Here’s the letter that Principal Lauri McKain sent to DHS families today with more details on her promotion to CSD’s new Director of Secondary Education…

Dear DHS Families,

Last night at the school board meeting, Dr. Edwards announced that I will be moving to a new position for the 2014-2015 school year. For the past fifteen years, I have taken on increasing responsibilities in the district, moving from Media Specialist, to Assistant Principal, to Principal at Decatur High School. My new title will be Director of Secondary Education. Though the title is a new one in the district, the position is a restructured one. In the past there was an Associate Superintendent and two curriculum directors. In order to tackle the complex challenges in our state and community, Dr. Edwards restructured the instructional services department. One of the things that drew me to this position is the opportunity to continue working with adolescents in our community and the faculties who serve them.

I will remain the principal of Decatur High School through this school year. By later this month, a committee of SLT, parents and staff members will be organized to plan the search for the next principal with the process being organized and implemented through our Human Resources Department. After the new principal is on board, I will still be available and will continue to serve as a support.

Our strength as a school relies heavily on your involvement. I want to thank you all for your continued support.

Lauri McKain

Decatur High School | Principal

310 N. McDonough St. | Decatur GA 30030

According to Decaturish, Superintendent Phyllis Edwards made a “surprise announcement” at tonight’s Board of Education meeting.

Decatur High Principal Lauri McKain will become CSD’s new Director of Secondary Education.  McKain will remain Principal of Decatur High through the end of the 2013-14 school year.

The move comes less than a year after it was announced that Oakhurst Principal Mary Mack would become CSD’s Director of Elementary Education.

More info as we have it.

This out from CSD this morning…

Dear Decatur Families,

This Friday, September 20, there is a home varsity football game beginning at 7:30 p.m.  Because the safety and security of our students, guests and fans are our top priority, the following will be in place for this Friday’s football game at Decatur High School:

• To assure the safety of all guests, Decatur High School is requesting that all individuals refrain from carrying bags or purses into athletic events. At times, we realize this may be out of one’s control. Please know that all individuals, bags and purses may be subject to inspection prior to entry into events. Persons not complying with this request shall be denied entry. Due to the time it takes to search, and the impact it will have on lines, we ask that individuals not carry bags or purses into athletic events.

• Increased lighting is in the process of being added at the front and back of the campus. If Georgia Power is not able to install it by Sept. 20th, the Decatur Police Department will have its Airlight Truck in place in the upper lot and its Command Trailer in the gravel area between the upper and lower lot. Please understand that in the event of an emergency in the city, these vehicles may be required elsewhere.

• The Decatur Police Department has increased its staff for the event, and the school system has hired additional security personnel from the DeKalb Marshals’ office.

• Band students will follow a specific dismissal procedure, which will be shared with band parents.

At our safety meeting on Sept. 5, other ideas were suggested by attendees.The school system is continuing to investigate other options. I commit to letting you know what changes to expect when attending our campus and events.

Thank you for your ongoing support,

Lauri McKain, Principal

Decatur High School

Many of you have expressed grief and are looking for more information regarding to recent death of 22-year veteran Decatur High teacher Jim Streeter.  Lauri McKain was good enough to pass along the note she sent out to staff…

Jim Streeter, a 22-year veteran teacher at Decatur High School, passed away yesterday afternoon. He had been under treatment for a brain mass and died from related complications. Jim’s son, Mark, graduated from Decatur High School in 2000. His wife, Linda, actively helped with the Decatur High School band and would be seen at various other events with Jim. Please keep Linda and Mark in your thoughts and prayers as they deal with this incredible loss.

The family is currently making decisions about arrangements. As soon as I receive more information, I will pass it along to you.

The City Schools of Decatur sent out this press release late yesterday…

Decatur, GA (2012)- Recently-released Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) scores show Decatur High School seniors scoring above state and national averages.

The Decatur average SAT composite score (mathematics, critical reading and writing combined) increased by 52 points from 1518 to 1570. The state average SAT composite score increased from 1445 to 1452. The national average SAT composite score dropped from 1500 to 1498.

The Critical Reading section offers the highest scores of each of the three subtests. The 539 average (800 is a perfect score on this sub-test) is 51 points above the state and 43 points above the nation.

Increasing achievement and improving instruction in mathematics continues to be a priority in Decatur. Students’ math scores increased from 503 to 514 keeping pace with the nation and exceeding the state average.

Participation rates vary widely in Georgia high schools. Some schools have less than 40% of their students take the SAT. Decatur High boasted a 93% participation rate in 2012.

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