Gateway students can remain in city schools

Decatur’s school board agreed unanimously to allow students in Gateway Manor’s public housing to continue attending city schools even if they live outside the district during Gateway’s expected 18-month redevelopment. Making it legal is an intergovernmental agreement between City Schools Decatur and the Decatur Housing Authority designating them as “courtesy tuition students.”

CSD will not provide transportation, but the DHA board will offer a stipend, probably a voucher, paying for some costs like gas.

Between 20 and 36 school-age children could be affected, with families scheduled to move from Gateway January through March, said DHA Executive Director Douglas Faust. He added the DHA has access to 21 rental communities within 5 to 10 miles of city limits, but there are currently no rental vacancies within Decatur.