CSD Supe Scoop

Greetings, CSD:

We began this semester with the board's approval of the highly anticipated 2025-2026 school calendar. Since then, we've made progress by enacting various policies, completing summer program planning, finalizing the ELA textbook selection and grading guidelines, introducing push notifications, bolstering cybersecurity, and restructuring the district's Multi-Tiered Systems of Supports (MTSS) implementation for all students. We also assessed the district's operations and have scheduled long-overdue maintenance for facilities, including replacing HVAC units at Decatur High School this summer.

In the remaining months of the 2023-24 school year, we need to approve the FY25 Budget. The board adopted the FY25 Budget Parameters. A key budget priority of the board and stakeholder input is enhancing staff compensation. I have diligently searched for funding within the current budget, analyzing staffing allocations, scheduling, and zero-based budgeting in detail. Although some adjustments will be necessary, I am dedicated to securing the required funding without eliminating positions. The final budget will be presented to the board for approval in May.

I want to express my gratitude to the entire CSD school community for your continued support of CSD. Together, we will ensure that ALL students are well-prepared to successfully take the next step in their journeys after graduation. I wish you all a well-deserved and enjoyable spring break. Let's return rejuvenated and ready for a successful end to the school year!

In January, members of the Board of Education joined the administration for visits at Fifth Avenue, Winnona Park, Beacon Hill, Oakhurst, and Decatur High. Visiting school sites can be a rich learning opportunity for board members. Research illustrates that teachers are the number one factor influencing student achievement, followed by principals as the number two factor. The visits provided opportunities for board members to hear from students, staff, and school leaders to inform their governance of CSD.

In recognition of National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, the Student Support Services team recently hosted CSD's inaugural Yes I Can! Awards ceremony. The CSD Yes I Can! Awards are based on the national program hosted by the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) to uplift our students across CSD with exceptionalities who have demonstrated success in their unique talents and achievements in multiple ways. Students, their families, and the dedicated support staff were celebrated by school principals, Board Member Hans Utz, Dr. Gyimah Whitaker, the cabinet, and others. We congratulate all the students and thank the special education department for creating an inclusive environment where all students can reach their highest potential!

On April 8, residents in northern Mexico, the U.S., and southeastern Canada will witness totality – a rare darkness during daylight offering a glimpse of the Sun's corona. CSD will operate on a normal schedule. However, all school-sponsored outdoor after-school activities will be canceled.

Since the solar eclipse will occur during dismissal, CSD will provide solar eclipse glasses for all students in grades Pre-K - 12 to safely enjoy the event. However, after students are dismissed from school, as walkers or after they disembark from the bus, CSD cannot monitor nor ensure proper use of the eyewear by students.

If you have concerns about your child using the eclipse glasses properly, please plan to pick them up for early dismissal. Families who would like to enjoy the event together are also encouraged to check students out for early dismissal.

To ensure safe viewing of the eclipse, the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the American Astronomical Society are collaborating to educate the public. Staring directly at the sun, even during a partial eclipse, can lead to permanent vision damage or blindness. Families are encouraged to help in communicating the following guidelines to all students:

1. American Astronomical Society

2. NASA

Thank you in advance for your cooperation and enjoy the solar eclipse!

• All non-instructional employees are to receive a minimum 5% salary increase.
• For employees on the teacher salary scale, two options are being considered:
• Option 5: Approximately $2.6 million fiscal impact for a 5-8% salary increase for teachers and an increase in the teacher entry-level scale.
• Option 7: Approximately $4.7 million fiscal impact for a 5-15% salary increase for teachers and an increase in the teacher entry-level scale.

Other noteworthy elements of the proposed FY2025 Budget consist of a step increase for all eligible employees, an increase in the Georgia Teacher Retirement System (TRS) contribution from 19.98% to 20.78%, a proposed monthly increase in State Health Benefits for all employees from $1,580 to $1,760 per employee, and the governor's initial proposal for an additional $2,500 on the state salary schedule specifically for teachers. For a detailed overview of the proposed FY2025 budget, please refer to the provided link.

City Schools of Decatur offers summer school to students who may benefit from additional educational support. Eligible families received invitations in February. The summer program provides three options, including math and/or ELA assistance for students in grades 3-8 who meet specific criteria. Students transitioning to 8th-grade Enhanced Algebra or High School Algebra 1 can get a head start on Algebra 1 content during the summer. High school students can participate in core course credit recovery through Georgia Virtual School if they have missed less than 20 instructional days.

Summer school for students in grades 3-8 will run from May 29 to June 18 at Beacon Hill Middle School. High school students needing credit recovery will attend from June 3 to July 12.

Construction is underway for the development of Legacy Park. Recently, officials from the City of Decatur and City Schools of Decatur came together with city and community members to commemorate the start of construction on the advanced, eight-lane track and field facility.

Once completed, Legacy Park will provide students with a state-of-the-art training ground for various field sports and become a popular venue for track and field competitions. The facility will feature a competition-level track, synthetic turf athletic field, lighting, locker rooms, and other enhancements. The field will be equipped for soccer, lacrosse, football, and ultimate Frisbee, with designated areas for pole vaulting, long jump, shot put, and discus. Barring any construction delays, the grand opening is set for the spring 2025 academic sports season.

No Ordinary Joe - a Coffee House Music Series!

Back by popular demand … No Ordinary Joe returns on Thursday, May 2nd at Waller’s! This coffee house music series, featuring DHS singers and songwriters, supports DEF’s behavioral health initiatives. To get your tickets and learn more about Joe’s Fund, use the QR code or go here: www.decatureducationfoundation.org/noordinaryjoe/

DEF’s Application Scholarships are Now Live for the Class of 2024!

The application for Decatur Education Foundation scholarships is LIVE! Graduating seniors interested in applying should click here: https://bit.ly/3xkBVx2 The deadline to apply is APRIL 15.

Only one application is needed for all of the following scholarships: Patrick Family Foundation Scholarship, Pollack Family Scholarship, Lawrence and Gertrude Paxton Memorial Scholarship, and McNally Family Scholarship. Email drew@decatureducationfoundation.org with any questions.

City of Decatur Parks and Recreation commits to providing exceptional experiences that foster healthy living and meaningful connections within our communities. Please visit their website, a one-stop-shop for information about after-school programs, school holiday programs, and summer camps. To stay up to date on all things Decatur Parks and Recreation, follow them on Facebook and Instagram or sign up for their monthly newsletter here!

• Spring Break, April 1-5
• Solar Eclipse, April 8
• Board of Education Meeting, April 23
• CSD Art Exhibition, April 23-25
• CSD Early Release Day, April 24
• Board of Education Community Meeting, April 30
• Spring Listening Sessions:
• Tuesday, May 3
• Monday, May 8
• Friday, May 13 (Virtual)

Check out the latest CSD Words with Dr. Whitaker, where she highlights news and information with a variety of stakeholders who are All-In for City Schools of Decatur.

• Episode 4 - Teaching and Learning, Student Support Services, and Information Services