented FY27 draft 1 showing proposed salary/benefit increases, one‑time investments and a projected drawdown of fund balance from ~20% to about 7.7% if draft spending holds; officials said the first draft will be revised to balance recurring costs and recommended moving only one‑time items from reserves.
Georgia / School Districts / City Schools of Decatur
Staff told the board Title I allocations are shrinking, IDEA funds will decline modestly next year, and school nutrition faces a structural deficit requiring general‑fund supplementation; district plans targeted interventions and internal reallocations to sustain services.
Georgia / School Districts / City Schools of Decatur
Operations staff presented an independent risk/hazard assessment finding multiple hazards—rail corridor proximity, high‑voltage transmission, nearby gas station, and historic groundwater PCE detections—that make 525 West Howard Avenue unsuitable for a first‑to‑four early childhood learning center; the district will not pursue conversion.
Georgia / School Districts / City Schools of Decatur
City Schools of Decatur presented the Blue and Gold Institute, a campus‑based reengagement and credit‑recovery program that will absorb the Decatur Virtual Academy at Decatur High School to support full‑time virtual students and those off track for graduation.
Georgia / School Districts / City Schools of Decatur
Georgia School Boards Association facilitators reviewed governance domains and norms with the City Schools of Decatur board; discussion focused on communications procedures, consultant oversight, the paused K‑2 facilities study, and how the board will use community input going forward.
Georgia / School Districts / City Schools of Decatur
Facing public concern about transparency, the board agreed to pause the administration‑led k–2 utilization study and fold enrollment/facilities questions into the next strategic‑plan cycle; members recommended a standing community advisory structure and clearer roles between board and staff.
Georgia / School Districts / City Schools of Decatur
District officials presented the design and delivery plan for a new Early Childhood Learning Center and Decatur High expansion and said Parish Construction was selected under a construction manager‑at‑risk approach; staff reported a guaranteed maximum price (GMP) capped at $22 million and defended procurement and per‑square‑foot pricing while community members asked for further cost comparisons and transparency.