Decatur Public Schools #61

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Decatur Public Schools #61 Public school district serving nearly 8,000 Pre-K to 12th grade students in Decatur, Illinois Three of our facilities are magnet schools.

Decatur Public Schools #61 Facebook Guidelines: The DPS page informs parents, staff, and community members about our achievements, events and activities. Information posted from DPS will be direct, open and honest; we hope comments posted on the page will be respectful, factual and constructive. Personal insults against any individual will be deleted, as will posts that violate the privacy of others or Facebook’s Statement of Rights and Responsibilities. Examples include unauthorized commercial solicitations; posts that bully, intimidate, or harass; content that is hateful, threatening, pornographic, or contains violence; or any post that is unlawful, misleading, malicious, or discriminatory. If more than one post by the same individual must be deleted, the District reserves the right to block that individual from the page. Decatur Public Schools (DPS) serve a diverse and engaged student population. With approximately 7,000 students and 1,800 staff members at 15 schools throughout the district, DPS challenges children and adults to reach higher levels of success. The district operates one Pre-Kindergarten/Early Learning Center, five K-6 elementary schools, five K-8 schools, a middle school, two high schools, and an alternative learning academy. The District also serves as the administrative agent for the Macon-Piatt Special Education District. The diversified facilities allow for individualized learning for each student.

🗓 HOLIDAY REMINDER: School is in session Monday on Indigenous People's Day. We will observe the holiday October 19th.
10/09/2026

🗓 HOLIDAY REMINDER: School is in session Monday on Indigenous People's Day. We will observe the holiday October 19th.

10/09/2026

🎬 THE PRINCIPAL: Dr. Mistie Rodriguez

From Tampa, Florida, to Decatur Public Schools, Dr. Mistie Rodriguez's journey into education wasn't exactly what she originally envisioned! Once considering a career as a reporter, she discovered that her true calling wasn't telling the news, but helping shape the futures of young people.

In this installment of The Principal, we get to know Dr. Rodriguez, learn about her journey into education, and discover the passion that drives her to make a difference every day in Eisenhower High School.

10/09/2026

🔥 Casting Futures at Eisenhower High School! 🔥

Decatur has a rich history in manufacturing, and with three foundries right here in our community, the opportunities for future careers are closer than our students might think!

In metals class at Eisenhower High School, students are getting hands-on experience casting tin, learning valuable skills, and discovering the science and craftsmanship behind metalworking.

It's more than just a classroom project. It's an opportunity to introduce students to potential career pathways with local employers and show them how the skills they're learning today could lead to rewarding careers tomorrow.

🎥 Take a look as our Eisenhower students turn up the heat and turn molten metal into something amazing!

10/08/2026

🎬 The Principal: Holly Kitson

Great schools start with great leadership! 📚

In our next episode of "The Principal," we introduce you to Holly Kitson, Principal of Parsons Elementary School! 🦉

Get to know the person behind the title as we take a closer look at her leadership, her passion for education, and what makes the Parsons Elementary family such a special part of Decatur Public Schools.

🎥 Meet Holly Kitson in this latest edition of "The Principal!"

REMINDER: Families have just one week left to submit all medical documentation to your child's school. Please turn in ph...
10/08/2026

REMINDER: Families have just one week left to submit all medical documentation to your child's school. Please turn in physical exam and vaccine records as soon as possible!

10/07/2026

🎥 THE PRINCIPAL | Heather England

At Franklin Grove Elementary School, being a principal is about more than leading a school — it’s about leading a family.

In the latest episode of DPS61’s The Principal, meet Heather England, whose leadership, dedication, and heart help make Franklin Grove a place where students, staff, and families feel like they belong.

🏫 Meet the principal behind the Franklin Grove Family and discover what makes this school community so special. ❤️

Join us Friday from 5-7pm at the MacArthur High School football game for a Tailgate Job Fair! 🏈 💼 Learn about open po...
10/07/2026

Join us Friday from 5-7pm at the MacArthur High School football game for a Tailgate Job Fair! 🏈 💼
Learn about open positions in the district and our competitive compensation packages!

10/07/2026

🎒 ADM Cares is helping make a difference for our students!

Thanks to a generous donation from ADM Cares, students at Stephen Decatur Middle School received 100 backpacks filled with hygiene products and snacks. These everyday essentials can make a big difference by helping students feel prepared, confident, and ready to focus on learning.

Thank you, ADM Cares, for continuing to support our students and the Decatur Public Schools community! 💙

10/05/2026

🎥 The Principal: Sergio Reyna

Sometimes home isn’t where you started — it’s where you find your purpose.

Baum Elementary Principal Sergio Reyna is a proud Texan who found a new home in Decatur Public Schools. His journey brought him to Decatur, where he discovered a community, a school, and students worth putting down roots for.

In this edition of “The Principal,” meet Sergio Reyna and hear what brought him to DPS 61, what keeps him here, and why Baum Elementary School has become a special place to call home. ❤️

High school students are invited to learn more about the educational opportunities at Millikin University 🎓October 8th a...
10/05/2026

High school students are invited to learn more about the educational opportunities at Millikin University 🎓
October 8th at 5pm, staff will be available to assist with applications and answer questions on site at MacArthur High School.

Address

101 W Cerro Gordo Street
Decatur, IL
62523

Opening Hours

Monday 7:30am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 7:30am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 7:30am - 4:30pm
Thursday 8am - 4:30pm
Friday 8am - 4:30pm

Telephone

+12173623017

Website

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