The Decatur Central High School Performing Arts Department presents the annual "Holiday Spectacular" on December 5th and 6th at 7 pm. Adult tickets can be purchased for $8; student tickets are $5. Children age 5 and under are free. This performance combines choir, band, theatre and more with a variety of performances. 

The MSD of Decatur Township has received a $16,693,673 grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. through its Marion County K-12 Public Schools Initiative. This is one of 34 large-scale implementation grants being awarded through phase 3 of the initiative, which is designed to help strengthen the academic achievement of students in Indianapolis and improve their prospects for success after high school. 

With the grant, the MSD of Decatur Township will deepen its impact, enhancing academic interventions in literacy and math, sustaining student support efforts, expanding post-secondary preparation, and broadening access to work-based learning. These efforts are grounded in evidence-based practices and informed by student data, ensuring we are meeting the needs of every learner.

The MSD of Decatur Township is student invested, community connected, and prioritizes student learning, safety and customer service, fostering a support system for families. Located on the southwest side of Indianapolis, Decatur Township is proud to serve thousands of elementary, middle, and high school students and families. The district vision is Preparing Students to be Tomorrow Ready, and together with the Lilly Endowment, we look forward to making that vision an exciting reality.

Dr. Scott Collins, Superintendent of Decatur Township Schools, shared, “We are so grateful for the Lilly Endowment’s investment in our students. This grant allows us to strengthen and expand academic interventions in literacy and math and enhance the pathways that prepare them for life after graduation so every student is equipped to thrive in college, career, and the community.”

The MSD of Decatur Township received a $3,162,391 implementation grant from Lilly Endowment in May 2025 through phase 2 of the Marion County K-12 Public School Initiative. 

Assistant Superintendent, Mr. Chris Gearlds explained, “Phase III of the Lilly Grant allows us to build upon the strong foundation established in Phase II, where our focus on Literacy (K–8), Elevating Leadership, and Coaching reshaped the learning experience for students and staff. This next phase expands our performance pathway and deepens our commitment to preparing students to be Tomorrow Ready. From the beginning, our vision has been to create a sustainable, district-wide framework that supports every learner from kindergarten through 12th grade. The Phase III Lilly Grant represents a transformational opportunity—one that opens the door to a brighter future for all of our Hawks.”

Lilly Endowment is making large-scale implementation grants to private schools in Indianapolis through a separate, complementary initiative. 

About Lilly Endowment 

Lilly Endowment Inc. is an Indianapolis-based private foundation created in 1937 by J.K. Lilly, Sr. and his sons Eli and J.K. Jr. through gifts of stock in their pharmaceutical business, Eli Lilly and Company. Although the gifts of stock remain a financial bedrock of the Endowment, it is a separate entity from the company, with a distinct governing board, staff and location. In keeping with the founders’ wishes, the Endowment supports the causes of community development, education and religion. The Endowment funds programs throughout the United States, especially in the field of religion, and maintains a special commitment to its founders’ hometown, Indianapolis, and home state, Indiana.

Contact:
Emily LeMay
317-856-5265/elemay@decaturproud.org  
December 2, 2025

December 2, 2025: Due to inclement weather, the MSD of Decatur Township will have a 2-Hour Delay today. If you depend on bus transportation, this means you should be prepared for bus pick-up two hours later than the regular time. All schools will begin their day 2 hours later than the usual start time. Thank you and STAY SAFE!