February 9, 2022 – Dr. Rochelle Clark has been chosen as 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.
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. Clark previously served in Decatur Public Schools as Director of Student Services and as an Assistant Principal at three DPS schools.
“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.
“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.”
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.
She 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 will continue to work with Interim Superintendent Bobbi Williams as she transitions into her new role of superintendent on Wednesday, February 9, 2022.
