Maybe Decatur City Schools should look to Hartselle and make those that live in Decatur go to city schools. State law requires students to attend there owh school district unless enrolled in a private school or home school. There are several court cases that have presidence that would allow for this to be implemented. Barbour County Board of Educationvs dale Co Board is a recent case which in fact stated that school district allowing students from outside there districts to attend school is taking money away from the school district to which the stident actually lives. i.e. Hartselle allows students to attend classes there as long as they pay tuition which looks good to local tax payers for which I am one of them. But what Hartselle schools do not tell everyone they are also receiving money from the state to pay these students way during the year. Hartselle City schools quit breaking the law.

How's this for a strategic plan: MOVE OUT! It will not get better.

It's largely a matter of safety. Parents who can will find safe environments for their students. I've heard several parents say they pulled their children out of Decatur schools because their children were fearful in school.

Michael, Hartselle doesn't make all of its students attend Hartselle schools. Many, many Hartselle students are driven out to the county schools, or driven to county addresses to catch buses from relatives' homes.

Decatur City Schools are safe. What we are dealing with is white flight. Just calling it like I see it. Look at the 400 students that have left and their demographic make up.

WHITE FLIGHT INDEED!!!!!!!

You will not change the dynamic of the schools until you change the attitude of the parents and children in the schools. Call it what you like. I choose for my child to go to school with like minded children from like minded families and that has nothing to do with race or income.

The problems with Decatur schools started the year that Brookhaven Middle school opened. No student should be made to go to a school where they don't feel safe and can't study because of all the students that don't care! You can't sell a house now in the Brookhaven school district, unless you want to reduce the price or go into foreclosure. It is sad. When that school opened the principal and teachers were more interested in showing off the school and the new school system of teaching than actually seeing that the students were learning. After my children got out of that school and went into Austin, their grades improved and there were no problems.

Well here is the BIGGEST problem. If our community doesn't support our schools they are doomed to fail. Instead of complaing about the problems why don't you stand up and help be part of the soultion. You can volunteer time to mentor those at risk or just at least offer words of encouragement. I am saddened each time I read a comment that does NOTHING to build up but instead focuses on tearing down. This school system is a diamond in the rough full of innovate teachers and bright students. Visit a local school and see all of the wonderful things happening!!! I for one am tired of the naysayers. We will only be as good as we belive we can be and I believe in Decatur City Schools!!!!

Decatur City Schools is an awesome, caring, and innovative environment for the young people of Decatur! How does less than 5% of the student population leaving, 400, constitute a white flight? The school system has done very well contending with the big issues ( like poverty) that are threatening the majority of school systems all over the country. The school system will continue to prosper with the continued support of this great community. All the negativity that is constantly conveyed in the comments sections of these articles do NOTHING but tear down individuals. I guess misery loves company, but the children of Decatur deserve better than that!

My children volunteered me for everything when they were in school, and I was happy to comply. My main complaint is with the Brookhaven school system. My children went there, my granddaughters went there and I wasn't happy with any of the things that went on. I did go to the school on numerous occasions and talked to a deaf ear. Also, when a staff member is arrested for a crime that does not help the reputation of the school. Thank God, my great grandson was in the Cedar Ridge school district and I was very pleased with his accomplishments. I never heard of the police having to go there to break up a fight. He is an Austin student now and I take him to school every morning before I go to work. Yes, I still work and I can assure you that a teacher's salary is better than mine. I recently attended Grandparent's day at Julian Harris School with my great granddaughter. She showed me around the school and I was very impressed, especially with her teacher. I am not a naysayer, but when something is bad and after all these years, it is even worse - something must change and change soon.

Sparkman Junior

O.K. Hartselle doesn't make all in town students to attend school there, but this is also illegal. Hartselle and/or the county or other school systems should make there students attend the school system where they live.

Illegal activities can only be fixed by following the law for which they are written

Yes it does Mary. You can call it what you like, but I know why they go to a private school. I don't see many people of color in the private school(s) around here. The public schools are the best place for true Christians to minister and set examples of how to live. Being around like minded people all the time makes you boring and narrow minded. The world isn't made up of all like minded people. You have the right to send your kid anywhere you want, but call it what it really is. Don't spit in my face and tell me it is raining.

Your going to use our tax money to hire someone to tell you why enrollment is down. It's the crimes that go on in this town, there's your answer. Now pay me...... the majority of my family has moved to priceville to get their children out of this place. I have not bought property in this town for ten years and thats exacty why. Every property I own now except for two are outside decatur. Yes, plan on selling them also, want a good deal?

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Its all the Mexicans that we kicked out.

Right on, Robert.