EXECUTIVE SESSION, WORK SESSION, COMMUNITY INPUT SESSION &
BUSINESS MEETING
OF THE
DEKALB COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION
January 9, 2023
The DeKalb County Board of Education held its Executive Session, Work Session, Community
Input Session and Business Meeting on Monday, January 9, 2023, 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.
Mrs. Vickie B. Turner, Chair, convened the meeting at 11:45 am and noted the following were in
attendance; Mrs. Vickie B. Turner, Mrs. Anna Hill, Mrs. Deirdre Pierce, Mrs. Allyson Gevertz,
Mrs. Whitney McGinniss and Dr. Vasanne Tinsley, Interim Superintendent. Mr. Diijon
DaCosta, Sr., Vice Chair and Dr. Joyce Morley joined the meeting virtually.
Also in attendance were General Counsel Attorney, Mrs. Melanie Slaton and Dr. Yolanda
Williamson, Executive Administrator to the Board.
ADJOURN TO EXECUTIVE SESSION
Mrs. Turner called for a motion to adjourn January 9, 2023, 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. Pierce, seconded by Mrs. Hill and with a unanimous vote of (7\0), the
January 9, 2023, meeting adjourned to executive session at 11:50 am.
ADJOURN THE EXECUTIVE SESSION
There being no further business, Mrs. Turner called for a motion to adjourn the January 9, 2023,
executive session and convene to the work session and business meeting.
Mrs. Turner noted there were no objections, the January 9, 2023, executive session adjourned at
12:20 pm.
ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA
Mrs. Turner noted there were no objections, the January 9, 2023, consent agenda was approved.
SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT and COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
1. Superintendent’s Report: DeKalb County School District FY2024 School Resource
Allocation Methodology Plan (RAMP)
Presented by: Dr. Vasanne S. Tinsley, Interim Superintendent
Ms. Masana Mailliard, Interim Chief Financial Officer
2. Committee of the Whole Presentation(s): No Report
DeKalb Board of Education
January 9, 2023
Page 2 of 9
REVIEW OF AGENDA ITEMS FOR THE JANUARY 9, 2023 BUSINESS MEETING
07.01.a.
Mrs. Turner, Board Chair, requested that the Board of Education floor be opened to accept
nominations for the position of Chair and Vice Chair for 2023.
Election of Chair for 2023 calendar year:
1. Nominee: Mr. Diijon DaCosta, Sr. By: Diijon DaCosta, Sr.
2. Nominee: Mrs. Deirdre Pierce By: Mrs. Anna Gevertz
Mrs. Pierce respectfully declined the nomination
Motion that nominations be closed by: Mrs. Turner
Seconded by: _____________________________
Vote: 4 votes for Mr. DaCosta, Sr., 2 votes against, 1 Abstain
Votes for Nominee #1 4 Votes for Nominee #2 _0__.
Election of Vice Chair for the 2023 calendar year:
1. Nominee: Mrs. Deirdre Pierce By: Mrs. Anna Hill
2. Nominee: None By: N/A
Motion that nominations be closed by: Mrs. Turner
Seconded by: _______________
Vote: Unanimous 7/0
Votes for Nominee #1 7 Votes for Nominee # 2 ____N/A______________
07.01.b.
Mr. DaCosta, Sr. requested that the members of the Board of Education re-affirm their
commitment to comply with Board Policy BH (Board Member Code of Ethics) and Board Policy
BHA (Board Member Conflict of Interest). It is also requested that members of the Board of
Education affirm to comply with Board Norms approved May 6, 2013.
07.01c.
Mr. DaCosta, Sr. requested that the Board of Education approve travel related to educational
conferences, meetings and workshops that address issues, strategies and process which will
enable Board decisions to improve student achievement and successful management practices
with the District for the calendar year 2023.
07.01d.
Mr. DaCosta, Sr. requested that the Board of Education approve the 2023 Legislative Priorities.
07.02.
DeKalb Board of Education
January 9, 2023
Page 3 of 9
Dr. Vasanne S. Tinsley, Interim Superintendent, requested that the Board of Education approve
the minutes of the following meetings: December 12, 2022 board meeting which includes the
executive session, work session, community input session and business meeting, December 23,
2022 virtual called meeting and executive session, and the December 27, 2022 virtual called
meeting and executive session.
07.03.a.
Ms. Masana Mailliard, Interim Chief Financial Officer, Division of Finance, requested that the
Board of Education accept the November 2022 Monthly Financial Reports.
07.03b.
RISK MANAGEMENT – No Agenda Items This Month
07.04.a.
Dr. Tekshia Ward-Smith, Administrator of Human Resources, Division of Human Resources,
requested that the Board of Education approve the December 2022 Human Resources Report.
07.04.b.
Dr. Tekshia Ward- Smith, Administrator of Human Resources, Division of Human Resources,
requested that the Board of Education approve the award of the Professional Services:
Compensation and Classification Study to CBIZ, Inc. in an amount not to exceed $367,237.50
which includes incidentals, travel, or any other unrelated costs that are not a part of the original
scope of work.
07.04c.
Dr. Tekshia Ward- Smith, Administrator of Human Resources, Division of Human Resources,
requested that the Board of Education approve the Retention Incentive Program for FY 2022-
2023 Part 1 to include $1000.00 for all full-time employees hired on or before October 1, 2022:
$500 for all full-time employees hired after October 1, 2022; and $250 for all part-time
employees and any substitutes who have worked 25 days or more by January 18, 2023.
Dr. Tekshia Ward- Smith, Administrator of Human Resources, Division of Human Resources,
requested that the Board of Education approve to increase the pay for the spring 2023
Meritorious Attendance Recognition Program (MARP) Incentive from $300 dollars to $500- for
any full-time employee who is absent 2 days or less from January 3, 2023 – May 24, 2023.
Dr. Tekshia Ward- Smith, Administrator of Human Resources, Division of Human Resources,
requested that the Board of Education approve the FY2023-2024 Retention Incentive- to include
incentives for all full-time employees but mainly focus on teachers in regions 5-7; teachers in
Horizon Schools; Math, Science and select Special Education positions, Bus Drivers and SROs.
This action is contingent upon budget authority for the FY 2023-2024.
07.05.
CURRICULUM & INSTRUCTION -No Agenda Items This Month
DeKalb Board of Education
January 9, 2023
Page 4 of 9
07.06.
EQUITY AND STUDENT EMPOWERMENT - No Agenda Items This Month
07.07.
OFFICE OF CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT (ACCOUNTABILITY) – No Agenda Items
This Month
07.08.
INFORMATION AND INSTRUCTIONAL TECHNOLOGY – No Agenda Items This Month
07.09.
COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT, INNOVATION AND PARTNERSHIPS – No Agenda
Items This Month
07.10.a
ATHLETICS – No Agenda Items This Month
07.10.b.i.
Mr. Erick Hofstetter, Chief Operating Officer, Division of Operations, requested that the Board
of Education approve the budget adjustment to cover additional costs for ITB No. 22-496
custodial equipment in the not to exceed amount of $2,900.000. This will bring the total contract
amount to 2,900,000.
07.10.b. ii.
Mr. Erick Hofstetter, Chief Operating Officer, Division of Operations, requested that the Board
of Education approve a budget adjustment to RFP 22-752-003 to cover additional costs for
swimming pool maintenance services in the not to exceed amount of $125,000, to the current
term of the contract. This brings the total contract amount for the first service year to $375,000.
07.10.b.iii.
Mr. Erick Hofstetter, Chief Operating Officer, Division of Operations, requested that the Board
of Education approve the renewal for ITB 20-752-036 for Electrical Contractor Services to
Capital City Electrical Services, Mr. Dee’s Electric Service LLS and MWI Electrical
Contractors, Inc. for an additional year January 22, 2023 – January 21, 2024; Donald Camp, Inc.
for an additional year March 1, 2023-February 29, 2024; and D & R Construction and
Contracting for an additional year April 1, 2023- March 31, 2024 in the amount not to exceed
$1,500,000.
07.10.b. iv.
Mr. Erick Hofstetter, Chief Operating Officer, Division of Operations, requested that the Board
of Education approve the renewal for ITB 21-752-010 for tree cutting and trimming services
district wide to Casey Tree Experts and Total Outdoor, LLC for an additional year March 1,
2023 – February 29, 2024, in the amount not to exceed 1,000,000.
DeKalb Board of Education
January 9, 2023
Page 5 of 9
07.10.c.i
Mr. Erick Hofstetter, Chief Operating Officer, Division of Operations, requested that the Board
of Education ratify and approve the contract renewal for RFP No. 19-506 for the lease purchase
of digital equipment for the DCSD copy center to Konica Minolta Business Solutions U.S.A.,
Inc. for an additional year in the amount not to exceed $103,687.60 for all maintenance and
supplies excluding paper. This recommendation is for the fourth, and final, one-year (1-year)
contract renewal option.
07.10.d.i.
Mr. Erick Hofstetter, Chief Operating Officer, Division of Operations, requested that the Board
of Education approve RFP 23-536R for the initial contract for Bus AC Retrofit Service to
Yancey Bros Inc., to retrofit approximately 420 school buses with an Air Conditioner System in
the amount not to exceed $6,925,000.
07.10.d. ii.
Mr. Erick Hofstetter, Chief Operating Officer, Division of Operations, requested that the Board
of Education approve the purchase of diesel and gasoline fuel from James River Solutions, LLC
as the primary supplier, Petroleum Traders Corporation as the secondary supplier, and Colonial
Oil Industries, Inc. as the tertiary, supplier through the North Georgia Fuel Cooperative (BL113-
20) in an amount not to exceed $8,1000,000 for the dates March 1, 2023 through February 29,
2024, subject to renewal of the same period by the Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners.
07.10.e
SCHOOL NUTRITION SERVICES ~No Agenda Items the Month
07.10.f.
E-SPLOST PROJECTS – No Agenda Item This Month
07.11.a.
Mr. Erick Hofstetter, Chief Operating Officer, Division of Operations, requested that the Board
of Education accept a donation of Lysol wipes totaling $134,100.00 from Lysol and Frontline
Impact to the DeKalb County School District.
07.12.a.
Dr. Tekshia Ward- Smith, Administrator of Human Resources, Division of Human Resources,
requested that the Board of Education approve the following personnel recommendation for Lila
K. Brown to be named Director, GNETS position in Curriculum & Instruction.
07.12.b.
Dr. Tekshia Ward- Smith, Administrator of Human Resources, Division of Human Resources,
requested that the Board of Education approve the following personnel recommendation for
DeKalb Board of Education
January 9, 2023
Page 6 of 9
Doryiane W. Gunter to be named Director, Career Technology & Agricultural position in
Curriculum & Instruction.
07.13.
OFFICE OF AUDITS AND COMPLIANCE – No Agenda Items This Month
07.13.f.1.
AMENDMENT TO THE BYLAWS AND POLICIES
1. READY FOR ACTION – Amendment to the Bylaws and Policies: Board Policy DIB
Financial Reports (Capital Asset Capitalization Policy)
Masana Mailliard, Deputy Chief Financial Officer, Division of Finance requested that the
Board of Education adopt the Board Policy DIB Financial Reports (Capital Asset
Capitalization Policy) that was presented for first read and laid on the table for public
comment and Board feedback at the November 14, 2022 meeting.
The Board completed the work session and stood in recess until the convening of the Community Input
Session.
**********************************
The meeting resumed at 5:45 pm.
COMMUNITY INPUT SESSION AND BUSINESS MEETING
Mr. DaCosta, Sr. convened the Community Input Session and Mrs. Deirdre Pierce read the
Guidelines for Public Comments.
The following individuals addressed the Board:
1. Deborah Jones
2. Nancy Kelly
3. Ken Schroeder
4. Raegan Williams (No Show)
CONVENE THE BUSINESS MEETING
Mr. DaCosta, Sr. called for a motion to convene the January 9, 2023, business meeting.
Mr. DaCosta, Sr. noted there were no objections, the business meeting convened.
STUDENT BOARD REPRESENTATIVE – No Student Representative This Month
RECOGNITION(S) – No Recognitions This Month
CONSENT AGENDA
DeKalb Board of Education
January 9, 2023
Page 7 of 9
Mr. DaCosta, Sr. called for a motion to approve the January 9, 2023, consent agenda.
On a motion by Mrs. Pierce, seconded by Mrs. Hill and with a unanimous vote of (7\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, Sr. called for a motion to adopt the actions, as discussed, in Executive
Session for Student Appeal No. 23-10.
On a motion by Mrs. Hill, seconded by Mrs. Pierce, and with a unanimous vote of (7\0),
The motion passed.
Mr. DaCosta, Sr. called for a motion to adopt the actions, as discussed, in Executive
Session for Student Appeal No. 23-11.
On a motion by Mrs. Hill, seconded by Mrs. Gevertz, and with a unanimous vote of (7\0),
The motion passed.
Mr. DaCosta, Sr. called for a motion to adopt the actions, as discussed, in Executive
Session for Student Appeal No. 23-12.
On a motion by Mrs. Turner, seconded by Mrs. Hill , and with a unanimous vote of (7\0),
The motion passed.
Mr. DaCosta, Sr. called for a motion to adopt the actions, as discussed, in Executive
Session for Student Appeal No. 23-13.
On a motion by Mrs. Turner, seconded by Mrs. Hill, and with a unanimous vote of (6\1
abstain),
The motion passed.
J.2. APPROVAL OF AN AGENDA ITEM(S) PULLED FROM THE CONSENT
AGENDA –NO ITEMS WERE PULLED FROM THE CONSENT AGENDA
ADJOURN
Mr. DaCosta, Sr. called for a motion to adjourn the January 9, 2023, work session and business
meeting.
DeKalb Board of Education
January 9, 2023
Page 8 of 9
Mr. DaCosta, Sr. noted there were no objections, the work session and business meeting
adjourned at 6:00 pm.
DeKalb Board of Education
January 9, 2023
Page 9 of 9
_______________________ ____________________________
Secretary Ex-Officio Chair