EXECUTIVE SESSION, WORK SESSION, COMMUNITY INPUT SESSION &
BUSINESS MEETING
OF THE
DEKALB COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION
March 13, 2023
The DeKalb County Board of Education held its Executive Session, Work Session, Community
Input Session and Business Meeting on Monday, March 13, 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.
Mr. Diijon DaCosta, Sr. convened the meeting at 11:30 am and noted the following were in
attendance; Mrs. Vickie B. Turner, Mrs. Anna Hill, Mrs. Deirdre P. Pierce, Mrs. Allyson
Gevertz, Mrs. Whitney McGinniss and Dr. Vasanne S. Tinsley, Interim Superintendent, Dr.
Joyce Morley joined the meeting virtually.
Also in attendance were General Counsel Attorney, Ms. Melanie Slaton and Dr. Yolanda
Williamson, Executive Administrator to the Board.
ADJOURN TO AN EXECUTIVE SESSION
Mr. DaCosta, Sr. called for a motion to adjourn March 13, 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. Turner and with a unanimous vote of (7\0), the
March 13, 2023, meeting adjourned to executive session at 11:45 am.
ADJOURN THE EXECUTIVE SESSION
There being no further business, Mr. DaCosta, Sr. called for a motion to adjourn the March 13,
2023, executive session and convene to the work session and business meeting.
Mr. DaCosta, Sr. noted there were no objections, the March 13, 2022, executive session
adjourned at 1:48 pm.
ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA
Mr. DaCosta, Sr. called for a motion to adopt the March 13, 2023, work session and business
meeting agenda.
Mr. DaCosta, Sr. noted there were no objections, the March 13, 2023, consent agenda was
approved.
SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT and COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
1. Superintendent’s Report: No Agenda Item This Month
2. Committee of the Whole – Discipline Data – Behavior Events and Resolutions
Presented by: Dr. Vasanne S. Tinsley, Interim Superintendent
DeKalb Board of Education
March 13, 2023
Page 2 of 11
REVIEW OF AGENDA ITEMS FOR THE MARCH 13, 2023, BUSINESS MEETING
06.01.
Mr. Diijon DaCosta, Sr., Board Chair, requested that the Board of Education approve the
official meeting agenda for the March 13, 2023, board meeting, which includes the executive
session, work session, community input session and business meeting, the February 9, 2023,
called board meeting and executive session, February 21 – February 22, 2023 board retreat and
executive session, March 2, 2023 – March 3, 2023 called meeting and executive session, and
March 8, 2023 Virtual Audit Committee Meeting, and March 13, 2023 board meeting which
included the executive session, work session, community input session and business meeting
There being no objection, the agenda was placed on the consent agenda. Motion passes, 7-0.
1. BOARD OF EDUCATION – No Agenda Items This Month
06.02.a.
Dr. Vasanne S. Tinsley, Interim Superintendent, requested that the Board of Education approve
the minutes of the following meetings: February 9, 2023, called meeting and executive session,
February 13, 2023, board meeting which includes the executive session. work session,
community input session and business meeting, February 21 – February 22, 2023, board retreat,
March 2 – 3, 2023 called meeting and executive session, and the March 8, 2023, virtual audit
committee meeting.
06.03.a.
Mr. Lance McConkey, Comptroller, Division of Finance, requested that the Board of Education
accept the January 2023 Monthly Financial Reports.
06.03b.
RISK MANAGEMENT – No Agenda Items This Month
06.04.a.
Dr. Tekshia Ward-Smith, Administrator, Division of Human Resources, requested that the
Board of Education approve the February 2023 Human Resources Report.
06.05.a.
Mrs. Stacy Stepney, Chief Academic Officer, Division of Curriculum & Instruction, requested
that the Board of Education approve the contract of RFP 22-491 for Real Eyes
Entertainment/DBA Real Eyes Production as the most responsive and responsible bidder to
provide audio visual services during the graduation exercises in an amount not to
exceed $250,000.00. This is the first of three, one-year renewal options.
06.06.a.
Mrs. Denise Revels, Director, Wrap Around and Support Services, Division of Equity and
Student Empowerment requested that the DeKalb Board of Education approve the purchase of
DeKalb Board of Education
March 13, 2023
Page 3 of 11
the Second Step: Bullying Prevention Unit and the Child Protection Unit for K-5 schools. The
cost of the licenses, which will support all elementary schools, is a one-time purchase and
should not exceed $158,511.60.
06.06.b.
Mrs. Denise Revels, Director, Wrap Around and Support Services, Division of Equity and
Student Empowerment requested that the DeKalb Board of Education approve Georgia State
University (GSU) to receive $220,088 of the $1,557,4010 grant to support the recruitment and
training of the DeKalb County School District certified educators (e.g. special education
teachers, general education teachers, certified school-based personnel) or individuals from
underrepresented groups and/or from those living in communities served by our school district
to alleviate the financial burden of graduate school. This is Year 1 for the fully funded grant
project.
06.07.
OFFICE OF CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT (ACCOUNTABILITY) – No Agenda Items
This Month
06.08.a.i.
Ms. Monika Davis, Chief Information Officer, Information Technology, requested that the
Board of Education approve the contract for asset management, applicant tracking absence
management, professional development management, and employee evaluation management
services with Frontline Education in an amount not to exceed $702,236.16. This will be an
annual subscription to be presented to the BOE each fiscal year.
06.08.b.i.
Ms. Monika Davis, Chief Information Officer, Information Technology, requested that the
Board of Education approve the purchase of professional services and hardware to support the
modernization of the district’s technology infrastructure with GreenPages Technology
Solutions in an amount not to exceed $3,319,889. This is year 2 of a 2-year agreement.
06.08.c.i.
Ms. Monika Davis, Chief Information Officer, Information Technology, requested that the
Board of Education renew the contract for RFP 20-07, District-Wide Cabling Equipment and
Services to Integrated Communication Networks, Inc. in an amount not to exceed $9,450,000.
This request is to fund equipment and services that will refresh local area network cabling in all
school buildings and facilities. This will be year five of a five-year agreement.
06.08.c. ii.
Ms. Monika Davis, Chief Information Officer, Information Technology, requested that the
Board of Education renew the contract for RFP 20-516, District Wide Wireless Infrastructure
Equipment and Services to Integrated Communications Network (LCN), in an amount not to
exceed $8,553,600. This request to spend is to fund equipment and services that will refresh
wireless networks in all school buildings and facilities. This will be year five of a five-year
agreement.
DeKalb Board of Education
March 13, 2023
Page 4 of 11
06.08.d.i
Ms. Monika Davis, Chief Information Officer, Information Technology, requested that the
Board of Education approve the E-Rate award for Self-Provisioned Fiber Maintenance to
the Zayo Group in an amount not exceed $205,320. This will allow the district to seek
Category 1 reimbursement for Internet Connections and non-recurring services. This is year 1
of a five-year agreement.
06.08.d.ii
Ms. Monika Davis, Chief Information Officer, Information Technology, requested that the
Board of Education approve the E-rate award for Fiber Cabling – Wiring Closets to
the Integrated Communication Network (ICN) Inc in an amount not to exceed $1,948,997.40.
This award will allow the district to seek Category 2 reimbursement for fiber cabling and
services.
06.08.iii.
Ms. Monika Davis, Chief Information Officer, Information Technology, requested that the
Board of Education approve the E-RATE award for Category 1: Switch & GBICS Equipment
and Maintenance & Technical Support to CDW-G LLC in an amount not to
exceed $1,676,823.50. This will allow the district to seek Category 1 reimbursement for
switches and GBICS equipment, accessories, services, and maintenance.
06.08. iv.
Ms. Monika Davis, Chief Information Officer, Information Technology, requested that the
Board of Education approve the E-Rate award for Category 2: Switch & GBICS Equipment and
Maintenance & Technical Support to CDW-G LLC in an amount not to exceed $13,565,232.
This will allow the district to seek Category 2 reimbursement for switches and GBICS
equipment, accessories, services, and maintenance.
06.09.a.
COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT, INNOVATION AND PARTNERSHIPS - No Agenda
Items This Month
06.10.a.
Athletics -No Agenda Items This Month
06.10.b.i.
Mr. Erick Hofstetter, Chief Operating Officer, Division of Operations, requested that the
Board of Education approve the extension of RFP 20-752-030R Asbestos and Lead Based Paint
Abatement Services with SACAL Environmental & Management Company, for an additional
year through April 22, 2024.
06.10.b. ii.
Mr. Erick Hofstetter, Chief Operating Officer, Division of Operations, requested that the Board
of Education approve the use of the CINTAS Uniform Agreement issued through the Omnia
DeKalb Board of Education
March 13, 2023
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Cooperative Agreement Contract No. 222886, for the rental of uniforms for Maintenance, Fleet,
and AIC custodial staff for a not to exceed amount of $400,000. The contract period will be for
one (1) year, effective April 1, 2023, through March 31, 2024.
06.10.b.iii.
Mr. Erick Hofstetter, Chief Operating Officer, Division of Operations, requested that the
Board of Education approve the renewal of Bid 22-496 for Custodial Equipment to Southeast
Link, Veritiv Operating Company, and W.W. Grainger for an additional year not to exceed
$3,400,000.
06.10.b. iv.
Mr. Erick Hofstetter, Chief Operating Officer, Division of Operations, requested that the
Board of Education approve the renewal of Bid 22-497 for Custodial Supplies to Acuity
Specialty Products dba Zep, Buckeye Atlanta, Central Poly-Bag Corp., Southeastern Paper,
Veritiv Operating Company, and W.W. Grainger for an additional year not exceed $2,000,000.
06.10.b.v.
Mr. Erick Hofstetter, Chief Operating Officer, Division of Operations, requested that the
Board of Education approve the district to contract with Canty Consulting Services for an
amount not to exceed $84,000 from March 14, 2023, to September 30, 2023.
06.10.b.vi.
Mr. Erick Hofstetter, Chief Operating Officer, Division of Operations, requested that the
Board of Education approve the use of the Herc Rental Agreement issued through Omnia
Contract No. 2019000318, for the rental of various maintenance equipment for a not to exceed
amount of $1,000,000.
06.10.b.vii.
Mr. Erick Hofstetter, Chief Operating Officer, Division of Operations, requested that the
Board of Education approve the award of RFP No. 23-752-003 to Centennial Contractors
Enterprises, Inc., the most responsive and responsible offeror whose proposal is the most
advantageous to the Board based on the evaluation factors, for General Contractor services for
the School-Based Health Center Expansion at Ronald E. McNair Discovery Learning Academy
for the lump sum amount of $448,800.00. A correction to the financial impact was presented as
follows: The cost of the project will now be allocated from 2 sources. $300,000 from the
General Funds account: 100.2600.543009.00011.7520.9990.8013.004.0000. $150,000 will
come from grant received from Emory University.
06.10.b. viii.
Mr. Erick Hofstetter, Chief Operating Officer, Division of Operations, requested that the
Board of Education approve the contract renewal for RFQu 19-752-024 for Geotechnical,
Environmental and Construction Material Testing on an as needed basis for Geotechnical,
Environmental and Construction Material Testing for both SPLOST and Non-SPLOST
DeKalb Board of Education
March 13, 2023
Page 6 of 11
projects. This request extends the agreement for Matrix Engineering Group, Inc., an additional
year through April 22, 2024, MC Squared, Inc., an additional year through June 4, 2024, NOVA
Engineering and Environmental, LLC, an additional year through May 8, 2024, Terracon
Consultants, Inc., and S&ME, Inc. an additional year through July 24, 2024.
06.10.b. ix.
Mr. Erick Hofstetter, Chief Operating Officer, Division of Operations, requested that the
Board of Education approve the continued use of U.S. Communities Agreement, Graybar
Electric Company, Inc. Contract No. EV2370 for the purchase of lighting for an additional year
for a not to exceed amount of $250,000.
06.10.b.x.
Mr. Erick Hofstetter, Chief Operating Officer, Division of Operations, requested that the
Board of Education authorize the district to use the E & I Cooperative Agreement with Mobile
Modular Management Corporation to dispose, relocate, install, and renovate existing portable
classrooms to install fire sprinkler systems in accordance with the new Georgia State Fire
Marshall requirements in the fixed price amount of $3,110,663.00.
06.10.b. xi.
Mr. Erick Hofstetter, Chief Operating Officer, Division of Operations, requested that the
Board of Education approve the renewal of ITB 21-752-018 for roofing contractor services
to Core Roofing Systems, Inc., and Klein Contracting Corp. on an as needed basis for minor
roofing repair projects, for various locations throughout the district. This request extends the
agreement for Core Roofing Systems, Inc., and Klein Contracting Corp. an additional year
through May 19, 2024, for an additional year not to exceed $2,000,000.
06.10.b.xii.
Mr. Erick Hofstetter, Chief Operating Officer, Division of Operations, requested that the
Board of Education ratify and approve the renewal of ITB No. 19-466 for district-wide grease
trap & septic tank pumping services to Darling Ingredients, Inc. for an additional year in the
amount not to exceed $290,000.
06.10.b. xiii.
Mr. Erick Hofstetter, Chief Operating Officer, Division of Operations, requested that the
Board of Education approve the renewal and ratification of ITB 20-752-037 for Plumbing
Contractor Services to K.E.G. Plumbing & Mechanical, Inc., MAXAIR Mechanical, LLC, Sid’s
Sewer and Drain, Inc., and The Elite Plumber, LLC for an additional year in the amount not to
exceed $2,500,000.
06.10.b.xiv.
DeKalb Board of Education
March 13, 2023
Page 7 of 11
Mr. Erick Hofstetter, Chief Operating Officer, Division of Operations, requested that the
Board of Education approve the lease of Evolv Weapons Detection for middle and high schools
in an amount of $8,014,853.16 to be paid over four years as follows:
Year 1: $3,254,355.50
Year 2: $1,586,832.55
Year 3: $1,586,832.55
Year 4: $1,586,832.55
06.10.c.i.
Business Services – No Agenda Items This Month
06.10.d.i.
Mr. Erick Hofstetter, Chief Operating Officer, Division of Operations, requested that the
Board of Education approve the expenditure for Motor Coach Bus services to R&W
Motorcoach for an amount not to exceed $76,000.00. The purpose for the service: to transport
students from the 24 high schools to the graduation site (Hallford Stadium) and return them to
their respective high school during the week of May 22-27, 2023.
06.10.e
School Nutrition Services ~No Agenda Items This Month
06.10.f.i
Mr. Erick Hofstetter, Chief Operating Officer, Division of Operations, requested that the
Board of Education approve the lease of the 10-classroom modular building in accordance with
the terms and conditions of the Lease Quotation between DCSD and Mobile Modular
Management Corporation, in the fixed price amount of $312,538.88.
06.11.a.
Dr. Triscilla Weaver, Regional Superintendent, Region V requested that the Board of Education
accept the donation of $25,000 from Amazon Future Engineer Program for Chapel Hill
Elementary School. The funds will be used to support the school's STEM Lab with the
purchase of instructional materials and supplies.
06.11.b.
Mrs. Ateshia Lester, Regional Superintendent, Region VII requested that the Board of
Education accept the donation of $5000 from the Academy of Sports and Outdoors to DeKalb
County School District. These funds will be used to support any initiatives based on the
district's strategic plan.
06.12.a.
DeKalb Board of Education
March 13, 2023
Page 8 of 11
Dr. Tekshia Ward-Smith, Administrator, Division of Human Resources requested that the Board
of Education approve the hiring recommendation of Byron Schueneman to the position of Chief
Financial Officer in the Division of Finance.
06.12.b.
Dr. Tekshia Ward-Smith, Administrator, Division of Human Resources requested that the Board
of Education approve the hiring recommendation of Candace Y. Alexander to the position of
Director of Professional Learning.
06.12.c.
Dr. Tekshia Ward-Smith, Administrator, Division of Human Resources requested that the Board
of Education approve the personnel recommendation of Valencia Allen-Love for the position of
Accountant II in Finance, to the relative of the Director of Educational Media Services.
06.12.d.
Dr. Tekshia Ward-Smith, Administrator, Division of Human Resources requested that the Board
of Education approve the personnel recommendation of Nivea Bodison for the position of
Substitute, to the relative of the Executive Director of Curriculum & Instruction.
06.13.a.
Office of Audits and Compliance - No Agenda Items This Month
AMENDMENT TO THE BYLAWS AND POLICIES
1. FIRST READ – Amendment to the Bylaws & Policies: Board Policy BBC, Part B.1
(Membership)
Mrs. Deirdre P. Pierce, Committee Chair, requested that the Board of Education accept
amended Board Policy BBC, Part B.1. (Membership) as a FIRST READ to lay on the
table for stakeholder feedback and be considered for adoption at the April 17, 2023,
board meeting.
**********************************
The meeting resumed at 5:43 pm.
COMMUNITY INPUT SESSION AND BUSINESS MEETING
Mr. DaCosta, Sr. convened the Community Input Session and Mrs. Deirdre P. Pierce read the
Guidelines for Public Comments.
The following individuals addressed the Board:
1. J’Shanna Graves
DeKalb Board of Education
March 13, 2023
Page 9 of 11
2. Robin McDonald
3. Dee Smith
4. Tiffany Tate-Hogan
5. Deborah Jones
6. Lance Hammonds
7. Deidra Wright
8. Carla Weston-Brown
9. Lanita Smith – withdrew her name from the community input session
10. Albert Fields
CONVENE THE BUSINESS MEETING
Mr. DaCosta, Sr. called for a motion to convene the March 13, 2022, business meeting.
Mr. DaCosta, Sr. noted there were no objections, the business meeting convened.
STUDENT BOARD REPRESENTATIVE
Dr. Vasanne S. Tinsley, Interim Superintendent. introduced Student Board Representative, Mr.
Xavier Leach, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. High School, 12 th Grade.
RECOGNITION(S)
Mrs. Whitney McGinniss, Board Member, District 2, presented a proclamation officially
recognizing March as Youth Art and Music in Our Schools Month.
Ms. Allyson Gevertz, Board Member, District 4, requested to approve the national proclamation
for School Social Work Week during the week of March 5 – 11, 2023.
Mr. Diijon DaCosta, Sr., officially recognized the achievements of three Southwest DeKalb HS
Wrestling team members.
Dr. Vasanne S. Tinsley, Interim Superintendent, presented a proclamation honoring the Board
of Education members to acknowledge their dedication, and service to the children of DeKalb
County School District.
CONSENT AGENDA
Mr. DaCosta, Sr. called for a motion to approve the March 13, 2023, consent agenda items.
On a motion by Mrs. Pierce, seconded by Mrs. Hill and with a unanimous vote of (6\0), the
motion passed to approve the consent agenda.
ACTION ITEM(S)
J.1. APPROVAL OF AN ITEM(S) FROM EXECUTIVE SESSION
DeKalb Board of Education
March 13, 2023
Page 10 of 11
a. Mr. DaCosta, Sr. called for a motion to accept the actions, as discussed, in Executive
Session
for Student Appeal No. 23-18.
On a motion by Mrs. Turner, seconded by Mrs. Gevertz, and with a vote of (6\0),
The motion passed.
Mr. DaCosta, Sr. called for a motion to accept the actions, as discussed, in Executive
Session
for Student Appeal No. 23-19.
On a motion by Mrs. Pierce, seconded by Mrs. Gevertz, and with a vote of 6\0),
The motion passed.
Mr. DaCosta, Sr. called for a motion to accept the actions, as discussed, in Executive
Session
for Student Appeal No. 23-20.
On a motion by Mrs. Hill, seconded by Mrs. Turner, and with a vote of (6\0),
The motion passed.
Mr. DaCosta called for a motion to accept the actions, as presented, in Executive Session
for Student Appeal No. 23-21.
On a motion by Mrs. McGinniss, seconded by Ms. Gevertz, and with a vote of (6\0),
The motion passed.
Mr. DaCosta, Sr. called for a motion to accept the actions, as presented, in Executive
Session
for Personnel Recommendation: Byron Schueneman to position of Chief Financial
Officer in the Division of Finance.
On a motion by Mrs. Hill, seconded by Mrs. Pierce and with a vote of (6\0),
The motion passed.
Mr. DaCosta, Sr. called for a motion to accept the actions, as presented, in Executive
Session
for Personnel Recommendation: Candace Alexander to position of Director of
Professional Learning in the Division of Curriculum & Instruction.
On a motion by Mrs. Pierce, seconded by Mrs. Turner and with a vote of (6\0),
The motion passed.
DeKalb Board of Education
March 13, 2023
Page 11 of 11
Mr. DaCosta, Sr. called for a motion to accept the actions, as presented, in Executive
Session
for Juul Settlement.
On a motion by Mrs. Pierce, seconded by Mrs. Turner and with a vote of (7/0),
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 March 13, 2023, work session and business
meeting.
Mr. DaCosta, Sr. noted there were no objections, the work session and business meeting
adjourned at 7:08pm.
_______________________ ____________________________
Secretary Ex-Officio Chair