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SCHOOL DISTRICT PROFILE
Vision Statement:
Decatur Public Schools strives to create an atmosphere which will be conducive to helping all students reach their full potential socially and academically and become productive members of society.
Grades Served: Pre-K – 12th
Student/Teacher Ratio: 8:1
Graduation Rate: 93%
Schools In District:
- Decatur Pre-K
- Northside Elementary
- Decatur Middle School
- Decatur High School
PUBLIC NOTICE AND OPPORTUNITY TO COMMENT
Decatur School District Ed-Flex Waiver Application
Decatur School District intends to apply to the Arkansas Department of Education for one or more waivers of federal requirements under the Education Flexibility Partnership Act of 1999 (20 U.S.C. § 5891b). Ed-Flex allows the Department to waive certain federal requirements for
individual districts and schools so they can better meet local needs while remaining accountable for student performance.
The district is requesting the following waiver[s]: Time-and-Effort Certification Forms
Federal requirement waived: 2 C.F.R. § 200.430(g)
The district is asking that this requirement be waived so that we will be able to waive the time certification documentation requirement for employees working on a single cost objective. Employees paid entirely by a single federal program must currently sign paperwork twice a year confirming how they spent their time. This flexibility removes the certification requirement for those employees. The district expects this waiver to result in staff and administrators spending less time on federal paperwork and more time supporting students and classrooms.
Parents, educators, school administrators, and other interested community members are invited to comment on this proposed waiver request.
Comments will be accepted from Sunday, September 20th, 2026 through Tuesday, September 29th, 2026.
All comments received will be submitted to the Arkansas Department of Education with the district’s application.
SUPERINTENDENT’S MESSAGE
Superintendent Dr. Steve Watkins brings over 24 years of experience as a teacher, principal, and superintendent to his role leading Decatur School District. Dr. Watkins is enthusiastic about student success and fostering a positive experience for ALL students, faculty, staff, and community members.
Dear Students, Parents, Staff, and Community Members,
It is an honor for me to welcome you to Decatur School District! I hope you find our website useful and informative. It should help tell the story of a great school district committed to fostering student achievement and creating an environment to support ALL students.
Decatur is rich in tradition, both in community spirit and support! We are proud to connect with EVERY child, EVERY day, and give them EVERY chance to be successful! I encourage you to become involved in our schools if you are not already; and encourage our teaching and support staff with your positive words of appreciation.
Consider becoming a parent volunteer! Be a tutor and help a child learn to read or become more successful in their classes! Support our students by attending an extracurricular activity! Regardless of the event, there are countless opportunities to support our students; and we hope you take advantage of them!
Join our Bulldog Family, and become a part of our success story where EVERY child and EVERY chance happen EVERY day!
Warm regards,
Dr. Steve Watkins
479.321.5780
Frequently Asked Questions
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Our student instructional times are listed below by building.
Decatur Northside Elementary – 7:30 AM – 3:50 PM
Decatur Middle School – 7:40 AM – 4:00 PM
Decatur High School – 7:40 AM – 4:00 PM
*Note: Breakfast is served prior to the school start time at both Northside Elementary & Decatur Middle School.
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Registration is straightforward and can be done in person at the school office. Enrollment packets may be completed on site, or picked up and returned when completed. Required documents for enrollment at Decatur School District include proof of residence, birth certificate, social security card, and immunization records. If you have further questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to one of our wonderful secretaries at (479) 321-5780 (Northside elementary, ext. 3; Decatur Middle/High School, ext. 1 &2; Administration, ext. 4).
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We offer a range of programs, including special education, English language development, gifted education, and counseling services to support diverse student needs.
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Safety is our top priority. We have secure campus entry points, regular emergency drills, and on-site staff trained in emergency response. Our visitor management system ensures that all guests are signed in and monitored.
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Technology is integrated to enhance learning, with resources such as interactive whiteboards, tablets, and educational software that support students' digital literacy and engagement. Decatur School District is also a 1:1 district with access to a chromebook for each student.
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We welcome family involvement! Parents can volunteer in classrooms, join the PTA, participate in family nights, or attend school events. Your involvement strengthens our school community and supports your child's learning experience!