Connection Sessions are conversations between members of CSD's Equity Department, various invited guests, and the CSD POGM community. During each session, community members will be introduced to a person who is integral to supporting the school system, and we will discuss thoughts, interests, and concerns regarding City Schools of Decatur. Each session uses a racial equity lens - always asking the question -

"What does race have to do with this?"

These sessions may not always have the answers, but provide an opportunity for members of Decatur's POGM community (as well as others) to explore perspectives, pose questions, and share thoughts. Each meeting starts at 6pm. 

Log into the meeting here.

Session dates are listed below.

• May 17th, 2021 - Dr. Maggie Fehrman, Superintendent

• June 15th, 2021 - Dr. Kristy Beam, Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction

• July 19th, 2021 - Ms. Adena Walker, Director of Staff Support. Canceled due to illness.

• August 16th, 2021 - Mr. Sergio Perez, FMP, Chief Operating Officer

• September 20th, 2021 - Ms. Frances Holt - Chief of State and Federal Programs  

• October 19th, 2021 - Dr. Lillie Huddleston - Associate Superintendent of Equity And Student Services

• November 15th, 2021 - Mr. Rodney Thomas - Executive Director of Student Services

• December 13th, 2021 - Mr. Eston Melton Chief Information Officer

• February 21st, 2022 - Ms. Courtney Burnett, Chief of Staff - Canceled due to illness.

• March 21st, 2022 - Ms. Heidi Whatley - Director of Research and Analytics

• April - 18th, 2022 - Ms. Lowanda Bowman - Director of Transportation

• May 16th, 2022 - Dr. Holly Brookins - Principal, Glenwood Elementary

• June 13th, 2022 - Ms. Lonita Broome - Chief Financial Officer 

• July 18th, 2022 - Summer Break!

• August 22nd, 2022 - Dr. Maggie Fehrman, Superintendent, CSD

  • We had a technical issue toward the end of this event - we apologize to all who were in attendance. Nonetheless, Dr. Fehrman had really thoughtful things to say about Equity in CSD. We will do a make-up interview later this year. Check her out!

• September 12th, 2022 - Ms. Adena Walker, Chief of Staff Support. 

• October 17th, 2022 - Mr. Billy Heaton, Principal, Talley St. Upper Elementary

• November 14th, 2022 - Mrs. Courtney Burnett, Chief of Staff, CSD - Cancelled (emergency)

• December 19th, 2022 - Mrs. Karen Newton-Scott, Chief of School Improvement

• January 17th, 2023 - Mr. Duane Sprull, Interim Principal, DHS 

• Feb. 20th, 2023 - Dr. Curtis Armour, Principal, Clairemont Elementary

• March 20th, 2023 - Mrs. Jennifer Triplett (nee. Young), Principal, Oakhurst Elementary

• April 17, 2023 - Mr. Derrick Thomas, Principal, Beacon Hill Middle School

• May 15, 2023 - Dr. Maggie Fehrman, Outgoing Superintendent, CSD

• Fall 2023 - Dr. Gymah Whittaker, Incoming Superintendent, CSD

• Fall, 2023 - Ms. Christine Knox, Principal, Westchester Elementary

Connection Sessions will be recorded and posted on this page a few days after each event.

* People of color, despite being minoritized in the US, are a global majority. Thus, previously entitled BIPOC Connection Sessions, the name of this event is now Connection Sessions for POGM (People of the Global Majority). There is conflict regarding the use of the term BIPOC and this article details many relevant concerns. In short, the term BIPOC, which stands for Black, Indigenous, and Other People of Color, elevates some cultures over others in a way that does not reflect the respect each culture deserves.