Decatur Public Schools is considering major changes to its school buildings and grade levels as part of a long-term plan to address declining enrollment, budget challenges and educational opportunities across the district.
District leaders outlined the next phase of Roadmap 2030 during a press conference Tuesday. Three possible plans are being considered, but Superintendent Dr. Nicole Moody stresses that nothing has been finalized.
One of the goals is to address a teacher shortage across the district. Moody says Decatur Public Schools currently has 82 teaching vacancies.
“We still have places that are short staffed with teachers. We are short 82 teachers and with Roadmap 2030, will allow us to be able to staff our schools and greater enhance high quality teachers in addition to what we have now,” Moody said. “If you are a teacher, please don’t go. Our realignment and restructuring will allow us to address our teacher shortage.”
The district hired Wold Architects and Engineers to develop possible ways to reorganize its existing facilities. Architects toured schools, met with administrators and reviewed building plans to better understand the programs offered at each location.
The scenarios are designed to make more efficient use of school buildings while considering declining enrollment, the district’s budget deficit and the goal of providing students with more equitable access to quality educational programs.
One of the proposed plans would organize schools into four grade groupings: pre-kindergarten, kindergarten through fifth grade, sixth through eighth grade, and ninth through 12th grade.
Under that scenario, several elementary schools would serve kindergarten through fifth grade, while MacArthur Middle School and High School would house both middle and high school students. Johns Hill and Dansby would serve students in grades six through eight, while Eisenhower High School would serve grades nine through 12.
The diagram also identifies some facilities that would not be used for pre-kindergarten through 12th-grade education under the proposal. The plan remains a draft, and the district is also considering two other scenarios.
A Roadmap 2030 Committee made up of teachers, principals, union leaders, community members and other stakeholders will continue reviewing the proposals and making revisions.
Moody acknowledged that changes to the district can be difficult for families, but says the process is intended to help position schools for the future.
“As a parent in the district myself, change is hard. And while change is hard, change can be good,” Moody said. She also asked the community to trust district leaders and the process, noting that the district has hired experts to help evaluate the options and is listening to community feedback.
The district’s broader goals include improving academic achievement, attendance and school culture. Officials say facility realignment could also create more opportunities for students to customize college and career pathways and provide additional professional development for teachers and school leaders.
Community members will have several opportunities to learn more about the proposals and share their thoughts before the school board considers a recommendation.
Community forums are scheduled for December 7, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m., and January 25, 2027, at 10:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. Both dates will offer livestream options for those unable to attend in person.
“We understand that with people’s schedules it can be hard to make sessions if they are only one time. We want to hear your voice, come out if you can or watch the livestream and let your voice be heard.”
The school board is scheduled to consider a Roadmap 2030 recommendation on February 27, 2027. Until then, the district says the proposals remain under review, with community input playing a role in the process.
More information about Roadmap 2030 and the proposed plans is available through the Decatur Public Schools website.
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