The Decatur County School Board held its regular monthly meeting this week, approving minutes from prior meetings, payroll, and claims, along with several key personnel and program changes.
Board members approved two field trips, three fundraisers, two resignations, two leaves, one appointment, one termination, and one retirement.
South Decatur Jr.-Sr. High School Principal Eric Foga presented the Extra Effort Award to Carrie Hess, praising her for going above and beyond to support both students and staff, academically and emotionally.
South Decatur Elementary Principal Nicole Stone recognized Jennifer Chastain and Pam Emly with Extra Effort Awards. Stone described Chastain as inspirational, positive, and someone who “knows every student in the school.” She said Emly worked tirelessly over the summer, attending trainings and meetings without pay to prepare for the new year.
The board adopted the 2026 budget, the 2026–2028 Capital Projects Plan, the 2026–2030 Bus Replacement Plan, and a resolution to reduce 2025 appropriations. Other approvals included
- DCEA’s request to forfeit Teacher Appreciation Grant funds
- The 2025/2026 Test Security Policy
- Reappointment of Brian Jones to the Lilly Scholarship Committee
- A $4,550 supplemental payment for a teacher covering a class after a resignation
- Changing parent/teacher conferences to Oct. 7 instead of Oct. 8 for the 2025/2026 school year
- Disposal of outdated books
At the elementary school, Assistant Principal Jacob Rader reported a 97.76% attendance rate for the first month of school. Students are participating in programs including the Power of the Past field trip, the veterans Pen Pal program, and upcoming Fifth Grade Ag Day. Archery teams will start soon, and in December the school will host “Girls Night Out,” an event seeking volunteers from women in STEM professions.
At the high school, Foga reported that half of Advanced Placement students scored a 3 or higher on their exams. Upcoming events include the Sept. 17 ILEARN checkpoint, Oct. 21 PSAT testing, and a Nov. 13 career fair hosted by JAG for junior high students. The Drama Department will present You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown Nov. 6–8. The Key Club signed up 46 members this year, and the Biomed program hosted a successful blood drive in August.
Superintendent Dr. Burns commended teachers for their hard work in helping students achieve higher AP scores, calling the progress “a significant accomplishment.”
