September 10, 2026 – Decatur Public Schools is implementing new safety protocols for extracurricular activities across the district, beginning Friday, September 11th, with the MacArthur High School varsity football game.
MacArthur and Eisenhower High School students will each have a designated entrance on the northwest side of MacArthur High School. Students must present their school-issued student ID at the appropriate school-specific entrance, and all students will be required to pass through a metal detector. Students should also use the student entrance when leaving the game.
All elementary and middle school students must be accompanied by an adult. A security tent will be located just outside the entrance gate. Any child under high school age found walking around the stadium without an adult will be brought to the security tent. Parents will be responsible for picking up those children at the tent and taking them home.
For the September 11th MacArthur football game, parent drop-off and pick-up will take place in the upper parking lot off Taylor Street. Fans may continue to park in the lower lot. Once the lower lot is full, it will be barricaded and become exit-only.
The main entrance gate will be open for parents, younger students and other fans. Everyone entering through the main gate will be required to pass through a metal detector. The main entrance will close after halftime, and there will be no re-entry except in emergency situations.
District officials say the safety and security of students, staff and spectators remains the district’s top priority and appreciate the community’s continued support in helping make extracurricular events safe and enjoyable for everyone.
