With her last day as Decatur superintendent Friday, Nov. 13, Phyllis Edwards’ final act may be one of her most memorable. Last week, city voters passed a $75 million general obligation bond that Edwards and staff had been working on for three years. That money will go toward, among other things, adding more classrooms to Decatur’s rapidly growing school system.
In August 2013, after she and several others gave a detailed presentation on the district’s projected growth and need for more space, city commissioners unanimously rejected putting the bond on that year’s ballot. Essentially commissioners doubted those projections and didn’t think voters would approve the bond.
But on Nov. 3, the bond passed with an overwhelming margin, 78.04 percent in favor to 21.96 against, or 3,934 votes to 1,107.
“This vote was an uplifting moment because so many people approved,” Edwards said. “I’ve heard from a lot of people who don’t have children in the system but they supported the bond. They believe the schools are a key factor to the health and well being of this community.”
About the Author
