The DNO e-pub put its nose to the grindstone and turned around two articles from last night’s State of the City and State of the Schools addresses at the Decatur Business Association meeting.

According to the DNO, school board chair Valarie Wilson highlighted the ongoing struggle with the state over school funding and relayed ways in which the school system has made advancements on the five key points of its strategic plan.

Mayor Bill Floyd then took to the stage, highlighting the city’s strong financial position in a tough economic climate, the ongoing effort to “get into the urban gardening business this year”, and the upcoming 2010 Strategic Plan.

Money, food, parking, zoning!?  It’s enough to make a local news junkie drool with glee.

Also the “State of the Schools” address will be given by CSD School Board Chair Valarie Wilson.

Cheryl at the Decatur Minute writes…

The community is invited to join the Decatur City Commission for the annual State of the City Address delivered by Mayor Floyd and the State of the Schools Address delivered by Decatur Board of Education chair Valarie Wilson on Tuesday, January 26th at the monthly meeting of the Decatur Business Association. The reception begins at 5:15 pm and the program begins at 6 pm. The meeting will be held at the new Decatur High School Auditorium in downtown Decatur.

YES!  Sorry, I’m sure it had nothing to do with me, but I’m really excited to see the new auditorium being used in one of the ways I had publicly hoped.

UPDATE: Here’s Rob Pope’s latest note…

The difference remains 26 votes, on absentee/early voter ballots. I hope this provides final closure on the election and allows everyone to move forward. It is my sincere wish that we focus on providing support to all students and teachers and continue to make all the schools in Decatur the best schools.

Dave reports that the recount didn’t change the outcome of the At-Large School Board seat where Valarie Wilson defeated Rob Pope by just 26 votes.

I confirmed late last week that Rob Pope had requested a recount in his bid for the At-Large School Board seat, but was asked to keep it quiet until after the recount was completed since there wasn’t much hope that the results would change.

In the meantime, InDecatur reported an unconfirmed rumor and then confirmed it with the city.

I recontacted Rob this morning.  Here’s his official response to the recount rumors…

I have officially requested a recount and the Board of elections has agreed that pursuant to Georgia Code (election results being within 1%) a recount will be completed. Many people have asked about a recount and I want to bring closure on the issue and move on with helping out in the schools.

Thanks,

Rob Pope

The recount will take place tomorrow at 10am.

Don’t forget about tonight’s City Commission and School Board Forum at Oakhurst Elementary!

Michael sends in the details…

The forum kicks off at 7 p.m., with School Board candidates Valarie Wilson and Rob Pope answering questions from the audience in the first hour. Both will make closing statements just before 8 p.m.

After which, City Commission candidates Kyle Williams and Patti Garrett answer questions. The forum wraps up at 9 p.m.

Note cards and pens will be provided to audience members at the forum — and they may submit questions anonymously if they prefer.

Unfortunately, I will not be able to attend so if anyone feels like giving a recap of the action in the comments section post-forum, I’d be most appreciative!

Michael Baxter writes in to let everyone know that Decatur School Board Chair Valarie Wilson’s re-election website is up and running.

As Michael points out, the site details “the progress made by the city’s school system over the past 8 years and cites 5 priorities that Valarie has identified for the future.”  The site also elaborates on the reasons Valarie is running for re-election and ways in which you can give your support to the campaign.

And for those that can’t help but spell Valarie’s first name incorrectly (I’m pretty sure I’ve been among them in the past), Michael adds “for those who spell Valarie with two e’s instead of 2 a’s, www.reelectvalerie.com works, too.”