DPS Board of Education Names Dr. Rochelle Clark as New Superintendent
Dr. Rochelle Clark
Decatur, Illinois — Decatur Public Schools has announced that Dr. Rochelle Clark is the new Superintendent of District #61. The DPS Board of Education voted 6-1 Tuesday night to appoint Dr. Clark to the Superintendent position and approved a three-year contract.
Dr. Clark has served as Assistant Superintendent of Support Services for DPS since August 2021. She started her career in education in 1992 as a special education teacher’s aide and worked her way up into leadership roles. Dr. Clark previously served in Decatur Public Schools as Director of Student Services and as an Assistant Principal at three DPS schools. A native of East St. Louis, Dr. Clark says she is thrilled to be back in Decatur.
“Even though I’ve been in other districts, DPS feels like home. I am incredibly excited to return to Decatur and continue to do what I love,” she said.
Most recently, Dr. Clark served as Assistant Superintendent of District Affairs at Crete-Monee School District 201-U, where she oversaw student interventions, restorative practices, and multi-tiered system of supports, all of which are actively used in DPS to give targeted support to struggling students. Her dedicated work on behalf of homeless students in Crete resulted in the district’s first-ever food pantry and Community Support Day, which offered care packages, backpacks, school supplies, back-to-school haircuts, dental exams, and family resources.
“My goal as Superintendent of Decatur Public Schools is to graduate strong, resilient students who are college or career ready,” said Dr. Clark. “I understand this won’t happen overnight, but I am fully invested in the process and am confident, with support from our dedicated school board, staff, and community, that it will happen in time.”
As DPS Superintendent, she will guide one of the most diverse student bodies and district leadership teams in the area, focused on ensuring every Decatur Public Schools student can unlock their unique and limitless potential. Dr. Clark says her first order of business will be to convene “listening sessions” with students, staff, and stakeholders. “Listening is key in all communication and relationships,” she said.
Dr. Clark holds a bachelor’s degree in education from Harris-Stowe State University, a master’s degree in management from Webster University, and her doctoral degree in education from Lindenwood University. Dr. Clark is the oldest of three children and is a proud wife, mother, and grandmother.
Dr. Clark will continue to work with Interim Superintendent Bobbi Williams as she transitions into her new role of superintendent on Wednesday, February 9, 2022.
