CITY SCHOOLS OF DECATUR Strategic Planning Session Day One

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CITY SCHOOLS OF DECATURStrategic Planning
SessionDay One

• 07 January 2004

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CITY SCHOOLS OF DECATUR IS A DEFININGELEMENT OF
THE DECATUR COMMUNITY
System outperforms state
and enhances sense of community

• What I value about City Schools of Decatur is
• Personal touch with students and community
• Small schools and class sizes
• Team approach
• Holistic approach to education
• Dedicated and passionate teachers and staff
• Open door policy

GCRT(1)

SAT mean composite(2)
Score
(1) Georgia Criterion Reference Test, percentage
meeting or exceeding state goal. Number shown is
average of all tests (reading, language arts,
math) (2) State and National results for all
graduating seniors, most recent test taken. CSD
results are for all 2002-2003 test
takers Source GADoE College Board City Schools
of Decatur Community input sessions October 20
and 22, 2003
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HOWEVER GOOD TEST RESULTS COME AT A HIGH
PRICECSD Per Student Spending Highest in State,
at 170 of State Average
(1) General Fund Expenditures per FTE (does not
include systems capital expenditures)
Source GA Department of Education 2001 Report
Card Raw Data
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LEADING TO HIGH ABSOLUTE AND RELATIVE TAX RATES
Value of 1 Mill per FTE(2)
Metro Atlanta school millage rates
State avg.
per 1000 of assessed value(1) per system FTEs
per 1000 of assessed value(1)
(1) As of 2001-2002 school year (2) FTE stands
for Full Time Equivalency, and is roughly the
number of students enrolled in the
system Note Assessed value is less than
appraised value Note There are 180 public school
systems in the state of Georgia Source GA
Department of Education 2001 Report Card Raw Data
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IN THIS CONTEXT, THE BOARD TOOK ACTIONTO PREPARE
FOR THE FUTURE

• Resolved to create a strategic plan for the City
  Schools of Decatur (May 13, 2003)
• The Board of Education directs the
  Superintendent to prepare a five-year operating
  and fiscal forecastthe Superintendent shall at
  her discretion analyze various scenarios, such as
  elementary school configurations, student
  populations and distributions, student/teacher
  ratios, special education, and other assumptions
  that have a significant impact on the operations
  of the systemThe analysis of scenarios should
  consider, what impact if any, various
  alternatives would have on maintaining and
  improving student academic achievement, alignment
  with educational programs and core philosophies,
  and community impacts
• Hired new superintendent (July 2003)

Our quandary - improving achievement while
constraining costs - forced a reassessment of our
charter
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OUR APPROACH HAS BEEN RIGOROUS,THOROUGH AND
INCLUSIVE
Topic experts
leading multiple workstreams
involving multiple stakeholders
Superintendent and district staff Sizemore
Group Boston Consulting Group

• Education planning
• Vision, Mission and Values
• Revenues and costs
• Facilities review and planning
• Capacity planning
• Demographic trends and forecasting
• Scenario analysis
• Benchmarking study
• Special topics research

Community Board of Education District
staff Principals Teachers City
commissioners City managers Civic
leaders Partners
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OUR VISIONWorking Draft

• City Schools of Decatur will be recognized as one
  of the top ten community school districts in the
  nation
• Our students will be able to compete nationally
  and internationally in academic and
  extracurricular activities. Our graduates will
  be successful in postsecondary endeavors and will
  become contributing, thoughtful members of their
  communities

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OUR MISSIONWorking Draft

• City Schools of Decatur challenges every student
  to succeed by providing a rigorous, engaging and
  authentic learning experience delivered by highly
  qualified, caring adults in safe and inviting
  schools

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OUR BELIEFSWorking Draft

• Students
• The school, the home, and the surrounding
  community must work together to meet the needs of
  our students
• Our focus is education, and all decisions are
  based on what is best for our students
• Every student is unique and valuable, and the
  school embraces each as an important individual
• A whatever it takes attitude exists so every
  student can be successful
• Instruction is authentic and provides students
  with worthwhile work
• Employees
• Every employee respects, values and feels
  responsible for our students
• Every employee is a lifelong learner and models
  that role for our students
• Leaders
• A leader is responsible for ensuring an employee
  a position that is a good fit
• A leader gives an employee the support,
  resources, and mentoring necessary to do a job
  well
• A leader is a problem solver
• A leader models appropriate behavior and attitude
• School System
• The school system will move from good to great

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COMMITMENT TO CONTINUOUS PROGRESSWorking Draft

• The Strategic Plan provides a baseline of
  information, a map for the future and a plan for
  moving the school system from good to great. In
  order to remain fluid and relevant, the plan must
  be a living document, revised and assessed
  annually.

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CONSTITUENT GROUPS INPUT SHAPES OUR GOALS
Interviews and focus groups
identified the things we value and the
challenges we face
which shape our goals for the next three years

• We posed three key questions
• What do you value most about the City Schools of
  Decatur?
• What are the systems greatest challenges?
• What enhancements/ improvements would you like to
  see?
• To a broad set of constituent groups
• Community
• District administrators
• Principals
• Board members
• Teachers
• Civic leaders

• Value
• Sense of community
• High quality
• High performance
• Small schools
• Small class sizes
• Relationship with community
• Innovative teaching styles
• Challenges and improvements
• Performance gaps among subgroups
• Elementary school configuration
• Financial ability and constraints
• Need to operate as one system
• Relationship with community
• Declining enrollment
• Socioeconomic and racial tensions
• Professional development
• Extracurricular facilities at MS and HS

• Improve academic achievement
• Ensure rigorous curriculum for all students
• Close achievement gap
• Enhance professional development
• Improve delivery of services for all exceptional
  students
• Improve fiscal responsibility
• Contain or lower costs
• Optimize use of existing resources
• Maximize revenues
• Build partnerships
• Strengthen relationship with community
• Communicate openly and effectively
• Create value for non-parent taxpayers
• Build partnerships
• Operate as one system
• Ensure consistent educational experience
  (curriculum and instruction) across schools

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OUR OVERARCHING GOALS

• The City Schools of Decatur will provide the
  highest quality of instruction, ensuring
  consistently challenging knowledge work for
  every student in the system
• The City Schools of Decatur will work to close
  the achievement gap between white and black
  students as evidenced by state and national test
  criteria
• The City Schools of Decatur will develop a
  systemic approach to providing a challenging and
  quality educational experience for all students
• The City Schools of Decatur will be fiscally
  responsible while maintaining educational quality

1
2
3
4
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GOAL 1 IMPROVE ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT (I)
The City Schools of Decatur will provide the
highest quality of instruction, ensuring
consistently challenging knowledge work for
every student in the system.
Responsible party
Timeline

• 1-A. Ensure that all teachers and support staff
  participate in high quality, relevant
  professional development opportunities. Create an
  atmosphere of continued education and
  professional development for all employees.
  School board members, superintendent and
  district/school administrators model the behavior
  of a community of learners.
• School board members will attain GSBA
  certification as a professional board.
• The Superintendent will participate in the Bell
  South Superintendents Network and the GA
  Leadership Project.
• 1-B. Develop a Professional Education Portfolio
  to include critical components necessary for
  every teacher in City Schools of Decatur to
  perform at highest levels. Components will
  include but not be limited to Brain based
  research, Multiple Intelligence Training, CRISS
  Strategies, Diagnosing reading problems, Project
  based learning, Technology, understanding test
  data.
• 1-C. Implement a Reward and Recognition System
  Portfolio to ensure that teachers who complete
  the activities are recognized and compensated in
  a meaningful fashion.
• 1-D. Develop School Teams to research, read
  and participate in collegial discussions
  regarding the principles of Schlectys work in
  school reform.

• - Board Members
• Superintendent
• Superintendent
• Asst. Superintendent Staff Development
• Superintendent
• Board Members
• Superintendent
• Principals

• Winter 2004
• Winter 2004
• Fall 2004
• Fall 2005
• Fall 2004

Indicates Commencement of Strategy
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GOAL 1 IMPROVE ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT (II)
The City Schools of Decatur will provide the
highest quality of instruction, ensuring
consistently challenging knowledge work for
every student in the system.
Responsible party
Timeline
1-E. Create a Professional Development Learning
Center and Professional Library. Teachers, school
staff, parents and community should have the
benefit of a well-equipped training facility
meeting technological needs and adult comfort
levels. Instructional Resources, a professional
library and access to computers will be part of
the Professional Development Center. 1-F.
Faculty and Staff will fully implement the new
State Curriculum. 1-G. Organize teams of
teachers and administrators to study, review and
plan for implementation of the newly developed
standards-based curriculum to be released by the
Department of Education in Spring 2004. 1-H.
Develop companion parent documents to assist
parents in knowing the standards and offering
strategies to be implemented by parents. 1-I.
Develop an in-class observation tool to provide
feedback and support for the implementation of
design qualities, state curriculum standards, use
of technology and instructional strategies. 1-J.
A comprehensive school reform model, will be
researched and adopted by every school and
supported by 80 of the school staff members.
School staff will conduct a process whereby they
share their findings with each other prior to
their commitment to a delivery model, middle
school and high school. Any model chosen will
meet the standards listed in the Center for
Leadership of School Reform Project. Each school
will receive up to 5000.00 to explore its model.

• Assistant Superintendent Staff Development
• Associate Superintendent
• Associate Superintendent
• Associate Superintendent
• Associate Superintendent
• Associate Superintendent
• Associate Superintendent

Fall 2005 Spring 2005 Fall 2004 Summer
2005 Summer 2005 Fall 2005
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GOAL 1 IMPROVE ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT (III)
The City Schools of Decatur will provide the
highest quality of instruction, ensuring
consistently challenging knowledge work for
every student in the system.
Responsible party
Timeline
1-K. Highly qualified staff will be in place by
2007. Opportunities will be provided through in
house staff development, on line training
opportunities, certificates by Praxis Test.
Emphasis on recruitment of highly qualified and
committed new staff members will be assisted by
the use of Gallups Teacher Perceiver Program.
Principals will be trained in the use of the
screening tool. 1-L. Ensure upper elementary
teachers working in a departmentalized structure
are certified in Elementary Education as well as
the content areas they teach. Specific emphasis
will be placed on math and science. Teachers will
be compensated for earning dual
certification. I-M. Lessons planned by
instructional staff will contain ten design
qualities to ensure student engagement at every
level. I-N. Current delivery model for
instruction will be reviewed and revised based on
effectiveness for improved student
performance. 1-O. Expeditionary Learning will
be explored for all elementary schools (primary
levels) Pre IB for grades 4 5 and middle school
students. 1-P. Increase the frequency of art
and music instruction at each elementary school.
Art and music will be integrated with existing
instruction of core curriculum. At a minimum one
full time art music teacher will be assigned to
2 elementary schools.

• Principals
• Superintendent
• Director of HR
• Principals
• Director of HR
• Principals
• Teachers
• Principals
• Associate Superintendent
• Principals
• Associate Superintendent
• Associate Superintendent

Fall 2005 Summer 2005 Fall 2005 Fall
2004 Summer 2005 Fall 2004
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GOAL 1 IMPROVE ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT (IV)
The City Schools of Decatur will provide the
highest quality of instruction, ensuring
consistently challenging knowledge work for
every student in the system.
Responsible party
Timeline
1-Q. Enhance the availability of technology for
use by the students. Each school will have
Compass Learning or CCC Labs, hand held devices
and equipment with portability. 1-R.
Investigate Web based delivery of instruction
(PLATO) for students at the secondary levels
seeking courses with less than adequate
demonstrated need. 1-S. Students will be
engaged in challenging learning
experiences. Increase opportunities for high
school students to take advanced placement
classes. Partnerships with post-secondary
institutions whereby high school students can
take college level courses will be made available
and readily accessible. 1-T. A senior year
capstone project will be researched, and
implemented for all graduates by 2006. 1-U. Hold
summer camp programs highlighting core curriculum
prior to the entrance of students to the middle
school or high school. 1-V. Expand the Foreign
Language program to grades 7 8.

• - Director of Technology
• Principals
• Associate Superintendent
• HS Principals/Staff
• Superintendent
• HS Principals
• HS Principals/Staff
• Associate Superintendent
• Principals
• Associate Superintendent
• MS Principals

Fall 2005 Fall 2004 Fall 2005 Fall
2005 Summer 2004 Fall 2004
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GOAL 1 IMPROVE ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT (V)
The City Schools of Decatur will provide the
highest quality of instruction, ensuring
consistently challenging knowledge work for
every student in the system.
Responsible party
Timeline
1-W. Add a curriculum coordinator at schools of
500 or more students to assist teachers in
designing lessons, integrating instruction
content across the areas and learning
instructional strategies. The curriculum
coordinator will model and assist teachers in
class lessons. 1-X. Conduct a Climate Survey
based on effective school principles each spring,
to be completed by faculty/staff and parents.
Results will be used to assist in planning The
School Improvement Plan for the upcoming year.
1-Y. A program called the Society of Academic
Excellence will be instituted to recognize high
achieving students (middle school/high school)
and students who demonstrated consistent
improvement.

• Superintendent
• Board Members
• Principals
• Superintendent
• HS Principals
• MS Principals

Fall 2004 Spring 2004 Fall 2005
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GOAL 1 IMPROVE ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT (VI)
The City Schools of Decatur will provide the
highest quality of instruction, ensuring
consistently challenging knowledge work for
every student in the system.
Responsible party
Timeline

• 1-Z. The Director and educational leaders will
  work cooperatively with the Exceptional Students
  Services Stakeholders Committee (made up of
  parents, staff, students, and community agency
  representatives) to continually evaluate progress
  made on the continuous improvement plan developed
  in September, 2003. The four goals that will be
  targeted for the next three years are
• Increase the percentage of students with
  disabilities who receive instruction in the
  general education setting with appropriate
  supports and accommodations.
• Increase the percentage of parents of students
  with disabilities who are active and satisfied
  participants in their childs education.
• Decrease the gap in reading performance of
  students with and without disabilities on
  statewide achievement tests.
• Decrease the disproportionate representation of
  students with disabilities to reflect the
  demographics of the general population.
• 1-Z. A consultant will be hired to conduct a
  benchmarking process to identify comparable
  systems that are performing at a high level on
  the improvement goals that have been outlined.
• 1-AA. The Director, in cooperation with the ESS
  Stakeholders Committee, will annually review
  progress made on the improvement plan and deliver
  a report to the Superintendent.

Director, ESS Stakeholders Committee
Director, ESS Director, ESS Stakeholders
Committee
Fall 2003 - ongoing 2004-2005 An
nually
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GOAL 1 IMPROVE ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT (VII)
The City Schools of Decatur will provide the
highest quality of instruction, ensuring
consistently challenging knowledge work for
every student in the system.
Responsible party
Timeline

• 1-AB. A training schedule will be developed for
  the next three years outlining the training that
  will be necessary for the accomplishment of
  these goals. This training includes
• Training for general and special education
  teachers and paraprofessionals regarding
  collaboration and differentiation of instruction.
• Training designed to increase the capacity of
  general and special education staff to manage
  challenging behavior.
• Training for parents and staff designed to
  increase understanding of the IEP process and
  procedures.
• Training regarding federal laws and state
  regulations regarding students with disabilities.
• 1-AC. There will be an increase in the frequency
  and quality of communication between ESS and
  parents and the community.

Director, ESS Assistant Superintendent for Staff
Development Director, ESS Parent Mentor
July 2004 (identify resources and develop
schedule) Ongoing
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GOAL 2 CLOSE THE ACHIEVEMENT GAP (I)
The City Schools of Decatur will close the
achievement gap between white and black students
as evidenced by state and national test criteria.
Responsible party
Timeline
2-A. Create an Early Childhood Learning Center
for children ages zero-preK and that provides an
equal opportunity to acquire developmentally
appropriate instruction prior to entering
kindergarten. 2-B. Co-locate the following
programs to ensure a systemic approach to
dissemination of services and efficient use of
staff and resources Even Start, Frasier Child
Development Center and Pre-Kindergarten. By
combining these programs, a cohesive plan to
involve parents in the development of their
children will be implemented. 2-C. Adopt a
language-based experiential program at the Early
Childhood Learning Center. The Waterford Early
Learning System will be implemented to assist 4
year olds in an elective phonics program. 2-D.
All Early Childhood Learning Center staff will
be certified as Early Childhood Teachers, CDA or
possess a 2 year associates degree or pass the
state Cut Off Para Pro Test. The Waterford Early
Childhood Learning Program will be placed in 3
and 4 year old classes. 2-E. The gap will be
clearly identified, made public and reviewed
annual at each school site and across the
district.
XXX
XXX
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GOAL 2 CLOSE THE ACHIEVEMENT GAP (II)
The City Schools of Decatur will close the
achievement gap between white and black students
as evidenced by state and national test criteria.
Responsible party
Timeline
2-F. Every school will develop a School
Improvement Plan developed by the principal,
teachers and school counselors. The school board
will approve plans annually. Each plan will
address criteria of No Child Left Behind and
system standards listed by the Center for
Leadership of School Reform. 2-G. An Individual
Academic Improvement Plan will be written for
every child/student who is performing below grade
level. The plan will be developed by the
teacher(s), principal and with communication to
the parents. The results of the Individual Plan
will be checked on at regular intervals
throughout the school year. The plan should be
adjusted if adequate programs is not observed.
2-H. Principals, teachers and staff will be
familiar with the disaggregated test data and
trained to recognize areas of weakness among
their school/classroom populations. Increased
emphasis and focus will be placed on reading
proficiency. 2-I. A Reading Resource Specialist
serving 2 elementary schools will be assigned to
work with reluctant readers, assist classroom
teachers in diagnosing individual student reading
deficiencies, create plans of action and monitor
student progress.
XXX
XXX
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GOAL 2 CLOSE THE ACHIEVEMENT GAP (III)
The City Schools of Decatur will close the
achievement gap between white and black students
as evidenced by state and national test criteria.
Responsible party
Timeline
2-J. The district level Language Arts
Coordinator will work with the community and
retired teachers to create a cadre of tutors.
Tutors will be trained in diagnosing reading
problems, provided age appropriate and leveled
reading materials and given support to assist in
their tutoring responsibility. 2-K. A panel of
instructional personnel including the district
Language Arts Coordinator and Assistant
Superintendent, Staff Development and Special
Programs will review research based reading
programs for specific use with middle and high
school students who are functioning below grade
level in reading. Middle and high school teachers
will assist in selecting materials and strategies
for use with their students. 2-L. Hold a
Summer Camp prior to students entering grades 6
and 9. The Summer Camp will be held for
students requiring additional time and emphasis
on core content areas. Specific areas to be
addressed will include Reading Comprehension
strategies, Study Skill Habits, Math
competencies, Basic Skills as well as
Pre-Algebra, Algebra and Writing Strategies.
XXX
XXX
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GOAL 2 CLOSE THE ACHIEVEMENT GAP (IV)
The City Schools of Decatur will close the
achievement gap between white and black students
as evidenced by state and national test criteria.
Responsible party
Timeline

• 2-M. Hold an ongoing after school homework and
  tutoring program at each school. The purpose of
  the program will be to assist students in a
  timely fashion with difficult concepts. At the
  high school and middle school level subject areas
  will be scheduled on various days across the
  week. Teachers will receive stipends to assist
  students after school.
• 2-N. Seek additional partnerships with
  neighboring post secondary institutions and
  community based organizations to actively recruit
  tutors, mentors and students who may assist City
  Schools of Decatur struggling students.
• 2-O. At the middle school and high school,
  principals and their teams will be encouraged to
  explore and implement strategies that work for
  students not currently successful in the academic
  arena.
• Organize Peer Study Groups
• Create an adult contact (with the school
  organization) to act as an advisor and on-site
  mediator and monitor.
• Set high academic expectations for all children.
• Organize Academic Bowls and events where
  students can be recognized for academic
  improvement and achievement.
• Have faculty training in Understanding Learning
  Styles and varying the presentation of material.
• Consider organizing a 9th grade Center (School
  with a School Concept) which provides 9th graders
  with a structured environment, three strong
  academic courses per semester and one period for
  Study Skills and Assistance during the day.

XXX
XXX
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GOAL 2 CLOSE THE ACHIEVEMENT GAP (V)
The City Schools of Decatur will close the
achievement gap between white and black students
as evidenced by state and national test criteria.
Responsible party
Timeline
2-P. Reward and Award teachers for making home
visits. Consider covering classes or providing
substitutes for those teachers who wish to make
home visits. 2-Q. Closing the gap will require
all teachers and staff to understand the
underlying issues affecting student
performance. 2-R. Require all teachers to
participate in professional development
opportunities to address individual differences
in learning styles, socio-economic, cultural and
demographic factors. 2-S. Hold a conference in
partnership with Georgia Perimeter College to
address sensitivity and multi-cultural issues.
This conference will become and annual
event. 2-T. Develop a formal mentoring/tutoring
program at every school to assist struggling
students. 2-U. Recruit under-represented
students to participate in upper level academic
classes AP, Honors, Gifted, Advanced Math
Classes, SAT preparation courses. 2-V.
Establish a district level position, reporting
directly to the Superintendent of Schools, to
organize, assist and monitor efforts to close the
Achievement Gap.
Guidance counselors and teachers
XXX
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GOAL 3 OPERATE AS ONE SYSTEM (I)
The City Schools of Decatur will develop a
systemic approach to providing a challenging and
quality educational experience for all students.
Responsible party
Timeline
3-A. The School Board office should be relocated
to a central and visible location, easily
accesible by parents, community and teachers.
The School Board office should be equipped with a
fully functional Board Room, a Board office
space, and be able to house all district
administration. 3-B. CSD will enter into
agreement with the Center for Leadership in
School Reform. CSD will become a Standard Bearer
School District- one of 38 across the
nation. 3-C. As part of the Standard Bearer
process, staff will be trained in the core
concepts, design qualities and protocols. The
process takes three years. 3-D. Principals will
attend a summer session orientation and
leadership development provided by Center for
Leadership of School Reform. 3-E. District
staff, principals and team teacher leaders will
attend a fall conference on Working on the
Work. 3-F. All staff will read the books
Shaking up the School house and Working on the
Work. Each school will have a Community of
Learners plan for discussion of the
concepts. 3-G. An Executive Assessment Review
process (baseline competed in September 2003)
will be repeated at the end of the first year of
full implementation.
XXX
XXX
26
GOAL 3 OPERATE AS ONE SYSTEM (II)
The City Schools of Decatur will develop a
systemic approach to providing a challenging and
quality educational experience for all students.
Responsible party
Timeline
3-H. In order that the school system move toward
the same goals, the approved district goals and
strategies from the Strategic Plan must be used
as a base for development of school level
plans. 3-I. A culture of accountability will be
fostered beginning with the School Board flowing
to the Superintendent, top district
administrators, principals, teachers, and support
staff. Everyone has a lot to do, everyone makes
a difference. 3-J. To honor the employees from
all schools in all positions, a Superintendents
Recognition Program will be implemented to honor
employees who are committed to the Belief System
and Walk the Talk. 3-K. The district will become
a Strength Based Organization one concerned
with assisting employees to become successful in
their position. 3-L. District administrators
and principals will form a team and participate
in a Strength Based Training Program, requiring
self-evaluation. 3-M. This concept will be
continued so that school personnel will become
involved in recognition of style and strength.
XXX
XXX
27
GOAL 3 OPERATE AS ONE SYSTEM (III)
The City Schools of Decatur will develop a
systemic approach to providing a challenging and
quality educational experience for all students.
Responsible party
Timeline

• 3-N. The various departments, Finance, Human
  Resources, Technology, Curriculum and
  Instruction, Exceptional Student Services,
  Maintenance and Community Public Relations,
  will conduct a self assessment to determine the
  following
• Policies related to their department are up to
  date and clear to all employees.
• Job Descriptions are accurate and up to date,
  software is operational and their department is a
  support to the schools. Efficiency or area
  experts will be hired to assist with this
  process.
• 3-O. As retirement or natural vacating of
  positions take place at the district office or
  school administrative arena, positions will be
  changed and aligned to meet the designated
  District Goals.
• 3-P. To address areas of deficiency, in that the
  operations of these functions are currently not
  properly supervised under any existing
  department, the following positions are
  necessary
• Coordinator of Health and Social Services
• Director of Information/Data Coordinator and
  Collection
• 3-Q. Surveys which address the climate of each
  school and the district based on Effective School
  Research, will be incorporated into the data
  collection process and utilize in school
  improvement plans.
• 3-R. Requests for budget increases must be tied
  to School Improvement Plans so that core work of
  the school district can be accomplished.

XXX
XXX
28
GOAL 4 IMPROVE FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY (I)
The City Schools of Decatur will be
fiscally responsible while maintaining
educational quality.
Responsible party
Timeline
4-A. A new elementary configuration will be
proposed and implemented. This configuration
will take into account economy of scale in
delivery, seek to enlarge a sense of community
vs. neighborhood schools, and further integrate
the elementary student population. 4-B. New
elementary school zones will be drawn. The zones
will further integrate the school population,
provide for additional educational resources, and
meet requirements to access state facility
funding. 4-C. A partnership for community
education will be developed. Existing school
facilities will shared so that the schools can
reach out to the various members of the community
to provide life long learning and maintain value
in each neighborhood. 4-D. Additional
partnerships will be sought with the City
Government and other service providers so that
the costs of operating various facilities may be
shared. 4-E. A systemic approach to the
planning process for the CSD will be employed to
ensure that all levels are being provided with
equal resources. 4-F. The use of existing
facilities, new elementary configuration will
allow for the redistribution of the SPLOST
funding to address middle school and high school
issues.
XXX
XXX
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GOAL 4 IMPROVE FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY (II)
The City Schools of Decatur will be
fiscally responsible while maintaining
educational quality.
Responsible party
Timeline
4-G. Programmatic reviews will be conducted to
ensure that existing programs are effective 4-H.
Alignment of existing programs will be
undertaken to ensure that needs of like kind are
addressed efficiently. 4-I. Every department and
school will do a self-assessment to see if there
are contracts, personnel, or existing practices
that do not directly affect the core business of
the system and take steps to reduce
costs.  4-J. An outside audit should become an
annual event. The event allows the City Schools
of Decatur to change account practices in a
timely manner. 4-K. Review contract procedures
and shore up practices that allow for duplication
in any area of need or make cost related savings
possible. 4.L. Travel for out of state training
purposes will be allowed on limited basis and
must be approved by the Superintendent and
related specifically to job functions.
XXX
XXX
30
GOAL 5 STRENGTHEN RELATIONSHIP WITH COMMUNITY (I)
Responsible party
Timeline

• 5-A. Begin joint meetings with City
  administration to discuss and research common
  areas of concern, work to consolidate function or
  explore possibility of joint funding.
• 5-B. School Board Members and the Superintendent
  will hold Listening Sessions two times a year to
  allow members of the community to speak with the
  Board on any issue opening the lines of
  communication.
• 5-C. School Board Members will organize Community
  Walk Throughs within their districts to reach
  out to people in their district ask questions
  about the City Schools of Decatur and invite
  parents of private school children back into the
  City Schools of Decatur.
• 5-D. The Superintendent will visit the CEOs of
  Emory, Agnes Scott, YMCA, YWCA, the City, the
  Police Department, and other institutions to
  foster a sense of partnership.
• 5-E. The City and School District will explore
  joint personnel to accomplish key tasks
• Grant Writers
• School Resource Officers
• 5-F. The City and School District should begin
  discussions regarding the Campus Plan. A review
  of the plan is necessary, the Athletic
  renovations might be sponsored by the School
  District, the Performing Arts Center by the
  City.

XXX
XXX
31
GOAL 5 STRENGTHEN RELATIONSHIP WITH COMMUNITY
(II)
Responsible party
Timeline
5-G. Designated schools shall become community
centers. Working with partners, programming
could be offered to residents making the building
accessible. 5-H. Using the expertise of
partners, the district should explore the
establishment of Alternative Education Center.
The Alternative Education Center should be placed
at an existing available elementary building and
students will attend for no less than 9 weeks or
no more than 18 weeks. 5-I. Alternative
education will be available for middle and high
school students. The program will consist of
academics, counseling, service learning, and
leadership. The goal is to keep students in
school while changing negative behavior. 5-J. In
order to retain a strong workforce, we must take
the lead in recruiting and retaining quality
personnel in all areas. Administrative
internships and training opportunities are
necessary to contract the natural exit of
retiring administrators. First to third year
teachers should be provided training mentors and
ongoing support in their fields through years of
teaching.
XXX
XXX
32
ACHIEVING OUR GOALS REQUIRES ANUNDERSTANDING OF
OUR ENVIRONMENT

• Demographic trends and forecasts
• Enrollment history
• Criteria for individual schools
• Site
• Facility
• Construction cost
• Location
• Students relocated
• Adaptability

33
DEMOGRAPHIC - CENSUS DATA

• Summary of observations
• Birth rate for Decatur has been relatively stable
  during the past 10 years.
• Number of white births has increased and the
  number of black births has decreased during the
  past 10 years.
• Number of children attending private schools has
  increased to approx. 15 of the total as the
  number of households with income over 75,000 per
  year has increased.
• The number of school age children has fallen in
  spite of a larger number of dwelling units,
  larger average dwelling unit size, larger
  percentage of residents of child bearing age
• In the last ten years, there are fewer people
  inhabiting each dwelling unit, their level of
  education rose, as did the household income over
  50,000 per year

34
THE FACE OF DECATUR IS CHANGINGLess Black and
Fewer Seniors
Population by ethnicity
Population by age


Total population
18,404
17,336
18,147
Source U.S. Census
35
GENTRIFICATION IS WELL UNDERWAYHigher Household
Income and More Educated
Annual household income(1)
Highest level of schooling(2)


Median income
35.3K
47.4K
32.7K
High school graduate
79.4
87.8
66.9
54.8
(1) 2000 dollars (2) Persons gt 25
years Source City of Decatur based on U.S. Census
36
WERE TAKING UP MORE SPACE PER PERSON
Dwelling units
Rooms per dwelling
Persons per dwelling



5
3-4
2
1
37
BIRTH RATES AND SCHOOL CHOICEREFLECT DEMOGRAPHIC
TRENDS
Births by race
School enrollment
5,074
2,886
2,496
3,064

1
2
1
1
2
1
1
2

38
TRENDS LEAD TO A FLAT BIRTH FORECAST
Total births

255
269
246
259
271
268
264
260
266
267
268
269
270
271
273
Note Method XXXXX Source XXXX
39
AND A SLIGHT DECLINE IN TOTAL ENROLLMENTMS and
HS Peak in 2003 and 2005, Respectively
Enrollment history and projections

2,344
2,306
2,258
2,224
2,260
2,287
2,280
2,202
2,229
2,129
Peak year for elementary enrollment has already
passed
40
ENROLLMENT DECLINE ACCELERATES BEYOND 2008Later
Years Subject to Mean Regression
10 year enrollment projections
2,344
2,306
2,258
2,224
2,260
2,287
2,280
2,202
2,229
2,129
2,066
2,049
2,026
2,035
2,022

41
WE EVALUATED SIX ELEMENTARY SCHOOL CONFIGURATIONS
FOR MEETING OUR FUTURE NEEDS
Scenarios
Objectives
Six K-5 schools Five K-5 schools Four K-5
schools Two K-3, two 3-5 schools Two K-5
schools Three K-3 schools, one 4-5 school

• Accommodate current and projected enrollment
  efficiently
• Maximize educational benefits
• Minimize operating and capital costs
• Minimize disruption
• Enhance services
• Early learning center
• Administrative and training center
• Community/alternative education
• Technology
• Maintenance

42
USE OF FACILITIES VARIES BY SCENARIO
Clairemont
College Heights
Fifth Avenue
Glennwood
Oakhurst
Westchester
Winona Park
K-5 K-5 Admin and training center Admin and
training center Admin and training center Admin
and training center
K-5 Early leaning center Early leaning
center Early leaning center Early leaning
center Early leaning center
xxx
K-5 K-5 K-5 3-5 K-5
Six K-5 Five K-5 Four K-5 Two by two Two
K-5 Three plus one
K-5 K-5 K-5 3-5 4-5
K-5 K-5 K-5 K-2 K-5 K-3
K-5 K-5 K-5 K-2 K-5 K-3
43
PRIOR PROJECTED VS. ACTUAL ENROLLMENT

• (Graph depicting projected vs. actual)

44
CRITERIA FOR INDIVIDUAL SCHOOLS

• Site Capacity
• Facility Capacity
• Sunk Cost
• Capital Investment for Deferred Maintenance
• Location of School
• Students relocated
• Adaptability

45
SITE CAPACITY
-1
0
1
Elementary schools
Clairemont(1)
College Heights(1)
Fifth Avenue(1)
Glennwood(1)
Oakhurst
Westchester(1)
Winnona Park
(1) School cannot accommodate ten year and
younger play field
46
FACILITY CAPACITY
-1
0
1
Elementary schools
Clairemont
College Heights
Fifth Avenue
Glennwood
Oakhurst
Westchester
Winnona Park
47
SUNKEN COSTS
-1
0
1
Elementary schools
Clairemont
College Heights
Fifth Avenue
Glennwood
Oakhurst
Westchester
Winnona Park
48
DEFERRED MAINTENANCE COSTS
-1
0
1
Elementary schools
Clairemont
College Heights
Fifth Avenue
Glennwood
Oakhurst
Westchester
Winnona Park
49
LOCATION OF SCHOOL
-1
0
1
Elementary schools
Clairemont
College Heights
Fifth Avenue
Glennwood
Oakhurst
Westchester
Winnona Park
50
STUDENTS RELOCATED
-1
0
1
Elementary schools
Clairemont
College Heights
Fifth Avenue
Glennwood
Oakhurst
Westchester
Winnona Park
51
APPROPRIATENESS OF THESTRUCTURE FOR INTENDED USE

• Scale criteria
• Maintenance vehicle access and parking
• Central receiving and distribution capacity
• Loading dock

• Scale criteria
• Auditorium with Board meeting capacity (300 pp)
• Centrally located
• IT infrastructure ready
• Records storage capacity (slab on grade)
• Finance Department adaptability
• Parking capacity for 260 cars

• Scale criteria
• Maintenance vehicle access and parking
• Central receiving and distribution capacity
• Easily accessible loading dock

52
CRITERIA FOR INDIVIDUAL SCHOOLS
Elementary schools
-1
0
1
Clairemont
(0.25)
College Heights
(0.11)
Fifth Avenue
(0.50)
Summary
Glennwood
0.40
Oakhurst
0.40
Westchester
0
Winnona Park
0.38
53
ZIP CODE ANNEXATION IMPLICATIONS
Total difference
School age difference
Potential additional
30030 zip code (2000 census)
City of Decatur data (2000 census)
Total
Total
714
509
7,083
25,288
Total
18,205
70
332
Under 1 year
262
85
323
1 year
238
196
2 years
159
37
88
88
54
301
3 years
213
14
14
10
246
4 years
232
51
51
47
203
5 years
152
62
62
41
236
6 years
174
43
43
30
235
7 years
192
49
49
34
233
8 years
184
44
44
29
255
9 years
211
65
65
43
300
10 years
235
73
73
56
251
11 years
178
56
56
43
302
12 years
246
60
60
46
278
13 years
218
59
59
38
286
14 years
227
50
50
36
15 years
171
221