The Decatur Public Schools Board of Education is continuing to examine possible changes to school configurations as part of its Roadmap 2030 plan.
During Tuesday night’s board meeting, district officials provided an update on Phase Four of the process. One option under consideration would organize schools by grade levels, including a pre-kindergarten center, elementary grade bands, middle school, a ninth-grade academy and a high school for grades 10 through 12.
No final decisions have been made. The Roadmap Committee is scheduled to meet Thursday to continue reviewing possible scenarios.
The district also announced several improvements in its latest Illinois School Report Card. Graduation rates increased from 79 to 85 percent, while teacher retention improved from 84 to 86 percent. Chronic absenteeism dropped from 46 to 43 percent.
District officials say their next goals include improving reading and math proficiency, increasing attendance and further reducing chronic absenteeism.
The board also heard a presentation on the district’s proposed 2026 property tax levy. Chief Operating Officer Tom Osbourne is recommending a 4.48 percent levy, compared to the 4.61 percent levy approved last year.
According to the district, a home valued at $150,000 would see an estimated $110 reduction in school district property taxes. The board is expected to vote on the proposal December 15th.
In other business, the board unanimously approved a new four-year contract with SEIU Local 73, representing district security officers. The agreement includes annual raises ranging from 4.14 to 4.73 percent and runs through June 2030.
The board’s next regular meeting is December 15th at 6:30 p.m.
Comments