HOME | Katye Coats

"I'm running for Decatur City School Board because I believe every child deserves a strong foundation and a bright future. As a parent and active member of this community, I’m committed to listening, leading with integrity, and ensuring our schools are places where students and teachers can truly thrive."

- Katye Coats

Meet Katye

Katye Coats, a Decatur native and product of Decatur City Schools, is committed to ensuring quality education for all students. A graduate of Austin High School, she excelled academically and in leadership. She served as drum major for the marching band, was a member of National Junior Honor Society, and was active in student life. Katye earned her undergraduate degree Summa Cum Laude from the University of North Alabama and a Master of Accountancy from the University of South Alabama before obtaining her CPA license in 2011.

With over 15 years of experience in public accounting, Katye specializes in tax consulting and strategic planning. She is an active community leader, serving as treasurer for the Morgan County-Decatur Farmers Market Board and the Decatur High School Athletic Booster Club while also serving on the Decatur Morgan Hospital Foundation Women’s Guild.

Katye and her husband, Matt, have two children in Decatur City Schools, where she is deeply involved in supporting academics,athletics, and the arts. She is committed to advocating for students, supporting teachers, and ensuring fiscal responsibility in the school system.

Katye's Plan for Decatur Schools

1. Strong Leadership and Strategic Hiring
I believe in quality leadership at every level, recruiting the best leaders, and supporting and valuing our educators. In every position, at every level, our focus must be on qualifications and proven experience.. We serve a diverse system of schools and students, and our leadership must be capable of keeping the entire district moving toward a common goal while also empowering individual schools to meet their unique needs.

2. Capital Improvements and Strategic Planning
By 2036, Decatur City Schools should be operating in a completely modernized system of elementary schools. This requires a strategic, long-term capital improvement plan that is a vital and successful part of Decatur's larger strategic growth and economic success.

3. Community Engagement and Advocacy
I want to continue the School Boards efforts towards frequent and transparent communication with parents, community leaders, and other stakeholders. I believe we need to do a much better job of celebrating our students, teachers, and schools, to encourage increased community buy-in, excitement, and support of Decatur City Schools. In addition to that I will also work to expand our community partnerships.