Home > Illinois > Macon County

Decatur SD 61 School District

Item: Decatur SD 61 School District
Rating: 1
Author: Public School Review

101 W Cerro Gordo St
Decatur, IL 62523-1001

( shown in map)

Bottom 50%

Tel: (217) 362-3010

www.dps61.org

Top Rankings

Decatur SD 61 School District ranks among the top 20% of public school district in Illinois for:

Overview

This School District

This State (IL)

# Schools

16 Schools

3,115 Schools

# Students

7,840 Students

1,191,924 Students

# Teachers

457 Teachers

91,393 Teachers

Student-Teacher Ratio

17:1

Student By Grade

View Data

Comparison of Students By Grade Trends
Grade	Decatur SD 61 School District	Illinois
Pre-K	129	58
Kind	653	120
1	608	131
2	635	134
3	613	140
4	575	138
5	592	138
6	575	138
7	343	118
8	320	120

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School District Data: Full School Distirct Dataset XML | Full School Distirct Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

District Rank

Decatur SD 61 School District, which is ranked within the bottom 50% of all 861 school districts in Illinois (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data) for the 2022-2023 school year.

The school district's graduation rate of 72% has decreased from 74% over five school years.

This School District

State Average (IL)

#852 out of 865 school districts
(Bottom 50%)

View Data

Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓

Overall School District Rank Trends
Year	Decatur SD 61 School District
2023	#852
2022	#850
2021	#920
2019	#912
2018	#888
2017	#844
2016	#834
2015	#808
2014	#796
2013	#803
2012	#763
2011	#719
2010	#709

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School District Data: Full School Distirct Dataset XML | Full School Distirct Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

27%

View Data

Showing 2012–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓

Math Proficiency Trends
Year	Decatur SD 61 School District	Illinois
2023	4%	27%
2021	3%	28%
2019	7%	33%
2018	8%	32%
2017	8%	32%
2016	8%	31%
2015	9%	29%
2014	39%	59%
2013	38%	58%
2012	68%	80%
2011	73%	80%
2010	73%	80%

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School District Data: Full School Distirct Dataset XML | Full School Distirct Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

30%

View Data

Showing 2012–2022. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓

Reading and Language Arts Proficiency Trends
Year	Decatur SD 61 School District	Illinois
2022	6%	30%
2021	6%	32%
2019	12%	38%
2018	8%	37%
2017	15%	38%
2016	15%	36%
2015	17%	38%
2014	39%	57%
2013	42%	58%
2012	62%	75%
2011	67%	75%
2010	67%	74%

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School District Data: Full School Distirct Dataset XML | Full School Distirct Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

21%

50%

72%

87.6%

View Data

Graduation Rate Trends
Year	Decatur SD 61 School District	Illinois
2023	72%	87%
2022	70%	87%
2018	76%	87%
2017	78%	87%
2016	72%	85%
2015	74%	85%
2014	72%	86%
2013	66%	83%
2012	60%	82%
2011	71%	83%

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School District Data: Full School Distirct Dataset XML | Full School Distirct Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

(2022-23)

55.1%

29.7%

View Data

Chronic Absenteeism Rate Trends
Year	Decatur SD 61 School District	Illinois
2023	55.1%	29.7%
2022	60%	31.6%
2021	60.2%	20.9%

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School District Data: Full School Distirct Dataset XML | Full School Distirct Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

Students by Ethnicity:

0.65

0.70

View Data

Showing 2014–2023. Full 36-year historical data available below ↓

Comparison of Diversity Score Trends
Year	Decatur SD 61 School District	Illinois
2023	0.63	0.69
2022	0.64	0.68
2021	0.64	0.68
2020	0.63	0.67
2019	0.63	0.68
2018	0.62	0.68
2017	0.62	0.67
2016	0.63	0.67
2015	0.61	0.67
2014	0.63	0.66
2013	0.63	0.65
2012	0.62	0.65
2011	0.62	0.65
2010	0.54	0.64
2009	0.54	0.64
2008	0.55	0.63
2007	0.54	0.62
2006	0.54	0.61
2005	0.53	0.60
2004	0.53	0.60
2003	0.52	0.59
2002	0.52	0.59
2001	0.51	0.58
2000	0.51	0.57
1999	0.50	0.56
1998	0.50	0.55
1997	0.49	0.55
1996	0.48	0.54
1995	0.47	0.53
1994	0.47	0.53
1993	0.46	0.53
1992	0.45	0.51
1991	0.45	0.51
1990	0.44	0.51
1989	0.44	0.50
1988	0.44	0.50

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School District Data: Full School Distirct Dataset XML | Full School Distirct Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

% American Indian

n/a

% Asian

View Data

Showing 2010–2023. Full 35-year historical data available below ↓

Asian Student Percentage Comparison (1989-2023)
Year	Decatur SD 61 School District	Illinois
2023	1%	6%
2022	1%	5%
2021	2%	5%
2016	1%	5%
2015	2%	5%
2014	1%	5%
2013	1%	4%
2012	1%	4%
2011	2%	4%
2010	3%	5%
2009	3%	5%
2008	3%	5%
2007	3%	4%
2006	2%	4%
2005	2%	4%
2004	1%	4%
2003	1%	4%
2002	1%	4%
2001	1%	3%
2000	1%	3%
1999	1%	3%
1998	1%	3%
1995	1%	3%
1994	1%	3%
1993	1%	3%
1992	1%	3%
1991	1%	3%
1989	1%	2%

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School District Data: Full School Distirct Dataset XML | Full School Distirct Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

% Hispanic

28%

View Data

Showing 2014–2023. Full 26-year historical data available below ↓

Hispanic Student Percentage Comparison (1998-2023)
Year	Decatur SD 61 School District	Illinois
2023	5%	28%
2022	4%	27%
2021	4%	27%
2020	5%	27%
2019	5%	26%
2018	3%	26%
2017	3%	26%
2016	3%	26%
2015	4%	25%
2014	3%	25%
2013	3%	24%
2012	3%	24%
2011	2%	23%
2010	4%	22%
2009	4%	21%
2008	4%	20%
2007	4%	20%
2006	3%	19%
2005	3%	18%
2004	1%	18%
2003	1%	17%
2002	1%	16%
2001	1%	16%
2000	1%	15%
1999	1%	14%
1998	1%	13%

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School District Data: Full School Distirct Dataset XML | Full School Distirct Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

% Black

51%

17%

View Data

Showing 2014–2023. Full 36-year historical data available below ↓

Black Student Percentage Comparison (1988-2023)
Year	Decatur SD 61 School District	Illinois
2023	50%	16%
2022	49%	17%
2021	48%	17%
2020	47%	16%
2019	47%	17%
2018	47%	17%
2017	47%	17%
2016	46%	17%
2015	45%	18%
2014	45%	17%
2013	45%	18%
2012	45%	18%
2011	45%	19%
2010	47%	19%
2009	47%	20%
2008	46%	20%
2007	45%	20%
2006	46%	20%
2005	44%	21%
2004	46%	21%
2003	45%	21%
2002	44%	21%
2001	42%	21%
2000	41%	21%
1999	40%	21%
1998	38%	21%
1997	38%	21%
1996	37%	21%
1995	36%	21%
1994	35%	21%
1993	33%	21%
1992	32%	21%
1991	32%	21%
1990	32%	22%
1989	30%	22%
1988	31%	22%

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School District Data: Full School Distirct Dataset XML | Full School Distirct Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

% White

26%

44%

View Data

Showing 2014–2023. Full 36-year historical data available below ↓

White Student Percentage Comparison (1988-2023)
Year	Decatur SD 61 School District	Illinois
2023	32%	46%
2022	33%	47%
2021	34%	47%
2020	37%	48%
2019	37%	48%
2018	39%	48%
2017	39%	49%
2016	39%	49%
2015	39%	49%
2014	40%	50%
2013	41%	51%
2012	42%	51%
2011	42%	51%
2010	46%	53%
2009	46%	53%
2008	47%	54%
2007	48%	55%
2006	49%	56%
2005	51%	57%
2004	52%	57%
2003	53%	58%
2002	54%	59%
2001	56%	60%
2000	57%	61%
1999	58%	62%
1998	60%	63%
1997	62%	63%
1996	63%	64%
1995	63%	65%
1994	64%	65%
1993	66%	65%
1992	67%	66%
1991	67%	66%
1990	68%	66%
1989	69%	67%
1988	69%	67%

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School District Data: Full School Distirct Dataset XML | Full School Distirct Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

% Hawaiian

n/a

% Two or more races

15%

View Data

Showing 2014–2023. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓

Two or More Races Student Percentage Comparison (2011-2023)
Year	Decatur SD 61 School District	Illinois
2023	12%	4%
2022	13%	4%
2021	12%	4%
2020	11%	4%
2019	11%	4%
2018	11%	4%
2017	11%	3%
2016	11%	3%
2015	10%	3%
2014	11%	3%
2013	10%	3%
2012	9%	3%
2011	9%	3%

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School District Data: Full School Distirct Dataset XML | Full School Distirct Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

All Ethnic Groups

District Revenue and Spending

The revenue/student of $19,186 in this school district is less than the state median of $25,132. The school district revenue/student has stayed relatively flat over four school years.

The school district's spending/student of $18,433 is less than the state median of $24,168. The school district spending/student has stayed relatively flat over four school years.

This School District

This State (IL)

Total Revenue

$150 MM

$46,284 MM

View Data

Showing 2014–2023. Full 34-year historical data available below ↓

Total Revenues Trends
Year	Decatur SD 61 School District	Illinois
2023	$150 MM	$17 MM
2022	$158 MM	$15 MM
2021	$133 MM	$15 MM
2020	$127 MM	$14 MM
2019	$125 MM	$14 MM
2018	$107 MM	$15 MM
2017	$122 MM	$13 MM
2016	$116 MM	$12 MM
2015	$103 MM	$10 MM
2014	$111 MM	$12 MM
2012	$105 MM	$11 MM
2011	$109 MM	$11 MM
2010	$103 MM	$10 MM
2009	$99 MM	$10 MM
2008	$95 MM	$9 MM
2007	$92 MM	$9 MM
2006	$86 MM	$8 MM
2005	$88 MM	$8 MM
2004	$89 MM	$8 MM
2003	$77 MM	$7 MM
2002	$74 MM	$8 MM
2001	$72 MM	$7 MM
2000	$70 MM	$7 MM
1999	$68 MM	$7 MM
1998	$63 MM	$6 MM
1997	$62 MM	$5 MM
1996	$62 MM	$5 MM
1995	$59 MM	$5 MM
1992	$48 MM	$3 MM
1990	$50 MM	$3 MM

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School District Data: Full School Distirct Dataset XML | Full School Distirct Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

Spending

$145 MM

$44,509 MM

View Data

Showing 2014–2023. Full 34-year historical data available below ↓

Total Expenditure Trends
Year	Decatur SD 61 School District	Illinois
2023	$145 MM	$15 MM
2022	$156 MM	$14 MM
2021	$162 MM	$14 MM
2020	$128 MM	$14 MM
2019	$117 MM	$13 MM
2018	$115 MM	$14 MM
2017	$119 MM	$12 MM
2016	$129 MM	$12 MM
2015	$110 MM	$11 MM
2014	$140 MM	$12 MM
2012	$114 MM	$11 MM
2011	$105 MM	$11 MM
2010	$110 MM	$11 MM
2009	$102 MM	$10 MM
2008	$98 MM	$9 MM
2007	$88 MM	$9 MM
2006	$85 MM	$8 MM
2005	$95 MM	$8 MM
2004	$89 MM	$8 MM
2003	$76 MM	$8 MM
2002	$71 MM	$8 MM
2001	$80 MM	$7 MM
2000	$73 MM	$7 MM
1999	$68 MM	$6 MM
1998	$66 MM	$6 MM
1997	$65 MM	$5 MM
1996	$58 MM	$5 MM
1995	$58 MM	$5 MM
1992	$51 MM	$4 MM
1990	$44 MM	$3 MM

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School District Data: Full School Distirct Dataset XML | Full School Distirct Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

Revenue / Student

$19,186

$25,132

View Data

Showing 2014–2023. Full 34-year historical data available below ↓

Average Revenue Per Student Trends
Year	Decatur SD 61 School District	Illinois
2023	$18,863	$19,177
2022	$19,131	$17,728
2021	$15,586	$17,764
2020	$14,455	$19,707
2019	$14,213	$17,662
2018	$12,512	$19,255
2017	$13,435	$17,801
2016	$12,838	$14,596
2015	$11,285	$11,118
2014	$12,427	$13,203
2012	$11,651	$11,701
2011	$12,026	$11,859
2010	$11,217	$11,118
2009	$10,903	$10,546
2008	$9,843	$11,298
2007	$9,708	$10,143
2006	$8,761	$9,054
2005	$8,899	$9,158
2004	$8,790	$8,999
2003	$7,636	$8,614
2002	$7,069	$8,976
2001	$6,643	$8,649
2000	$6,326	$8,451
1999	$6,002	$7,697
1998	$4,797	$5,971
1997	$4,594	$5,662
1995	$4,799	$5,677
1992	$3,661	$4,514
1990	$3,814	$4,381

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School District Data: Full School Distirct Dataset XML | Full School Distirct Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

Spending / Student

$18,433

$24,168

View Data

Showing 2014–2023. Full 34-year historical data available below ↓

Average Expenditure Per Student Trends
Year	Decatur SD 61 School District	Illinois
2023	$18,123	$17,769
2022	$18,855	$16,249
2021	$19,070	$16,655
2020	$14,654	$19,097
2019	$13,338	$17,005
2018	$13,414	$18,215
2017	$13,185	$17,235
2016	$14,327	$14,516
2015	$12,023	$11,218
2014	$15,627	$12,904
2012	$12,621	$11,755
2011	$11,633	$11,220
2010	$11,951	$11,218
2009	$11,255	$10,416
2008	$10,167	$10,971
2007	$9,283	$9,827
2006	$8,694	$8,997
2005	$9,619	$9,234
2004	$8,791	$9,089
2003	$7,485	$9,395
2002	$6,796	$9,305
2001	$7,352	$8,562
2000	$6,573	$8,142
1999	$5,983	$7,325
1998	$5,034	$5,848
1997	$4,843	$5,503
1995	$4,696	$5,507
1992	$3,924	$4,672
1990	$3,390	$4,244

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School District Data: Full School Distirct Dataset XML | Full School Distirct Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

Recent Articles

October 14, 2026

Does Your Public School Have Enough Nurses?

Learn whether your public school has enough nurses, how staffing affects student safety, chronic illness management, emergency care, and what parents should ask about available school health services today.

October 14, 2026

When Your Child Falls Behind Without Special Education

Learn what happens when your child falls behind academically but doesn't qualify for special education, including available school interventions, parent rights, tutoring options, and practical strategies for securing support.

October 14, 2026

When Your Child Finishes Classwork Faster Than Others

Discover why some children finish classwork faster than classmates, how teachers manage early finishers, and what parents can do to ensure meaningful learning, appropriate challenges, and continued academic growth.

Quick Facts (26-27)

District size: 16 schools
Grades: PK-12
Enrollment: 7,840 students
Student-Teacher Ratio: 17:1
Minority Enrollment: 74%
: 72% (Btm 50% in IL)
: Bottom 50%
: 4% (Btm 50%)
: 6% (Btm 50%)
: 21% (Btm 50%)
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IL Dept. of Education