CSD Weekly: November 12, 2026

Find out what's happening in CSD schools by clicking on your school's newsletter.

College Heights Connection

Clairemont Bulldog

Glennwood Eagle Edition

Oakhurst Weekly

Westchester Weekly

Winnona Park Wildcat Weekly

F.AVE Falcon Flyer

Talley Street Update

BHMS Weekly Update

DHS Weekly Update

All CSD families and staff are invited to provide feedback about the 2028-2029 academic calendar via the 2028-2029 Academic Calendar Feedback Survey. This survey is designed to gather stakeholder input on three draft options for the 2028-2029 Academic Calendar. The draft options are included in the survey below or may be viewed here.

Please complete the 2028-2029 Academic Calendar Survey here. The survey is open Thursday, November 12-Monday, November 30.

• K-5 Thanksgiving Luncheons, November 10-17
• 504 Parent Workshop, November 12, 5:30-7 p.m., DHS Media Center
• Tea with Tech, November 13, 9 a.m., BHMS
• Pre-K-12 Thanksgiving Break, November 23-27
• Ages 0-3 Thanksgiving Break, November 26-27

Superintendent Dr. Gyimah Whitaker announced that she will conclude her tenure at the November 10, 2026, Board of Education meeting. Additionally, the board approved a contractual modification and resolution agreement with Dr. Whitaker by mutual agreement, effective December 31, 2026. Deputy Superintendent Karen Newton-Scott will assume the role as interim superintendent beginning January 1, 2027, while the board conducts a national search for the district's next permanent superintendent.

Message from Superintendent Dr. Gyimah Whitaker

I want to start by expressing my heartfelt thanks for the honor and privilege of serving as your superintendent and for the opportunity to advance the mission and vision of the City Schools of Decatur.

Serving the students and families of the City of Decatur alongside our high-quality educators has been one of the great privileges of my career. I am proud of what our administration and this community have achieved together, raising expectations, expanding opportunities for students, and securing real progress in academic achievement at every level. Our work together shows what is possible when student success remains the unwavering focus.

As we enter the fourth year of the district's strategic plan, CSD continues to set the gold standard for public education in Georgia. Achievement across CSD isn’t just about data averages but about outcomes for all students. And thanks to the unwavering dedication of our school leaders, teachers, and staff, ALL students in CSD, at ALL levels, ARE achieving.

I thank the Board of Education for entrusting me with the opportunity to lead in this remarkable community. City Schools of Decatur is a special place, defined by a diverse community with shared pride in our schools. I thank the Board of Education for entrusting me with your GEM and allowing me the opportunity to make it shine with an even higher level of brilliance, where all truly means all.
As I move forward with new opportunities, I am confident that the foundation we have built will serve Decatur students for years to come.

Read the full message here.

Several K-5 schools hosted Thanksgiving luncheons this week and invited families to enjoy a meal with their student at school. Students, families and staff were excited to celebrate the food and togetherness of the Thanksgiving season.

F.AVE Teacher Nailah Carty and a group of fourth- and fifth-grade gardeners weeded the F.AVE fall garden this week and discussed how to keep the plants healthy throughout the season.

The F.AVE gardening program is one of the approved recipients of Georgia's PEACH Education Tax Credit, which allows individuals and businesses to redirect a portion of their state income tax dollars to fund K-12 school innovation projects, with 100% of the funds going directly to schools.

After receiving the redirected state income taxes. F.AVE and Talley Street will launch the Agriculture Integration Initiative to build raised-bed gardening systems, install pollinator gardens and custom irrigation systems, construct a greenhouse, and establish indoor hydroponic grow systems. Also as part of the PEACH Tax Credit, DHS plans to launch the Decatur AeroCulinary Innovation Lab, a "Farm-to-Fork" initiative that introduces high-tech urban agriculture, sustainable sourcing, nutrient management, and food science and business skills without requiring land. Learn more here about how to participate in the Georgia PEACH Tax Credit during the 2027 tax season.

The Bulletin Board newsletter is a recap of the monthly Board of Education regular meeting, including Dr. Whitaker's full message to the community accompanying the announcement that she will be concluding her tenure as superintendent. The monthly Bulletin Board is emailed the CSD community and is also available here.

SD invites all parents to the second session of "Tea with Tech" on Friday, November 13, 2026, at 9 a.m., at Beacon Hill Middle School. The session will cover updated screen time data and introduce CSD's new Chief Information Officer, Hoke Wilcox, who will host a Q&A.

This new quarterly series is designed to help families learn about and better understand the technology their children use every day. Enjoy a cup of tea, bring your questions, and learn how we can work together to keep our students safe and supported in the digital age.

The 504 Parent/Guardian Workshop will host a discussion on the parent/guardian role and the general processes for 504 referrals and evaluations. Please complete this form before attending.

Thursday, November 12, 2026, 5:30-7 p.m., DHS Media Center

Congratulations to the BHMS boys soccer team for earning the title of Atlanta Middle School Soccer League Champions after a penalty kick shootout that ended with a game-winning save!

More info about sports and activities, including tryouts and interest meetings, is on the CSD Athletics website and Instagram at @decaturbulldogsathletics.

Decatur High School's musical theatre production of "Little Women, the Broadway Musical" is a heartwarming stage adaptation of Louisa May Alcott’s beloved, enduring story of the March sisters, family, friendship, and following your dreams. Performances run December 2-6. Get tickets at DecaturPerforms.org.

Supper & Sips is next week! Join Decatur Education Foundation on Thursday, November 19 at The Chapel on Sycamore for an evening of dinner, drinks, music, and a lively auction, all in support of the students, educators, and community of Decatur! Your Supper & Sips ticket gives you access to participate in our live auction with one-of-a-kind prizes you won’t find anywhere else.

Supper & Sips features:

• Live music by Decatur fave Polly Holliday

• Dinner served by Oakhurst Market

• Drinks from Decatur Package Store and Rive Gauche

• Dessert by Butter & Cream and DHS culinary students

• Auction items you won't find anywhere else

• Raffle chances for a trip to Italy, Portugal, or the Dominican Republic

• Time with friends and neighbors

• The feeling of knowing your good time benefits Decatur's kids

Every ticket helps DEF remove obstacles and open doors for Decatur’s kids. Grab yours at bit.ly/suppersips26.

Parks and Recreation

City of Decatur Parks and Recreation commits to providing exceptional experiences that foster healthy living and meaningful community connections. Please visit the DPRD programs website for information about after-school programs, school holiday programs, and summer camps or sign up for their monthly newsletter.

Screen on the Square: Dog Man

Friday, November 13, 7 p.m., Decatur Square.

Free outdoor screening of Dog Man on the new big screen. Bring your blankets, lawn chairs, and your whole crew for a fun-filled night of movie magic.

CSD Weekly is the district's weekly newsletter, delivering the latest news and updates from the district and all schools in one place. Newsletters are sent each Thursday to all CSD parents, as well as students in grades 6-12. The community can subscribe to the CSD Weekly here.