EXECUTIVE SESSION, WORK SESSION, COMMUNITY INPUT SESSION &
BUSINESS MEETING
OF THE
DEKALB COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION
October 17, 2022
The DeKalb County Board of Education held its Executive Session, Work Session, Community
Input Session and Business Meeting on Monday, October 17, 2022, in the J. David Williamson
Board Room, at the DeKalb County School District’s Robert R. Freeman Administrative
Instructional Complex, 1701 Mountain Industrial Boulevard, Stone Mountain, Georgia.
Mr. Diijon DaCosta, Sr., Vice Chair, convened the meeting at 11:52am and noted the following
were in attendance; Mr. Diijon DaCosta, Sr., Vice Chair, Mrs. Anna Hill, Mrs. Deirdre Pierce,
Mrs. Allyson Gevertz and Dr. Vasanne Tinsley, Interim Superintendent. Mrs. Vickie B. Turner,
Board Chair, Mr. Marshall D. Orson and Dr. Joyce Morley were not in attendance.
Also in attendance were General Counsel Attorneys, Mr. Clem Doyle and Ms. Joyette Holmes.
ADJOURN TO EXECUTIVE SESSION
Mr. DaCosta called for a motion to adjourn October 17, 2022, meeting to an executive session
for the purpose of discussing permitted matters regarding litigation, land, legal, personnel, and
student appeals.
On a motion by Mrs. Gevertz, seconded by Mrs. Pierce and with a unanimous vote of (4\0), the
October 17, 2022, meeting adjourned to executive session at 11:54am.
ADJOURN THE EXECUTIVE SESSION
There being no further business, Mr. DaCosta called for a motion to adjourn the October 17,
2022, executive session and convene to the work session and business meeting.
Mr. DaCosta noted there were no objections, the October 17, 2022, executive session adjourned
at 1:38pm.
ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA
Mr. DaCosta called for a motion to postpone, for a later date, agenda item, E.1.b. Establishment
of Dates & Times of DeKalb Board of Education Meetings for February 2023 – January
2024, and adopt the October 17, 2022, work session and business meeting agenda.
Mr. DaCosta noted there were no objections, the agenda item, E.1.b. Establishment of Dates &
Times of DeKalb Board of Education Meetings for February 2023 – January 2024 was
removed from the agenda and the October 17, 2022, work session and business meeting agenda
was approved.
SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT and COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
1. Superintendent’s Report: 2022 Graduation Rates for the DeKalb County School
District
Presented by: Dr. Vasanne S. Tinsley, Interim Superintendent and
Dr. Rebecca A. Braaten, Director of Research, Data, and Evaluation
2. Committee of the Whole Presentation(s): No Presentation This Month
REVIEW OF AGENDA ITEMS FOR THE OCTOBER 17, 2022 BUSINESS MEETING
04.01.a.
Mr. Diijon DaCosta, Board Vice Chair, requested that the Board of Education approve the Local
Board Training Plan for Members of the DeKalb County Board of Education for 2022-2023.
The Local Board Training Plan may be amended by the DeKalb County Board of Education
during 2022-2023, provided all State requirements are met.
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October 17, 2022
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04.01.b.
Mr. Diijon DaCosta, Board Vice Chair, requested that the Board of Education approve the
official meeting schedule for February 2023 through January 2024.
Item removed from the agenda and postponed for presentation on a later date. No Board action was taken.
04.01.c.
Mr. Diijon DaCosta, Board Vice Chair, requested that the Board of Education appoint, by
agreement of a majority, Community Advisors to the Audit Committee: Mr. Dennis Allen,
Ms. Gena M. Major and Mr. Russell Fincher.
Per Board Policy BBC, Board Committees, "The Board of Education shall review all
applications and shall appoint, by agreement of a majority of the Board of Education from the
community at least two and no more than three outside, non-voting, community advisors to the
Audit Committee who are residents of DeKalb County".
04.02.a.
Dr. Vasanne S. Tinsley, Interim Superintendent, requested that the Board of Education approve
the minutes of the following meetings: the September 12, 2022 board meeting which includes the
executive session, work session, community input session and business meeting, the September
21, 2022 virtual called and executive session and the October 7, 2022 virtual called meeting and
executive session.
04.03.a.i.
Ms. Masana Mailliard, Deputy Chief Financial Officer, Division of Finance, requested that the
Board of Education accept the August 2022 Monthly Financial Report.
04.03.b.
Ms. Masana Mailliard, Deputy Chief Financial Officer, Division of Finance, requested that the
Board of Education approve the FY2024 DeKalb County School District Budget Calendar. The
Budget Calendar provides a roadmap that will result in the delivery of the approved FY2024
budget by June 30, 2023.
04.03.c.
Ms. Masana Mailliard, Deputy Chief Financial Officer, Division of Finance, requested that the
Board of Education approve the renewal of the contract with ADP for select post-payroll
processing services under a Global Master Services Agreement. Each service provided under the
contract will be billed based on the attached schedule of fees. The annual cost of the contract is
estimated to not exceed $230,000. Services are expected to begin in conjunction with the
HR/Payroll ERP implementation of the Tyler Munis HR/Payroll modules. The initial term of this
annual agreement shall end on December 31, 2022. There are four one-year optional renewals.
With each renewal option, ADP may increase their fees by up to 4% upon 30-day written notice.
Fees for these services are based on a schedule of fees and actual transaction volume. To date, no
costs have been incurred.
ADP was initially contracted in March 2021 to provide certain post-payroll processing services,
including electronic wage payment; employee check payment processing; Pay card processing;
commercial employment and income verification; employment tax filing; W2 processing; and
wage garnishment. Implementation is scheduled to coordinate with the expected go-live date for
the Tyler Munis HR/Payroll application. The initial agreement was entered as a sole source
under the terms and conditions of ADP’s contract with OMNIA Partners, Public Sector. The
contract was competitively solicited and publicly awarded by a government entity serving as a
lead agency.
04.03.d.
RISK MANAGEMENT – No Agenda Items This Month
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October 17, 2022
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04.04.a.
Dr. Tekshia Ward-Smith, Administrator, Division of Human Resources, requested that the Board
of Education approve the October 2022 Human Resources Report.
04.05.a.
Ms. Stacy Stepney, Chief Academic Officer, Division of Curriculum and Instruction, requested
that the Board of Education approve this Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the
DeKalb County School District (DCSD) and the View Point Health (VPH) agency regarding the
education of eligible students with disabilities placed in the VPH Crisis Stabilization Program.
04.05.b.
Ms. Stacy Stepney, Chief Academic Officer, Division of Curriculum and Instruction, requested
that the Board of Education approve the contract extension for Bid 20-519 Catalog Discount –
Career Technical and Agricultural Materials, Equipment and Supplies to the following vendors:
Pocket Nurse, Midwest Technology Products, NASCO Education LLC, Blick Art Materials
LLC, WM J Redmond & Son Inc., Troxell Communication Inc., School Outfitters, Howard
Technology Solution, Learning Labs Inc., Nisewonger AV Center Inc., Amitrace Computer
System, MSC Industrial Supply Co., Goodheart-Wilcox Co. Inc., MATCO Tool Corp., and
PITSCO Education for an additional year in the amount not to exceed $550,000.
04.06.
DIVISION OF EQUITY AND STUDENT EMPOWERMENT – No Agenda Items This Month
04.07.
OFFICE OF CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT (ACCOUNTABILITY) – No Agenda Items
This Month
04.08.a.
Ms. Monika Davis, Chief Information Officer, Division of Information and Instructional
Technology, recommended that the Board of Education approve the annual subscription for
Microsoft A5 License from Microsoft at a cost not to exceed $1,425,446.64.
The Board noted a VENDOR CORRECTION for this item. The vendor of record should be
DELL, not MICROSOFT.
04.08.b.
Ms. Monika Davis, Chief Information Officer, Division of Information and Instructional
Technology, recommended that the Board of Education approve the annual subscription for
Microsoft Unified Support Services from Microsoft at a cost not to exceed $218,546.
04.08.c.
Ms. Monika Davis, Chief Information Officer, Division of Information and Instructional
Technology, requested that the Board of Education approve the purchase of the T-Mobile USA,
INC, GTA Contract 9800-GTA794-T, Cellular Carrier Contract at a cost not to exceed a yearly
cost of $600,000.
04.09.a.
Ms. Shakina M. Champion, Director of School Innovation, Division of Community
Empowerment, Innovation and Partnership, requested that the DeKalb Board of Education
approve the charter renewal petition of The GLOBE Academy for five (5) years.
04.09.b.
Ms. Shakina M. Champion, Director of School Innovation, Division of Community
Empowerment, Innovation and Partnership, requested that the DeKalb Board of Education
approve the charter renewal petition of Leadership Preparatory Academy for five (5) years.
04.10.a.
ATHLETICS – No Agenda Items This Month
DeKalb Board of Education
October 17, 2022
Page 4 of 8
04.10.b.i.
Mr. Richard Boyd, Interim Chief Operating Officer, Division of Operations, requested that the
Board of Education ratify and approve the contract extension for ITB 21-752-020 for HVAC
Water Treatment Services to Superior Water Services, Inc. for an additional year in the not to
exceed amount of $200,000.
04.10.b.ii.
Mr. Richard Boyd, Interim Chief Operating Officer, Division of Operations, requested that the
Board of Education approve the contract extension of RFP 20-752-029 for Fire Safety Services
to Cliff’s Fire Extinguisher Company, Inc. for an additional year for an amount not to exceed
$375,000.
04.10.b.iii.
Mr. Richard Boyd, Interim Chief Operating Officer, Division of Operations, requested that the
Board of Education ratify and approve the contract extension for RFQ 21-752-036 for Disposal
of Hazardous Waste Services to Clean Earth, for an additional year in the not to exceed amount
of $95,000.
04.10.b.iv.
Mr. Richard Boyd, Interim Chief Operating Officer, Division of Operations, requested that the
Board of Education authorize the District to utilize the TIPS Purchasing Cooperative Contract
No. 21090501 to repair or replace flooring in accordance with the TIPS Gym Floors, Repairs,
Replacements and Services, through November 30, 2023 for an amount not to exceed $750,000.
If TIPS offers a one-year extension, DCSD will have the option to extend for one additional year
through November 30, 2024.
04.10.b.v.
Mr. Richard Boyd, Interim Chief Operating Officer, Division of Operations, requested that the
Board of Education approve the purchase of elevator services, repair, maintenance, and
inspection/testing parts from Kone, Inc., utilizing the Omnia Partners Cooperative Agreement
Contract No. EV2516 through June 30, 2023, for an amount not to exceed $250,000. This
contract has an option to renew each fiscal year through November 30, 2024.
04.10.c.
BUSINESS SERVICES – No Agenda Items This Month
04.10.d.i.
Mr. Richard Boyd, Interim Chief Operating Officer, Division of Operations, requested that the
Board of Education approve the contract renewal of Bid 19-104 for New and Retread Tires for
Buses and Services Support Vehicles to Atlanta Commercial Tire as the primary supplier in the
amount not to exceed $550,000.00.
04.10.d.ii.
Mr. Richard Boyd, Interim Chief Operating Officer, Division of Operations, requested that the
Board of Education approve the purchase of twenty-seven (27) police vehicles. Fifteen (15) 2023
Dodge Charger passenger vehicles would be purchased from Akins Ford, LLC through State of
Georgia Contract 99999-001-SPD0000183-0003 and twelve (12) 2023 Ford Explorer utility
vehicles would be purchased from Wade Ford Inc. through State of Georgia Contract 99999-001-
SPD0000183-0006 for an amount not to exceed $1,290,471.
04.10.e.
SCHOOL NUTRITION SERVICES – No Agenda Items This Month
04.10.f.i.
Mr. Richard Boyd, Interim Chief Operating Officer, Division of Operations, requested that the
Board of Education approve additional scope of work for E-SPLOST V Project 36435:
Hawthorne ES to include replacing the roof.
Mr. Richard Boyd, Interim Chief Operating Officer, Division of Operations, also requested that
DeKalb Board of Education
October 17, 2022
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the Board of Education approve a related budget adjustment in the amount of $330,000 to cover
the cost of the additional scope of work.
04.10.f.ii.
Mr. Richard Boyd, Interim Chief Operating Officer, Division of Operations, requested that the
Board of Education approve additional scope of work for E-SPLOST V Project 34435: Midvale
ES to include replacing the HVAC system.
Mr. Richard Boyd, Interim Chief Operating Officer, Division of Operations, also requested that
the Board of Education approve a related budget adjustment in the amount of $2,350,000 to
cover the cost of the additional scope of work.
04.10.f.iii.
Mr. Richard Boyd, Interim Chief Operating Officer, Division of Operations, requested that the
Board of Education approve additional scope of work for E-SPLOST V Project 36635: Rock
Chapel ES to include the addition of replacing the fire alarm system, a new fire sprinkler system,
lighting replacement and additional parking.
Mr. Richard Boyd, Interim Chief Operating Officer, Division of Operations also requested that
the Board of Education approve a related budget adjustment in the amount of $2,320,000 to
cover the cost of the additional scope of work.
04.11.a.
Mr. Trenton Arnold, Regional Superintendent, Region II, in accordance with Board Policy DFK,
Gifts and Bequests, requested that the Board of Education accept a donation of stage curtains
totaling $23,175.14 from the Druid Hills Middle School PTSA to Druid Hills Middle School.
These curtains will be installed on the stages in the cafeteria and the gymnasium.
04.12.a.
Dr. Tekshia Ward-Smith, Administrator, Division of Human Resources, requested that the Board
of Education approve the following personnel recommendation for the position of Staffing
Assistant in Human Resources, to the relative of the Director of Media Services.
04.12.b.
Dr. Tekshia Ward-Smith, Administrator, Division of Human Resources, requested that the Board
of Education approve the hiring recommendation of Dr. Norman Sauce to the position of
Regional Superintendent under the Office of the Superintendent, effective upon board approval.
04.12.c.
Dr. Tekshia Ward-Smith, Administrator, Division of Human Resources, requested that the Board
of Education approve the hiring recommendation of Jacqueline D. Taylor to the position of
Regional Superintendent under the Office of the Superintendent, effective upon board approval.
04.12.d.
Dr. Tekshia Ward-Smith, Administrator, Division of Human Resources, requested that the Board
of Education approve the hiring recommendation of Erick Hofstetter to the position of Chief
Operating Officer in the Division of Operations, effective upon board approval.
04.13.
OFFICE OF AUDITS & COMPLIANCE – No Agenda Items This Month
AMENDMENT TO THE BYLAWS AND POLICIES – No Policy Presentations This Month
The Board completed the work session at 3:40pm and stood in recess until the convening of the
Community Input Session.
**********************************
The meeting resumed at 5:45pm.
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October 17, 2022
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COMMUNITY INPUT SESSION AND BUSINESS MEETING
Mr. DaCosta convened the Community Input Session and allowed Ms. Dee Brown the
opportunity to read the Guidelines for Public Comments.
The following individuals addressed the Board:
1. Willie Pringle
2. Joel Edwards
3. Andrew Bell
4. Kay Colson
5. Joscelyn O'Neil
6. Deborah Jones
7. Phillip Parker
8. Tamara Shipley
9. Bishop Frances V. Mills
10. Nichelle Campbell
11. Jerome Miller (virtual)
CONVENE THE BUSINESS MEETING
Mr. DaCosta called for a motion to convene the October 17, 2022, business meeting.
Mr. DaCosta noted there were no objections, the business meeting convened.
STUDENT BOARD REPRESENTATIVE ~ No Student Representative This Month
RECOGNITION(S)
a. National School Bus Safety Recognition Week\Bus Driver Appreciation Week
(October 17 - 21, 2022)
Presented by: Mrs. Deirdre Pierce, Board Member, District 3
National School Bus Safety Recognition Week\Bus Driver Appreciation Week
WHEREAS: The health and safety of all DeKalb County School District students are essential
to the happiness and well-being of the District’s families and communities; and
WHEREAS: School buses are designed with safety measures, including bright colors, stop
sign arms, and cross-view mirrors to avoid crashes and prevent injuries; and
WHEREAS: The highest standard of school bus safety is maintained through rigorous driver
training, and certification requirements; and
WHEREAS: Public transportation helps thousands of the district’s students arrive safely
to and from the school for each day; and
WHEREAS: Without school buses and school bus drivers, many public-school students
would not have safe, reliable transportation; and
WHEREAS: School bus drivers travel thousands of miles each school year, navigating
rural roads, neighborhood streets, and multi-lane highways to deliver
students to their schools and homes safely; and
WHEREAS: School bus drivers and aides should be recognized for their steadfast
commitment to transport the DeKalb County School District students safely.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the DeKalb County School District proclaims
October 17-21, 2022, National School Bus Safety Recognition Week\School
Bus Driver Appreciation Week; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the DeKalb County School District endorses the observance
of National School Bus Safety Recognition Week\School Bus Driver Appreciation
Week, October 17-21, 2022, as an opportunity to support the purposes and
practices of school bus safety and encourages all members of our community
to participate.
b. National Custodial Worker's Recognition Day, October 2, 2022
Presented by: Mrs. Allyson Gevertz, Board Member, District 4
National Custodial Workers Recognition Day
WHEREAS: The DeKalb County School District declares October 2, 2022, to be National Custodial
Workers Recognition Day in honor of the work done every day by custodial staff for
DCSD students; and
WHEREAS: Custodial staff work behind the scenes and are often unappreciated for the hard
work that they do, day after day, keeping schools and all our facilities clean and
well maintained; and
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October 17, 2022
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WHEREAS: Custodial staff are the backbone of DCSD and are an essential part of the success
of the district and reflect on the area itself; and
WHEREAS: It is appropriate that school support staff are acknowledged and thanked for
their contribution and commitment to the district; and
WHEREAS: Custodial staff represents the best traits of the employees of the DeKalb
County School District.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the DeKalb County Board of Education proclaims
October 2, 2022, to be National Custodial Workers Recognition Day; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the DeKalb County Board of Education strongly encourages
all members of our community to join in recognizing and expressing gratitude
toward our custodial staff.
c. Bullying Prevention Month ~ October 2022
Presented by: Mrs. Anna Hill, Board Member, District 1
“Bullying Stops Here!” Awareness Month
WHEREAS: The DeKalb County School District is dedicated to creating safe and inclusive learning
environments for our students; and
WHEREAS: The social and emotional consequences of student bullying, harassment, discrimination,
and hazing affect every sector of our community, including our schools; and
WHEREAS: The DeKalb community will launch an on-going campaign during the 2022-2023 school
year to empower our staff, our students, our parents, and the community at-large to stand
up against student bullying, harassment, discrimination, and hazing in our schools and in
our neighborhoods; and
WHEREAS: The 2022-2023 Bullying Stops Here! Awareness Campaign will continue to call attention
to the devastating effects student bullying, harassment, discrimination, and hazing on
individuals, families, and communities; and
WHEREAS: Our school community will continue to demonstrate an understanding of Board Policy
JCDAG relative to student bullying, harassment, discrimination, and hazing; and
WHEREAS: Our school community will engage in continuous training on student bullying,
harassment, discrimination, and hazing awareness and prevention to support our students.
THEREFORE: We, the DeKalb County Board of Education, do hereby proclaim October 2022, as
“Bullying Stops Here!” Awareness Month, in conjunction with the national observance
of National Bullying Prevention Month | STOMP Out Bullying™ and encourage our
staff, students, parents/guardians, community leaders and all other stakeholders to
show their support and commitment to a school and public community free of
bullying, harassment, discrimination, and hazing.
CONSENT AGENDA
Mr. DaCosta called for a motion to approve the October 17, 2022, consent agenda.
On a motion by Mrs. Gevertz, seconded by Mrs. Hill and with a unanimous vote of (4\0), the
motion passed to approve the consent agenda.
ACTION ITEM(S)
J.1. APPROVAL OF AN ITEM(S) FROM EXECUTIVE SESSION
a. Mr. DaCosta called for a motion to approve the settlement in the matter of Student A.M.,
as discussed in Executive Session.
On a motion by Mrs. Hill, seconded by Mrs. Pierce, and with a unanimous vote of (4\0),
the motion passed.
b. Mr. DaCosta called for a motion to adopt the actions, as modified, in Executive Session
for Student Appeal No. 23-03.
On a motion by Mrs. Hill, seconded by Mrs. Pierce, and with a unanimous vote of (4\0),
the motion passed.
c. Mr. DaCosta called for a motion to adopt the actions, as discussed, in Executive Session
for Student Appeal No. 23-04.
On a motion by Mrs. Gevertz, seconded by Mrs. Pierce, and with a vote of (3\0\1),
the motion passed, with Mr. Diijon DaCosta, Sr., Mrs. Deirdre Pierce and Mrs. Allyson
Gevertz voting ‘YES’ and Mrs. Anna Hill voting to ‘ABSTAIN’.
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October 17, 2022
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J.2. APPROVAL OF AN AGENDA ITEM(S) PULLED FROM THE CONSENT
AGENDA
There were no items pulled from the consent agenda.
ADJOURN
Mr. DaCosta called for a motion to adjourn the October 17, 2022, work session and business
meeting.
Mr. DaCosta noted there were no objections, the work session and business meeting adjourned at
6:30pm.
_______________________ ____________________________
Secretary Ex-Officio Chair