DPS 61

DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) - Since 1969, Decatur Public Schools represented the Macon-Piatt Special Education District.

The district was under DPS 61's payroll and insurance. Decatur school board members said it was time to break up, after 50 years. WAND News reached out to Kathy Horath for comment. She's the director of special education with the district. 

"It sort of feels like it came from left field," Horath said. "Not really sure the motive behind that and I can't begin to explain." 

For months, she hoped board members would reconsider not leaving MSPED. A letter between the special education district and school board officials showcased where the two fell off. 

In March, MSPED suggested finding a new agent required legal support. Changes would cost tax payers thousands of dollars. 

In June, Decatur school officials confirmed they were moving on. In October Beth Nolan, the school board president, told Horath DPS did not have a vote that "represented the ratio of students from DPS in the cooperative." 

The school board was offered 25% of a weighted vote during collective meetings. Instead, board members wanted half.

"We also must continue to represent the taxpayer," Nolan wrote. "And all of the students we serve." 

"Macon-Piatt is willing to do whatever it takes to bring the best services to our special needs students and at the end of the day, we hope that's exactly what will happen," Horath said. 

MSPED moved on, too. District officials recently agreed to have a new administrative agent. They will be starting from scratch with the Illinois Regional Office of Education #39. 

The cooperative agreement between DPS 61 and the special education district ends July 1. Horath said very little should change for students. Officials are expected go over negotiations with its employees.Â