Record Enrollment, Record Cost: CSD Calls for Bond Referendum on November Ballot

Representatives from the City Schools of Decatur presented their case to the Decatur City Commission at a special meeting on Monday evening, asking that a bond referendum be placed on the November ballot. The bond would be used to fund the expansion and renovation of several over-crowded schools in the CSD system.

Enrollment has nearly doubled since 2002, from 2300 to over 4000 students enrolled in Decatur schools this year. Superintendent Dr. Phyllis Edwards attributes much of this growth to an improvement in the school system, which she says has prevented many parents from moving their children to private schools and has attracted young parents to Decatur.

Area principals, who were unable to attend the meeting on Monday evening, sent video messages to councilmembers pleading the case for school expansions.

“I have seen many changes in this particular community and in this school system,” said Oakhurst Elementary School Principal Mary Mack, who has served in her position for over 20 years. 

“Within the last 5 or 6 years, boys and girls and parents are coming from everywhere,” Mack said.  “Is that a good thing?  It really is if you have the space to accommodate those boys and girls.”

The renovations however, will primarily be focused on the middle and high schools, which are in desperate need of classroom space and updated facilities. 

Lauri McKain, principal of Decatur High School, says she may run out of space to house students as early as next year.

 “Eventually you run out of places to float to,” McKain said.  “So, the reality of either doing an addition soon or adding trailers or doing both is something that we need to figure out soon and plan for.”

The renovations and expansions will cause a significant increase in the millage rate, which has Commissioner Patti Garrett concerned about diversity in Decatur.

“It means that people at that $200,000 (home cost) level are going to be the least able to pay that tax increase,” Garrett said. “This may make the difference to whether or not they stay in the community.”

Mayor Baskett expressed concerns about the political impact should the bond referendum be placed on the November ballot and not pass.

“I’d like to know that it has a very good chance of passing because it I know would set us back in the view that people have of our community and what we support,” Baskett said.

The City Commission will make a decision on whether or not to place the bond referendum on the ballot in the next couple of weeks.  Should it be placed on the ballot, the final decision will be in the hands of Decatur voters.