Decatur Superintendent: Many Steps To Come in School Planning

(Decatur Schools Superintendent Phyllis Edwards sent this letter to Decatur/Avondale Estates Patch this afternoon. Earlier, Patch published an article about the school system's plan to renovate Decatur High and Renfore Middle School. )

Dear City of Decatur Community,

In the fall of 2012 the City Schools of Decatur Board of Education charged me with developing a Master Plan to address continued growth in student enrollment.  The beginnings of planning started this past winter with principals and instructional personnel to develop program and space needs, taking into consideration requirements from the Department of Education.

The Master Plan will take many steps and there will be many modifications before the CSD Board of Education makes decisions on any specific structures. At the April 2, 2013 Board of Education meeting, the Board will choose whether to accept the work completed by the consultant to date.  

We intend to present the plan in multiple sessions after spring break.  It is necessary to have some form of conceptual plans and costs before seeking input from a broader group.  

Even after these meetings, additional steps and time must be taken before a CSD Master Plan moves to the level of actuality.  For example, these projects would need to be financed through General Obligation Bonds (GO Bonds) which must be voted on by the citizens of the City of Decatur.  If the vote for GO Bonds is positive, the design phase will commence and input sessions will be held by the commissioned architect and builder.  

Thinking back to the original Decatur High School Campus Master Plan for the Performing Arts Center, Gymnasium and Stadium, the conceptual drawings were changed and altered as the project became a reality.  A similar pattern will be followed during this next necessary phase of Master Planning to accommodate our growing student enrollment.

All Board of Education Meetings and Work Sessions are open to the public and publicized.  The Board's intent is to use the consultant's plan to begin a dialogue, and there will be opportunities for public comment online as well as in person.

Master Planning is a long process, and we are at the beginning stages.  We appreciate the community's support and patience as we prepare to accommodate our growing student enrollment within the confines of our existing campuses.  If you have a question or a comment, please contact us at contact_us@csdecatur.net.

Sincerely,
Dr. Phyllis A. Edwards, Superintendent