DPS Announces Transition of Extended Day Services; Exploring Partnership Options

     Decatur Public Schools is providing an update regarding its Extended Day program, a free before and after school option offered at schools across the district. After careful review of funding sustainability and long-term fiscal planning, DPS will discontinue the Extended Day program in its current form. The last day for the Extended Day Program will be on May 22, 2026.
     The Extended Day program has been provided at no cost to families using temporary federal relief funding made available during the COVID-19 pandemic. As those federal funds have expired, the DPS Board of Education and Superintendent, has made the decision to discontinue offering the program at the same scale and structure.
     “Extended Day has been an important support for our students and families, and we recognize how much our community has relied on it,” said Dr. Rochelle Clark, Superintendent of Schools. “As the program was funded through federal COVID relief dollars, we have reached a point where continuing the program as it currently operates is not financially sustainable.”
     For 2026-27 school year, DPS is actively exploring options to partner with qualified third-party providers or local organizations to continue before and after school services for families.
     Additional details about potential partnerships, timelines, and next steps will be shared as they become available. DPS will continue communicating directly with families and school communities to ensure they have the most current information and can plan accordingly for the 2026-27 school year.