NEW: Open Records Received
-
NEW: Open Records Received -
Save Decatur Schools filed an open records request with the City Schools of Decatur asking for copies of all emails, text messages and other communications related to the potential closure of a K-2 elementary school. What we have received so far shows that the school board and district administrators have not been truthful with the public about their plans.
How you can help
TIMELINE
December 9, 2025 - In a work session, the Board of Education discussed what they now label as the “K-2 Utilization and Keep-Open Strategy.” They decided to move forward with the committee process to analyze options, with a recommendation expected in November 2026.
November 18, 2025 - During a retreat, the Board of Education agreed to keep all K-2 schools open through at least the 2026-2027 school year.
November 13, 2025 - Community members interested in serving on a committee took part in an organizational meeting at Beacon Hill Middle School.
November 11, 2025 - During a scheduled work session, CSD Chief Operating Officer Jarvis Adams and Education Planners consultant James Wilson presented “Option B” to the Board of Education, a plan to slow down, increase transparency and engage the community in the decision-making process through organized committees:
Safety and Operations
Student Experience
Facilities and Finance
Culture and Communications
The Board agreed to move forward with “Option B” and abandon the original 8-week timeline.
October 30, 2025 - The City Schools of Decatur and Education Planners sent an email to CSD families announcing:
“Education Planners recommends that the City Schools of Decatur proceed with a community-based process to explore additional solutions before the Board of Education makes a final decision. This updated approach will be presented to the school board at the November 11 meeting.”
Education Planners also asked for community members to sign up for one of four committees to help guide the next phase of the process.
October 29, 2025 - A community forum was held at Beacon Hill Middle School. WATCH BELOW:
October 27, 2025 - As outlined at the October 14 Board of Education meeting, consulting firm Education Planners was supposed to release two K-2 consolidation and attendance zone plans. Instead, they sent a letter to CSD families in response to “concerns surrounding the timeline and engagement.”
The letter outlines two options for the process—continuing on the original eight-week timeline or adjusting the schedule to allow for the formation of four committees to gather public input:
School Safety/Walk Zones
Transitioning Student Support Services
Financial Impact
Culture and Design
Both options appear to assume a school closure will happen.
October 16, 2025 - Superintendent Dr. Gyimah Whitaker sent a letter to CSD families officially notifying them of the district’s “review of K-2 school utilization.”
October 14, 2025 - The Board of Education held their first public meeting outlining the “School Consolidation and Redistricting Process.” James Wilson of consulting firm Education Planners gave a short presentation about the proposed 8-week timeline and how they planned to illicit community input before the board made a final decision.