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Strategic Planning and Master Facility Planning Roadmap 2030
DPS is committed to enhancing educational success for our district through a comprehensive strategic planning and master facility plan. Beginning in October 2024, work to craft a road map that addresses the needs and aspirations of the Decatur school community will take place.
Odor-Free Learning Environment Updated Policies
The Board of Education approved changes updates regarding changes to policy, 7:160 Student Appearance, 7:190 Student Behavior, and 8:30 Visitor to and Conduct on School Property. Click the headline above to read more.

Upcoming Events

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School in Session Tuesday, January 27, 2026. Download the Edulog Parent Portal App to follow Alltown school busses. Visit www.dps61.org/findmybus
Please prepare for cold temperatures and ensure students are dressed appropriately, especially if they ride the bus. We encourage parents to download the Edulog Parent Portal app to track school bus locations. Please allow patience, as buses will be driving cautiously and may arrive later than usual. Parents are also asked to drive cautiously, as neighborhood roads may be plowed but roads can still be slick. If you decide your student will not attend school tomorrow, please report the absence to the school office.
Monday, January 26, 2026 eLearning Day No Extended Day Programming visit www.dps61.org/elearning
District #61 will implement eLearning Day #2 Monday, January 26th with no Extended Day due to severe weather conditions expected to continue through most of the day. At this time, no decision has been made regarding Tuesday. District administrators will continue to monitor weather conditions closely. PreK-8th grade students should refer to Day 2 of your grade level elearning packets (choice boards). No technology is required and these materials are also available on our website dps61.org/elearning. High school students, remember, you need to log in to each google classroom to access instructions and/or assignments from teachers.
DPS Superintendent Search Candidate Profile Survey
Selecting a superintendent is one of the most important decisions a Board of Education can make. To support this process, the Board has partnered with the Illinois Association of School Boards (IASB). The Board is seeking input from stakeholders to help create a candidate profile. ALL staff, parents/guardians, and interested members of the Decatur community are invited and encouraged to complete a brief online survey provided by IASB.
2025-26 Calendar
Stay up to date with important half days of school and holidays by viewing this yearโ€™s school calendar and bell times. Plus, get a head start by checking out next school yearโ€™s calendar, now available too! Tech Tip: visit www.dps61.org/calendar for a direct link!
Roadmap 2030  Strategic Planning & Master Facility Plan
In April 2025, the Board of Education paused the process to allow time for reflection, refinement, and the opportunity to broaden stakeholder engagement. We are now ready to reengage the committee, along with a few new committee members, and move forward with renewed focus, expanded representation, and a shared commitment to meaningful progress.
Meeting dates scheduled for college workshops
For parents and high school students to learn and ask questions about the college application process. Light refreshments will be served.
Join the DPS Family 2024
DPS is always looking for quality staff to join our family. And we love to grow our own, with opportunities at every level! Click on Apply Now in the top band to check out current openings.
Master Facilities Planning
Decatur Public Schools is undertaking an initiative to examine the structural integrity of all buildings within the District, as well as the long-term usage plan for those facilities.
GRADUATION DATES AND TIMES
Our seniors are ready to turn the tassel and District administrators are thrilled to announce the graduation ceremony for the Class of 2024 is set to take place on Saturday, May 18, 2024.
Last Day of School for DPS
Two emergency days are being used to make up snow days taken January 16 and 24, 2024. Mark you calendars and plan accordingly for the calendar adjustment to the school year.
21 Day Racial Equity Challenge
Learn more about the experiences and perspectives of different racial and ethnic groups. This challenge encourages us to reflect on our own biases and work toward creating a more equitable and inclusive environment for all students and staff.
DPS to Adopt E-Learning Plan
DPS plans to adopt an E-Learning Plan, that will be in place for the 2023-24, 2024-25, and 2025-26 school years. A public hearing and vote on the plan is set for Tuesday, August 29, at 7:15 a.m. at the Keil Administration Building.
2023-24 School Year Starts Aug. 14
IMPORTANT INFO about the start of the school year: ALL students, except for those at Dennis Lab School, will start in person on Monday, August 14. Dennis Lab School students ONLY will begin in person at a later date, tentatively set for Tuesday, September 5.
2023-24 Online Registration
Online registration for returning students for the 2023-24 school year starts July 10! Parents/guardians can log into Skyward to register returning students online.
Class of 2023 Graduation Info
Congratulations to the Class of 2023 from Eisenhower & MacArthur High Schools! Graduation ceremonies are Saturday, May 20, 2023 โ€” 11:00 a.m. at MHS, 2:00 p.m. @ EHS, and will be livestreamed on the DPS YouTube channel.
College & Career Week 2023
College & Career Week returns in March 2023! It's a week-long celebration of college and career readiness at all DPS schools, with daily themes, activities, and events.