Photo of interim superintendent, Dr. Karen Rue

Decatur ISD will officially welcome students back for the start of school on Aug. 14, but preparation for the 2024-25 school year has already begun.

The district celebrated the start of the fall semester with its annual convocation for teachers, staff, members of the school board, and members of the Education Foundation.

The Aug. 5 event featured important updates and motivating talks from DISD School Board President Stan Shults and Interim Superintendent Dr. Karen Rue.

Athletic Director Steve Huff, Elementary Teacher of the Year Lacy Maddox, and Secondary Teacher of the Year Jenna Barthold each provided words of encouragement to the DISD team.

“Earn the right to coach your kids heart,” said Coach Huff in his address. “Earn the right to teach your kids heart.”

The event also included pep rally-style festivities featuring the Decatur High School band, cheerleaders, dance team, and FFA students (Makayla Holcomb, Marley Ballard, Jazmin Morales, and Brody McPherson). Additionally, high school student Carter Siddoway emceed the event, local theater students helped with stage setup and behind-the-scenes production, and local vendors provided valuable resources to support DISD educators.

Learn more about the start of school and important dates for students and families online.