February 24, 2026 -The Decatur Public Schools Board of Education has selected Dr. Nicole Nash Moody as the next Superintendent of Decatur Public School District #61. The Board will formally vote on her appointment at its regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. held at the Keil Administration Building.
Dr. Moody brings more than 20 years of experience in education, including service as a teacher, principal, district administrator, and state education leader. She currently serves as Assistant Superintendent of Teaching, Learning, and School Culture at Springfield Public Schools, where she has led districtwide improvement efforts focused on curriculum, instruction, assessment, and professional learning.
Dr. Moody holds a Doctor of Education (Ph.D.) from Illinois State University and a Chief School Business Official (CSBO) Endorsement. She earned a Post-Master’s Certificate and Master of Arts in Educational Leadership from the University of Illinois at Springfield and a Bachelor of Science in Education from Illinois State University. She has also completed advanced superintendent training through the Illinois Association of School Administrators, the Large Unit District Association, and the National Alliance of Black School Educators.
Throughout her career, Dr. Moody has demonstrated a strong commitment to instructional excellence, collaborative leadership, and continuous improvement. She now steps into leadership of a district serving approximately 7,000 students and employing nearly 1,200 staff members across five K–6 elementary schools, five K–8 schools, one middle school, two high schools, an Alternative Education Program, and a PreK Early Learning Center.
Board of Education President Bill Clevenger expressed confidence in her leadership:
“The Board is committed to providing long-term stability for our district. Dr. Moody has the educational experience, vision, and steady leadership we need to stabilize our school system and move it forward. Under her leadership, we are confident we will strengthen literacy outcomes, build lasting relationships with our greater Decatur partners and its leaders, and foster strong, trusting partnerships with our staff and families. We believe she is the right leader at the right time for Decatur Public Schools.”
