April 22, 2026, Board of Education Community Meeting

The City Schools of Decatur Board of Education held a community meeting on April 22, 2026, focusing primarily on the FY27 general fund budget and the new early childhood learning center project. The board presented the second draft of the FY27 budget, highlighting a proposed 3% salary increase for all staff, adjustments in staffing positions, and a fund balance strategy to manage expenditures exceeding revenues by approximately $7 million. Discussions included detailed budget line items such as reductions in federal grants, increases in safety and security funding, and the impact of state funding changes. The board also reviewed three design options for the early childhood learning center, with cost estimates ranging around $22 million, and discussed potential trade-offs between building size, green space, and programmatic components. Community members raised questions about budget projections, salary competitiveness, consultant costs, and the implications of recent state legislation (SB 625) on bond funding. The board emphasized transparency, ongoing community engagement, and the need to balance fiscal responsibility with educational priorities. No formal votes were recorded during the meeting, but action items included further exploration of archaeological studies and upcoming special meetings to discuss funding and project details.