Bulletin Board

The City Schools of Decatur BOE meeting recap newsletter is shared after each regularly scheduled monthly meeting. The April Board of Education meeting was held on April 14, 2026.

Meeting Agendas:

Pre-Work Session

Work Session

Regular Meeting

The recording, which includes the pre-work session, work session, regular meeting, and public comment, is available here.

Dr. Carmen Sulton, Chair

Mr. Hans Utz, Vice Chair

Ms. Lorraine Irier, Board Member

Mr. James Herndon, Board Member

Ms. Tracey Anderson, Board Member

Ms. Nia Batra, Student Board Representative (not pictured)

Superintendent Dr. Gyimah Whitaker was recognized as the first-place, inaugural recipient of Leadership on Campus Magazine's 2026 Leadership on Campus "Make a Difference" Award during CSD's Board of Education meeting on Tuesday, April 14. This award highlights Dr. Whitaker's rapid and profound impact on student academic performance in the district since becoming superintendent in 2023.

The award specifically recognizes Dr. Whitaker's commitment to the "Science of Reading," her focus on literacy, and her "All means All" philosophy on student access and opportunity. Kara Johnson, Regional Growth Director of Campus Benefits and representative of Leadership on Campus magazine, presented this honor to Dr. Whitaker. The award follows a rigorous selection process in which a board of business professionals and retired educators reviewed nominees from across the Southeast to identify leaders who are actively transforming the landscape of public education. Michelle Lowe, Director of Special Education, nominated Dr. Whitaker for the award.

The Talley Green Team is a group of students, teachers, and parents passionate about sustainability and committed to helping make Talley St. a zero-waste school. While recycling at school is a major part of the Green Team's mission, the group also promotes the principles of reducing and reusing.

The Green Team launched in August 2024. In its second year, participation has more than doubled to more than 30 active volunteers. It has added recycling efforts during breakfast (assisted by Decatur High School students who volunteer time before school), lunchtime and after school.

So far during the 2025-2026 school year, the Green Team has recycled more than:

• 7,000 pieces of resin plastic

• 5,000 snack wrappers

• 4,000 plastic utensils

• 2,000 aluminum cans (equivalent to 20 pounds of aluminum)

• 5,000 drink cartons (milk and juice consumed at school)

• 900 pounds of plastic film

Another part of the group's mission is to provide educational programming that helps students and parents learn more about sustainability in real-world applications. Through its monthly guest speaker program, the group has organized workshops with local business leaders, artists and nonprofit educators to learn more about circular use, waste reduction, and material repurposing.

Mohamed Atik, Morgan Arnold, Hamza Holbrook, and Isaiah Pierson were recognized as scholarship recipients through the 5 Strong Scholarship Foundation. These seniors represented Decatur High School with excellence, competing in a rigorous selection process with students from across Metro Atlanta. CSD is especially proud that all DHS applicants were selected and matched with a college or university of their choice, each earning a full tuition scholarship. Additionally, Isaiah Pierson and Mohamed Atik were awarded full scholarships—an outstanding accomplishment.

5 Strong is a nonprofit 501 (c) (3) organization that partners with Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) to provide promising student leaders with full-tuition scholarships and ongoing mentorship and support from matriculation to graduation.

CSD is proud to recognize outstanding student-athletes from the DHS boys’ and girls’ basketball programs.

The girls’ team had a great season, narrowly missing the state playoffs and earning two All-Region selections. We recognize Nadiya Mohamed and Kendale Lanier, and we congratulate Coach DeLoach on his Region Coach of the Year nomination.

The boys’ team had an exceptional season, finishing second in the region, earning a signature win over Grayson, and advancing to the elite eight in the state playoffs.

We recognize the following student-athletes:

• Jason Welborn – All-Region, GACA (Georgia Athletic Coaches Association) All-Star, All-Metro Honorable Mention, and 1,000-point scorer

• Tobias Brinkley, Jr. – All-Region, All-State, and signed to Tulane University

• Eli Beard – All-Region, signed to Oglethorpe University

• Bryce Howson – All-Region, All-State, and 1,000-point scorer

• Quintavious Strozier – signed to Georgia College and State University

We also congratulate head boys’ Coach Rory Welsh, who has been named Region Coach of the Year. Please join us in celebrating these exceptional student-athletes and coaches for their hard work and accomplishments.

We proudly recognize Neve Marston as the valedictorian of the 2026 graduating class. An IB diploma candidate, Neve has demonstrated exceptional leadership and diverse interests during her time at Decatur High School. From competing on the DHS cross country team to founding the DHS Healthcare Club, she has consistently balanced athletics with academic advocacy. Her commitment to the community is further evidenced by her service on the City of Decatur's Child-Friendly Cities Initiative. This fall, Neve will head to Georgia Tech to major in electrical engineering, continuing her journey of excellence in STEM.

We also extend our heartfelt congratulations to Liora Yustein, the class of 2026 salutatorian. Also a candidate in the prestigious IB diploma program, Liora has made a significant impact on campus as a leader in the Ivy League and Literary Club and a dedicated member of the Gardening Club. Her communication and leadership skills shone brightly during her tenure as co-captain of the DHS Speech & Debate Team. Liora's hard work and perseverance have set a remarkable benchmark for her peers, and she is set to pursue a major in chemistry at Barnard College this upcoming semester.

We celebrate Victor Agolory as he advanced from the DeKalb Regional Science & Engineering Fair to compete in the 2026 Georgia Science & Engineering Fair (GSEF). While this invitation formally recognizes the academic rigor of his project, "Root Nodulation in Pisum Sativum in Varying Soil Organic Content," Victor's impact on our school community extends far beyond the laboratory. He prepared and presented his research to leading scientists and engineers at The Classic Center in Athens this March. He represents the very best of our district's commitment to STEM excellence. Victor has distinguished himself as a principled thinker and a tireless researcher, possessing a work ethic that even surpasses his impressive technical achievements. We are incredibly proud of the dedication he has shown in earning a place among the state's top young researchers.

Decatur High School Senior Payton Sobon has been named as one of the Georgia Department of Education's 162 graduating seniors across the state recognized as 2026 Georgia Scholars.

Through the Georgia Scholar program, GaDOE identifies and honors students who have demonstrated excellence in both school and community life. Each honoree receives a diploma seal and graduation cord in recognition of this achievement.

Georgia Scholars carry rigorous course loads throughout high school, demonstrate outstanding academic performance, actively engage in school and community activities, and serve as leaders in extracurricular and service organizations. Congratulations, Payton, this is a well-deserved recognition.

Each school selected its own 2026-2027 Teacher of the Year. The school-level teacher representatives then completed a written application for the District Teacher of the Year selection process. A selection committee scored the applications and selected three finalists for classroom observations and interviews as part of the CSD Teacher of the Year selection process.

All school teachers of the year will serve on the Superintendent's Teacher Advisory Council next school year.

The Decatur Education Foundation graciously donated funds for each teacher, presented by DEF Executive Director Meagan Berardi.

2027 District Teacher of the Year

Congratulations to Ms. Christie Chalberg, Beacon Hill Middle School Adventure Quest teacher, and 2026-2027 CSD Teacher of the Year.

With 30 years of dedication to experiential learning and outdoor education, Ms. Chalberg is a visionary educator who has spent her career redefining where and how learning occurs. Her teaching journey, which began during a formative year of AmeriCorps service connecting city school children with nature, has evolved into the pioneering "Adventure Quest" program at Beacon Hill Middle School. Throughout her career, she has remained steadfast in her mission to get students outside to play and be active, providing a vital alternative to traditional physical education and a necessary break from the distractions of technology.

By replacing traditional desks with camp chairs and city streets with cycling routes, she fosters a space where students conquer self-doubt and build resilience through authentic, productive challenges. Whether teaching fire-building skills or leading camping trips, Ms. Chalberg's commitment to providing equitable access to the outdoors ensures that every student, regardless of background, can discover their potential in the natural world. Driven by the belief that growth happens when we dare to try, she continues to model lifelong learning and adventure for her students, her soccer players, and her community.

Ms. Chalberg transforms the middle school journey into a grand expedition. She turned her classroom into a sanctuary where students find their bravery, their balance, and their best selves.

Teachers of the Year

Mary McMahon, Pre-K Special Education Teacher, College Heights

With 30 years of expertise and a commitment to lifelong learning, Ms. McMahon is a true expert in meeting diverse student needs. She creates inclusive, challenging opportunities that empower students to grow and engage fully with their communities.

Stacey Labouchere, Title I Teacher, Clairemont Elementary School

Ms. Labouchere is an exceptional collaborative team member who consistently goes above and beyond to support both students and staff. During math time in particular, she is an invaluable resource. She regularly steps in to work with small groups, reteach challenging concepts, and provide targeted support to students who need additional intervention or enrichment. Her ability to break down math strategies in a clear, encouraging way has made a measurable difference in students' confidence and performance

Lily Ronco, Kindergarten Teacher, Glennwood Elementary School

Ms. Ronco cares deeply about students, staff, families, and school culture. She has high expectations for all students and creates a safe, fun, and supportive learning environment. Her students love and respect her. She consistently integrates real-world applications into her teaching and helps students find connections. She works tirelessly to determine each student's needs and how to meet them. She knows that by helping students grow academically, socially, and emotionally, she is setting them up for success in all areas of their lives and building a stronger community.

Kendria Paden, Kindergarten Teacher, Oakhurst Elementary School

Ms. Paden is recognized for her mastery in building authentic relationships and maintaining high expectations while providing the stability and kindness students need to excel. Her leadership is characterized by a quiet, professional demeanor, often serving as the "moral compass" and the standard for "What would Kendria do?" among her colleagues.

A collaborative team member, she is known for her generosity, frequently volunteering her time for school events and being among the first to assist in emergencies, such as early dismissals. Her commitment to the district's mission is evidenced by her steady focus on student achievement and her willingness to "roll with the punches" to support her school community.

Tiffany Ryce, Music Teacher, Westchester Elementary School

Tiffany Ryce serves in a unique role within the City Schools of Decatur. She is the general music teacher at Westchester Elementary while also teaching orchestra at both Fifth Avenue Upper Elementary and Talley Street Upper Elementary Schools. General music and orchestra require a wealth of knowledge to effectively teach and help students become performance-ready. Ms. Ryce continually expands her knowledge through professional development and continues to learn both subjects, bringing fresh ideas into the classroom. Ms. Ryce's professional goals are to create a safe and fun environment for students to learn in and to have them take pride in their final products at their orchestra concerts, Westchester's Celebrations of Learning, and the monthly Community Circle.

Matthew Hicks, 2nd Grade Teacher, Winnona Park Elementary School

Matthew Hicks motivates and inspires students by being consistent, setting high expectations and providing high-quality instruction in his classroom. He provides a structured and nurturing environment for his students to thrive and take risks in their learning. He goes above and beyond to strengthen his instructional practice, and even dedicates his own time to further his knowledge of best Science of Reading practices.

Anita Robinson, 4th Grade Teacher, Fifth Avenue Elementary School

Mrs. Robinson is an outstanding educator, exemplifying excellence through her commitment to equity, student advocacy, and personalized instruction that meets each learner's needs. She motivates and inspires students with enthusiasm, high expectations, and a nurturing environment that builds confidence, resilience, and a growth mindset. A respected leader, she contributes meaningfully to the school community through her dedicated service on the Sunshine Committee and her role in the Color and Culture Performance, fostering positivity, collaboration, and inclusivity. Her deep-rooted commitment to the City Schools of Decatur, spanning 33 years from student to educator, reflects her alignment with the district's mission to inspire and support all learners in a caring, inclusive environment.

Jayra Childs, 4th Grade, Talley Street Elementary School

Mrs. Childs creates a truly nurturing environment where every student feels valued. She is a master communicator, bridging the gap between school and home to ensure every child has a dedicated support system. While her heart is absolute gold, her standards are high. She consistently pushes her students to reach their full academic potential and embrace new challenges. Her ability to balance empathy with excellence makes her an incredibly valuable part of our school community. We couldn't be prouder to have her leading the way for our scholars.

Kristen Embry, Social Studies Teacher, Decatur High School

Ms. Embry is the definition of a lifelong learner and is dedicated to developing her students in the same vein. She was selected as a Peace Teacher Mentor by the US Institute of Peace after completing the program. As a Fulbright Scholar, she will take a three-week trip to India this summer and bring back her experience to share with our students. She develops critical thinkers not only in her classroom but also through Model UN and Close Up.

Good evening, and thank you for your in-person and online presence at our April Board of Education meeting. I hope our students, staff, and families had a refreshing Spring Break and are ready for a strong finish to the academic year.

During today's pre-work session, the board concluded our book study on "Modern-Day Strategies for Community Engagement." The board also discussed and agreed on a process for the consent agenda to efficiently address routine and/or non-controversial items. We also discussed policies on emergency closings, wellness progress, naming facilities, and school attendance zones.

There were two presentations during the work session. The first was The State of Teaching and Learning, including curriculum and instruction, enrichment areas, advanced content, multi-tiered systems of support (MTSS), and Decatur Virtual Academy (DVA).

The second presentation provided an update from the Chief of Staff's Office, highlighting key initiatives related to Cognia Accreditation, Strategic Plan/Project Management, Policy Adoption, Nonresident Paid Tuition and Enrollment Systems, along with insightful contributions from our student board representative and apprentice. These presentations will guide our future efforts to elevate student voices on the board.

All presentations from the Board of Education meetings are available on the district's website in Simbli.

This evening during board recognitions, where we highlight the achievements of our students and staff, we celebrated the DHS Class of 2026 Valedictorian and Salutatorian; the Five Strong Scholarship Awardees, the impressive seasons of the DHS Varsity Basketball Teams, including the commendations awarded to the coaches; and Talley's Green Team, who are passionate about sustainability and want to help make Talley a zero-waste school.

We were also pleased to recognize the accomplishments of two students: One who has advanced from the DeKalb Regional Science & Engineering Fair to compete in the prestigious 2026 Georgia Science & Engineering Fair (GSEF). The other student is a DHS senior who State School Superintendent Richard Woods announced as one of 162 graduating seniors across the state selected as a 2026 Georgia Scholar.

Our final presentation recognized our 2026-2027 Teachers of the Year and our District Teacher of the Year.

Congratulations to all the students and staff honored this evening. Your accomplishments truly exemplify the excellence of CSD!

In addition to the previously mentioned April observances by the superintendent, this month, CSD is showing appreciation for our amazing school volunteers, celebrating poetry, and promoting environmental protection during Earth Day. This month, we also honor the history, culture, and contributions of Arab Americans.

Before these presentations, we welcomed Ms. Karra Johnson, the Regional Growth Director representing Leadership On Campus Magazine, who presented the “Leadership On Campus” Magazine's 2025 Make A Difference Award to Superintendent Dr. Gyimah Whitaker. The magazine serves as a platform for sharing stories of leadership, fostering collaboration, and offering resources to help educational leaders statewide overcome challenges, innovate, and elevate their organizations.

As we count down to the end of the school year, our schools are bustling with activities. I encourage families and the community to check the school newsletters via the “CSD Weekly” to stay informed about upcoming events and activities.

Next, I want to highlight a few important dates for the public:

• The next board community meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, April 22, 2026, from 6:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Decatur High School.

• And the next board meeting will be on Tuesday, May 12, 2026.

Yes, and thank you, Chair Sulton.

Good evening, CSD, and welcome back! I hope everyone had an enjoyable Spring Break.

I must begin by thanking all of our 2026-2027 Teachers of the Year for their recognized contributions and unwavering commitment to ensuring our students reach their highest potential in our classrooms every day. I especially want to congratulate Ms. Christie Chalberg from Beacon Hill Middle School on being named our 2027 District Teacher of the Year.

I also want to thank “Leadership On Campus” Magazine for recognizing me as the recipient of the 2025 “Leadership on Campus” Make A Difference Award. I am honored to receive this award and to be among the many dedicated individuals in the state who are leading and driving innovation and excellence within school systems.

Prior to the break, our chair, Dr. Sulton, vice chair Mr. Utz, and Board Member Irier visited College Heights ECLC, Glennwood, and the Frasier Center at Decatur High. These school visits offered a firsthand look at our strategic priorities in action, the care, responsiveness, and engagement of our highly qualified staff, and the commitment that defines City Schools of Decatur.

CSD also commemorated Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month by hosting our second annual “Yes I Can! Awards” and accredited Special Olympics.

I must thank the staff, families, and our board members, Chair Dr. Sulton and Vice Chair Hans Utz, for helping to make this year's events amazing for our students with disabilities. The smiles, joy, and engagement were truly heartwarming as we celebrated our students' accomplishments and their demonstrated determination.

This month, we will observe National Autism Acceptance Month, aimed at increasing understanding, fostering inclusion, and supporting individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

Earlier today, we joined the Beacon Hill Middle School staff and students for a ribbon-cutting in the school's new courtyard, previously known as the "Dust Bowl." Special thanks to the students of Principal Alexis Glenn's Advisory Council, who assisted in selecting a turf that meets the school's needs while adhering to the community's environmental values. We appreciate our operations team for leading this project.

Over the past month, our operations team has also been preparing schools across the district for the onset of mosquito season by installing environmentally-friendly mosquito buckets designed by a CSD parent.

The buckets, called B Buckets, use a naturally occurring soil bacterium, Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti), that specifically targets mosquito larvae in standing water before they can become biting adults. Bti is proven to be an effective alternative to conventional fogging or perimeter sprays, which must contact adult mosquitoes. Chemicals from fogs and sprays can drift to neighboring properties, potentially killing bees and other beneficial insects.

The project started at Oakhurst Lower Elementary School last year and will expand to all 10 schools this year.

In April, we recognize the commitment of our Assistant Principals and Administrative Professionals, and we are highlighting the importance of reading and the dedication of our media specialists during School Library Month. We are also joining the global movement to create a brighter future for people with autism. Another important observance in April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month, which recognizes the critical role that we all play in preventing child abuse, neglect, or any other form of child maltreatment.

At the end of the month, we will join districts nationally in highlighting National Youth Violence Prevention Week (NYVPW), April 20-24. The week brings communities together to raise awareness and learn how to stop youth violence. The Student Against Violence Everywhere (SAVE) Promise Club is a founding partner of NYVPW. More commonly known as the SAVE Promise Club, this youth leadership initiative of Sandy Hook Promise is a school-based violence prevention program established in thousands of schools nationwide.

CSD has launched a partnership with the Sandy Hook Promise Foundation. This fall, in addition to initiating SAVE Promise Clubs at the middle and high schools, the foundation will provide resources for violence-prevention instruction and training, as well as an anonymous reporting tool for life-safety emergencies, at no cost to the district.

There will be more to celebrate as we get closer to the end of the school year. But over the next few weeks, our students will be testing. To ensure their success, they should be well-rested, eat a hearty breakfast, and arrive at school on time.

This month, our FY27 Budget discussions also continue. This year, the annual budget development process has coincided with state budget mandates, including an increase in employee health benefits.

Also, during this legislative session, HB 1193, the Georgia Literacy Act, was passed to provide state funding for literacy coaches in grades K-3 in public schools. I was pleased to see this pass, as I am a believer in the power of coaching. Fortunately, CSD already has a highly skilled PK-5 ELA/SS coordinator, as well as instructional coaches at all of our K-2 schools. Therefore, we are not adding district positions next year. The Board of Education is prioritizing teacher compensation.

Our priority remains to provide high-quality instruction, resources and services to all students. All still means All. This is the core work of the City Schools of Decatur and our primary responsibility as educators.

The recording, which includes the pre-work session, work session, regular meeting, and public comment, is available here.

Members of the Child Friendly Cities Initiative (CFCI) Teen Leadership Team (TLT) presented their priorities and work. The TLT plays a key role in moving the City of Decatur government and community toward policies, processes and investments that prioritize the needs of children and youth and close gaps in unmet or underdeveloped needs. District-related highlights of the presentation included ADA-compliant playgrounds, environmentally friendly products in schools, and Narcan accessibility in schools.

Dr. Lonita Broome, Chief Financial Officer, presented the second draft of the FY2027 budget. This budget is preliminary and subject to change.

All budget discussions, presentations, and actions are outlined in the annual Board Management Oversight Plan (BMOP).

In accordance with this plan, discussions and presentations on the FY2027 Budget began on September 9, 2025, with the budget timeline draft reviewed during the board's work session. The budget timeline was adopted at the October 14, 2025, regular board meeting, and the board reviewed the FY26 School Allotment Guidelines to discuss any needed changes for FY27. Additional budget presentations included a discussion of the budget parameters and priorities at the November 11, 2025, board meeting, followed by an in-depth review of school allotment guidelines and a discussion and review of FY26 salaries and benefits at the November 18, 2025, board retreat. The school allotment guidelines, budget parameters, and priorities were adopted at the December 9, 2025, regular board meeting.

The January 21, 2026, community meeting covered FY27 budget priorities and parameters, with a focus on school allotment guidelines and school health staffing.

A five-year general fund financial review was presented at the board's regular monthly meeting on February 10, 2026.

The first draft of the preliminary general fund budget was presented at the board's regular monthly meeting on March 10, 2026. Budget discussions with the community continued at the March 25, 2026, community meeting.

The following primary changes have been made from the FY2027 Preliminary Draft Budget #1:

FY27 Draft #1

• Compensation - Option 2 - $3.4M

• $1M recurring cost reallocated from the general fund to the SPLOST budget

• Local property taxes growth 4%

Chief Financial Officer Dr. Lonita Broome presented an amendment to the Fiscal Year 26 budget. The amendment was needed due to two changes at the state level:

• The governor amended the FY26 budget to include a $2,000 supplement to specified positions. The district received a total of $995,466 in state grant funds.

• City Schools of Decatur Quality Basic Education (QBE) was reduced by $28,498 due to an enrollment decline of 10 FTEs.

The board unanimously approved the budget amendment.

The board unanimously approved the following consent items:

• February 2026 Financial Reports

• February 2026 School Nutrition Financial Report

• March 2026 Personnel Report

• Field Trip Approvals

Eston Melton, Chief of Safety and Technology and Jarvis Adams, Chief Operating Officer, presented four contracts for the board's approval.

• Fire Detection System Replacements

• The board unanimously approved the superintendent to enter into a contract with Convergint for the replacement of fire alarm systems at Beacon Hill Middle School and Glennwood Elementary School for a cost of $300,874.00.

• RFP #23-004 HVAC Services

• The board unanimously approved to extend the HVAC Services contract under RFP#23-004 with MSI Mechanical Services, Inc., and to increase the annual spending authority to not exceed $1,000,000 for the current fiscal year from Budget Code 100-0-9990-2600-43000-0405-4-0040 Winnona Park (Each school budget ends in a different set of four numbers: Oakhurst 0105, Westchester 0115, and Glennwood 0212).

• ITB 26-002 Landscaping Services

• The board unanimously approved the recommendation to award Invitation To Bid (ITB) 26-002 Landscaping Services to Russell Landscaping in the amount of $194,700.

• ITB 26-003 Custodial Services

• The board unanimously approved the recommendation to award Invitation To Bid (ITB) 26-003 Custodial Services to Intercontinental Commercial Services in the amount of $875,563.

The board unanimously approved the settlement of Gonzalez v. Frederick Wooley and CSD in the amount of $15,000 and authorized the superintendent to sign all documents to effectuate the settlement as approved by the School Board attorney.

The board discussed the following policies, which were originally on the work session agenda. These policies are now available for public comment:

• IBB: Charter Schools

• LEBA: Parental Involvement in Education

The board unanimously approved the following policies:

• GAEB: Sexual Harassment of Employees

• IEDA: Recess/Unstructured Break Time

• IKBB: Divisive Concepts

• ICFA: Curriculum Guides and Course Outlines

• IFCD: School Volunteers

• KM: Visitors to Schools

Jarvis Adams, Chief Operating Officer and Jennifer Burton, Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning, presented on the proposed new early childhood learning center. The presentation included the community engagement process, the proposed design, and how the history of the Beacon Hill community will be honored in the new building.

Following a discussion of this presentation, the board decided to move forward with additional fact-gathering to address community feedback. The board asked the administration to organize a special-called meeting over the next two weeks with Decatur's City Commission, the Beacon Hill Elders, and archaeological experts. The goal of this meeting will be to share perspectives on a potential archaeological study and to ensure the new ECLC honors the history of the Beacon Hill community.

The board also directed the administration to reevaluate the current building design for the new ECLC to identify cost-saving measures, possibly reducing the design's square footage. The board remains committed to balancing the need to provide early childhood learning with fiscal responsibility, local history, and community input.

The presentation is available in the meeting agenda on Simbli.

Student Board Representative Nia Batra presented an immigration resolution she helped draft for the board's consideration. This resolution called on the board to reaffirm its commitment to providing safe access to education for all students, regardless of their immigration status. After a thorough discussion on the topic, the board unanimously approved the resolution and pledged to begin drafting a policy.

The following policies are available for public comment:

• IBB: Charter Schools

• LEBA: Parental Involvement in Education

Click on each policy to view the policy and provide comments.

The pre-work session included discussions regarding the Board of Education book study and an agreed-upon process for the consent portion of the board meeting agenda. The meeting also included an initial discussion and review of the following policies:

• AFC: Emergency Closings

• EEE: Wellness Program

• FDC: Naming Facilities

• Discussion - AD: School Attendance Zones

The pre-work session portion of the meeting is available for viewing in the full recording.

The Board of Education heard two presentations and discussed policies during the work session preceding the Regular Meeting. These presentations included:

• Teaching and Learning Division

• State of the Chief of Staff Office

Due to time constraints, the policy discussion originally scheduled for the work session was moved to the regular meeting agenda.

The work session portion of the meeting can be viewed in the full recording, starting at 1:30:55.

Next Regular Meeting: The next regular Board of Education meeting is scheduled for May 12, 2026.

Other Upcoming Meetings:

• Board Community Meeting: Wednesday, April 22, 2026, 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. at Decatur High School.

Link to Join Board of Education Meetings Virtually: https://csdecatur.zoom.us/j/95614159391

Board Agenda(s): Go to Simbli to access the CSD Board of Education meeting agenda(s), supporting documents, and meeting minutes.

Public Comments: Click here for information on signing up to speak at a CSD Board of Education meeting.

Contacting Board Members: Email the entire board at board@csdecatur.net. Click here to view board member bios and contact information.

The board values hearing from members of our community. Each board member reviews and reads all emails sent by our stakeholders.

Georgia law governs school boards, and they cannot intervene in the day-to-day administrative operations of the school district, including direct staff and personnel matters. If you write to us with a concern about district operations, your message will be forwarded to the school or district administrator, who can best address your concern.

The board has also adopted a set of norms that govern our local communication protocols.

These include:

1. Emails to individual board members are shared with the entire board.

2. Issues and concerns received by the board and or individual members will be referred to the superintendent.

3. Board members will follow the chain of command and educate, instruct, and encourage others to do the same.

4. The board chair will reply to emails from constituents sent to all board members. That reply will include the superintendent and other board members on the thread, and the constituent will be informed that the superintendent or their designee will respond to the inquiry/request.

5. Direct all stakeholders' questions, input, or discussion to the superintendent, who will communicate them as needed to the board.

Email: board@csdecatur.net
Website: csdecatur.net
Location: 125 Electric Avenue, Decatur, GA, USA
Phone: (404) 371-3601