From CSD’s Communication Director Bruce Roaden…

The City Schools of Decatur Board of Education will have a work session Tuesday, October 12 at 5:30 PM to discuss the redrawing of its Kindergarten-3rd grade school attendance zones with the opening of Glennwood as a K-3 school for the 2011-12 school year.

Georgia State University and a CSD committee have been working together to develop a number of options (along with the data and rationale for each) for the board’s consideration. Public input sessions will be announced soon so that citizens may have the opportunity to offer input about these options with the board. Public input sessions will occur before the board votes on the attendance zone options.

I’ve been told that all the school zone reconfiguration options will be available to the general public on this day.

As the Federal debt grows and the U.S. economy stagnates, an increasing number of Michigan communities are taking on old (no pun intended) responsibilities.

In 63 of Michigan’s 83 counties, dwindling federal and state dollars have been supplemented with countywide senior-dedicated millages.

The taxes bring in millions of dollars that help senior citizens stay in their homes and access health care and legal help.

…Despite a shattered state economy, every millage across the state dedicated to senior funding passed, including a quarter-mill levy in three communities along the western edge of Oakland County.

In counties without a millage, senior centers and social service agencies rely on dwindling state and federal money, unpredictable funding from the general fund of local governments, private donations, grants and even bake sales.

Incidentally, Georgia has the fifth youngest median age in the country at 34.9 years.  Still, it’s an interesting question for anyone effected by an overextended federal government.

h/t:  Otis White

Yountville, CA  Photo submitted by Claire

Decatur City Commissioner Patti Garrett forwards this announcement from Oakhurst Presbyterian Church…

Can Oakhurst celebrate harmony between discount stores and boutiques, corner grocers and gastropubs? Join long-term and newer Oakhurst residents for a frank, practical discussion about authentic teamwork, mutual understanding, and ways to build community in the midst of social change.

• Tuesday, October 19
• 7:00 – 8:30 p.m.
• Oakhurst Presbyterian Church

118 Second Ave. (corner of Second Ave. & East Lake Dr.)

Information: (404) 378-6284

Rachel Simmons, author of “The Curse of the Good Girl“, will be speaking and signing books at the Decatur High School Auditorium, next Monday, October 11th from 7p-8:30p.   The event is sponsored by the Decatur Education Foundation.

In addition to being an author, Simmons runs the Girls Leadership Institute in Pittsfield Massachusetts, which was recently profiled by the New York Times.

Tickets to the event cost $18 for a “daughter/parent pair” and includes a copy of Simmons’ book.  Here’s a short synopsis forwarded by the Decatur Education Foundation’s Gail Rothman…

BE YOU! THE REAL GIRL TOUR

Adults and girls (ages 8 & up) are invited to join bestselling author and Girls Leadership Institute co-founder Rachel Simmons for a fun, interactive back-to-school workshop on getting the most out of friendships and staying true to yourself. With laughter and honesty, Rachel will teach girls powerful strategies to express themselves with authenticity and confidence, deal with friend drama effectively, and make healthy decisions in relationships.

Adults will learn tools to support girls on the journey.

Tickets can be purchased online at www.acappellabooks.com starting on 8/19/2010 or by phone 404-681-5128