Decatur’s school board will elect officers during its 6:30 p.m. meeting Tuesday at the Central Office/Beacon Municipal Center, 125 Electric Ave.

In a distinct departure from protocol vice chairman Garrett Goebel announced his intention to run against current chairman Bernadette Seals for the top spot — officers are selected by the five-person board.

Historically, the election has been a formality, with the incumbent chair and vice-chair re-appointed each January unless they decide to step down. But that changed last year when Annie Cailoa surprised the board by nominating Goebel to run against Julie Rhame for vice chairman.

“It’s just a new way of doing things,” Seals said. “I certainly won’t have any hard feelings is Garrett wins.”

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Julian Conley listens during opening statements in his trial at Fulton County Superior Court in Atlanta on Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2025. The 25-year-old is accused of fatally shooting 8-year-old Secoriea Turner in July 2020. (Abbey Cutrer/AJC)

Credit: abbey.cutrer@ajc.com