EXECUTIVE SESSION, WORK SESSION, COMMUNITY INPUT SESSION &
BUSINESS MEETING
OF THE
DEKALB COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION
June 12, 2023
The DeKalb County Board of Education held its Executive Session, Work Session, Community
Input Session and Business Meeting on Monday, June 12, 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 12:36 pm and noted the following were in
attendance; Mrs. Anna Hill, Mrs. Deirdre P. Pierce, Mrs. Whitney McGinniss, Mrs. Vickie
Turner, Mrs. Allyson Gevertz, Vasanne S. Tinsley, Interim Superintendent, Dr. Joyce Morley
attended the executive session 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 June 12, 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 vote of (6\0), the June 12,
2023, meeting adjourned to executive session at 12:40 pm.
ADJOURN THE EXECUTIVE SESSION
There being no further business, Mr. DaCosta, Sr. called for a motion to adjourn the June 12,
2023, executive session and convene to the work session and business meeting.
Mr. DaCosta, Sr. noted there were no objections, the June 12, 2023, executive session adjourned
at 2:53 pm.
ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA
Mr. DaCosta, Sr. called for a motion to adopt the June 12, 2023, work session and business
meeting agenda, with the exception of agenda item 5.d. RFP No. 23-545 for district Academic
Recovery Plan in an amount not to exceed $4,003,684.67 to Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Mr. DaCosta, Sr. noted there were no objections, the June 12, 2023, work session and business
meeting agenda was approved.
SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT and COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
1. Superintendent’s Report – Interim Superintendent’s Accomplishments
Presented by Dr. Vasanne S. Tinsley
DeKalb Board of Education
June 12, 2023
Page 2 of 8
2. Committee of the Whole – No Report This Month
REVIEW OF AGENDA ITEMS FOR THE JUNE 12, 2023, BUSINESS MEETING
12.01.
BOARD OF EDUCATION – No Agenda Item This Month
12.02.a.
Dr. Vasanne S. Tinsley, Interim Superintendent, requested that the Board of Education approve
the minutes of the following meetings: May 8, 2023, board meeting which includes the
executive session, work session, community input session and business meeting, May 10, 2023,
virtual audit committee meeting, May 17, 2023, called meeting and executive session, May 31,
2023 public ethics hearing, May 31, 2023 called meeting and executive session.
12.03.a.
Mr. Byron Schueneman, Chief Financial Officer, Division of Finance, requested that the Board
of Education accept the April 2023 Monthly Financial Report.
12.03.b.i.
Mr. Byron Schueneman, Chief Financial Officer, Division of Finance, requested that the Board
of Education approve the renewal of the District’s Excess Workers’ Compensation and
Employer’s Liability Insurance coverage with Star Insurance Company (“Star”),
for $272,800.00.
12.03.b. ii.
Mr. Byron Schueneman, Chief Financial Officer, Division of Finance, requested that the Board
of Education approve the renewal of Renewal of Property, Machinery and Fine Arts Insurance
Coverage (not to exceed $3,321,129)
12.04.a.
Dr. Tekshia Ward-Smith, Administrator, Division of Human Resources, requested that the
Board of Education approve the June 2023 Human Resources Report.
12.04.b.
Dr. Tekshia Ward-Smith, Administrator, Division of Human Resources, requested that the
Board of Education approve the personnel recommended for employment contracts for the
2023-2024 academic year.
12.05.a.
Ms. Stacy Stepney, Chief Academic Officer, Division of Curriculum & Instruction, requested
that the Board of Education approve the contract extensions of RFP 21-522R1 with the
following seven vendors: Cobb Pediatrics (DBA Stepping Stones), Comprehensive Behavior
Change, Core Therapy, Kadiant, Maxim, Pathways (Rebecca Lamont), and Southern Behavior
DeKalb Board of Education
June 12, 2023
Page 3 of 8
Group, as the most responsive and responsible bidders to provide behavior intervention services
for more than $100,000 per vendor, not to exceed the total contract amount of $2,000,000.
Dr. Morley requested that this item be pulled from the consent agenda and be voted on
separately.
12.05.b.
Ms. Stacy Stepney, Chief Academic Officer, Division of Curriculum & Instruction, requested
that the Board of Education approve the purchase of professional translation and interpretation
services from the following vendors in excess of $100,000.00 with a combined total not to
exceed $1,200,000 for the following vendors:
Alta Language Services
Language Line Services
Real Time Translation
SeSo, Inc.
Translation Station, Inc.
Zab Translation Solutions
12.05.c.
Ms. Stacy Stepney, Chief Academic Officer, Division of Curriculum & Instruction, requested
that the Board of Education approve the contractual agreement between the DeKalb County
School District (DCSD) and Laurel Heights Hospital (LHH) in an amount not to
exceed $450,000.00.
12.05.d.
RFP No. 23-545 for district Academic Recovery Plan in an amount not to exceed $4,003,684.67
to Houghton Mifflin Harcourt was removed from the agenda in executive session. On a motion
by Mrs. Hill, seconded by Mrs. Pierce, and a vote of 7/0) the item was removed from the agenda
and would not be placed on the consent agenda.
12.12.a.
Dr. Kishia Towns, Deputy Superintendent of Student Support and Intervention, Division of
Equity and Student Empowerment requested that the Board of Education approve the
Memorandum Of Understanding (MOU) between Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Atlanta and
DCSD in the amount of $249,983 to provide Level Up: In-School Mentoring services to 100
students at Lithonia Middle School during the 2024 school year.
12.07
OFFICE OF CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT (ACCOUNTABILITY) – No Agenda Item
This Month
12.08. a.
DeKalb Board of Education
June 12, 2023
Page 4 of 8
Ms. Monica Davis, Chief Information Officer, Division of Information and Instructional
Technology requested that the Board of Education approve the purchase of professional services
to provide staffing augmentation and monitoring for network, data center, and cloud services
with GreenPages Technology Solutions in an amount not to exceed $2,988,720.
12.08. b.
Ms. Monica Davis, Chief Information Officer, Division of Information and Instructional
Technology requested that the Board of Education award the purchase of Managed Print
Services to Lexmark International in an amount not to exceed $1,723,237.
12.08. c.
Ms. Monica Davis, Chief Information Officer, Division of Information and Instructional
Technology requested that the Board of Education approve the purchase of E-rate consulting
services from Educational Funding Group, Inc. at an amount not to exceed $70,000.
12.08. d.
Ms. Monica Davis, Chief Information Officer, Division of Information and Instructional
Technology requested that the Board of Education approve the request to utilize the services of
Computer Aid, Inc (CAI) not to exceed $3,240,653.
12.09.
DIVISION OF COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT, INNOVATION AND PARTNERSHIPS- No Agenda Items
This Month
12.10.a.
ATHLETICS – No Agenda Items This Month
12.10.b.i.
Mr. Erick Hofstetter, Chief Operating Officer, Division of Operations, requested that the
Board of Education approve two (2) awards for RFP No. 23-752-014 for Roof Replacement
Services to the most responsive and responsible Offerors whose submittals are the most
advantageous to the district. The awards are as follows:
DeKalb Elementary School of the Arts and Freedom Middle School to SRS, Inc. not to exceed
$5,270,000.
Redan Elementary School and Sam Moss Service Center to Tecta America SE, LLC not to
exceed $4,069,300.
12.10.c.i.
BUSINESS SERVICES – No Agenda Items This Month
12.10.d.
DeKalb Board of Education
June 12, 2023
Page 5 of 8
Mr. Erick Hofstetter, Chief Operating Officer, Division of Operations, requested that the
Board of Education ratify and approve the contract extension of the use of the IBS Contract
between DeKalb County School District and Genuine Parts Company (NAPA) for services in
accordance with the Georgia Statewide Contract #SWC 99999-SPD-SWL20201105 for July 1,
2023, through June 30, 2024, for a not to exceed amount of $6,000,000.
12.10.e.i.
Mr. Erick Hofstetter, Chief Operating Officer, Division of Operations, requested that the
Board of Education approve the award of Bid 24-397 School Nutrition Grocery Products to
Sutherland’s Foodservice, Inc. in the amount not to exceed $950,400 for SY 23-24.
12.10.f.i.
Mr. Erick Hofstetter, Chief Operating Officer, Division of Operations, requested that the
Board of Education approve the award of RFQu No. 23-752-020 for construction management
services for the New Sequoyah Middle and High School to Gilbane Building Company, the
most responsive and responsible Offeror whose proposal is the most advantageous to the Board
based on the evaluation factors set forth in the Request for Qualifications solicitation
document.
In addition, it requested that the Board of Education approve a not-to-exceed amount of
$175,000.00, for the Pre-Construction Phase Fee associated with this contract agreement.
Additional packages will be presented to the Board of Education for approval as indicated
below:
Site package will be presented in Winter 2023-2024. Final Middle School /Preliminary High
Scholl package will be presented in Spring 2024. Final Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP will
be presented in Winter 2025.
Additional subpackages may be presented to the Board of Education for approval as needed.
12.10.f. ii.
Mr. Erick Hofstetter, Chief Operating Officer, Division of Operations, requested that the
Board of Education approve the award of RFQu 23-752-010 for Architectural & Engineering
Services for Livsey Elementary School Major Building System Replacement to Croft &
Associates, Inc., the most responsive and responsible Offeror whose submittal is the most
advantageous to the Board based on the evaluation factors, for the lump sum amount of
$260,100.
12.11.
DONATIONS – No Agenda Items This Month
12.12.
PERSONNEL RECOMMENDATIONS FROM EXECUTIVE SESSION – No Agenda Items
This Month.
DeKalb Board of Education
June 12, 2023
Page 6 of 8
12.13.a.
OFFICE OF AUDITS AND COMPLIANCE - No Agenda Items This Month
AMENDMENT TO THE BYLAWS AND POLICIES
1. Mr. Byron Schueneman, Chief Financial Officer, Division of Finance, requested that the
Board of Education adopt the new Board Regulation DIB-R (2) Subscription-Based
Information Technology Arrangements (SBITA) as a new regulation.
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The meeting resumed at 5:47 pm.
COMMUNITY INPUT SESSION AND BUSINESS MEETING
Mr. DaCosta, Sr. convened the Community Input Session after he informed the public that the
agenda would be adjusted for the 2nd Millage Rate Hearing to begin after the last speaker in the
community input session.
Mrs. Deirdre P. Pierce read the Guidelines for Public Comments.
The following individuals addressed the Board:
1. Ashley Bryant Kees
2. Kate Haynes
3. Sophia Gallo
4. Taylor Ohlstrom
5. Dr. Claudia Fruin
6. Jacob Arnberger
7. Willie Pringle
8. Nancy Kelly
9. Gabriela Atsepoyi
10. Kendra Hill
11. Kristin Quarles
12. Lura Daussat
13. Will Berry
14. Lillian Bittaye
15. Jocelyn O’Neal
16. Representative Doreen Carter
CONVENE THE BUSINESS MEETING
Mr. DaCosta, Sr. requested to reconvene the June 12, 2023, business meeting after the 2nd
Millage Rate Hearing.
DeKalb Board of Education
June 12, 2023
Page 7 of 8
Mr. DaCosta, Sr. noted there were no objections, the business meeting reconvened.
STUDENT BOARD REPRESENTATIVE – No Student Board Representative This Month
RECOGNITION(S) – Special Presentation to Interim Superintendent, Dr. Vasanne
Tinsley
A video presentation was shown that highlighted Dr. Tinsley’s tenure as Interim
Superintendent.
Mrs. Turner read and presented a Proclamation to Dr. Tinsley
Mr. DaCosta, Sr. read and presented a crystal plaque to Dr. Tinsley
The Senior Cabinet thanked Dr. Tinsley for service and leadership
CONSENT AGENDA
Mr. DaCosta, Sr. called for a motion to approve the June 12, 2023, consent agenda items, with
the exception of following 2 agenda items.
ITEM NO. E.5.a. RFP 21-522R1 for Behavior Intervention Services Contract Extension (Year
2 of 4) (not to exceed $2,000,000) – This item would be voted on separately
as an Action Item.
ITEM NO. E.5.d. RFP 23-545 Academic Recovery Plan Software Initial Contract Approval
(not to exceed $4,003,684.67). – This item was removed from the agenda
during executive session.
On a motion by Mrs. Hill seconded by Mrs. Pierce and with a 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 accept the actions, as discussed, in Executive
Session for Student Appeal No. 23-34.
On a motion by Mrs. Hill, seconded by Mrs. Turner, and with a vote of (7\0),
The motion passed.
Mr. DaCosta called for a motion to accept the actions, as presented, in Executive
Session for Student Appeal No. 23-35.
On a motion by Mrs. Pierce, seconded by Mrs. McGinniss, and with a vote of (7\0),
The motion passed.
DeKalb Board of Education
June 12, 2023
Page 8 of 8
Mr. DaCosta, Sr. called for a motion to accept the actions, as discussed, in Executive
Session for DCSD vs. Joiner settlement.
On a motion by Mrs. Pierce, seconded by Mrs. Hill and with a vote of (7/0),
The motion passed.
J.2. APPROVAL OF AN AGENDA ITEM(S) PULLED FROM THE CONSENT
AGENDA
Mr. DaCosta called for a motion to approve the following Action Item which was pulled off
the consent agenda.
ITEM E.5.a. RFP 21-522R1 for Behavior Intervention Services Contract Extension (Year 2
of 4) (not to exceed $2,000,000)
On a motion by Mrs. Hill, seconded by Mrs. Gevertz, and with a unanimous vote of (6\1
abstention from Dr. Morley)
The motion passed.
ADJOURN
Mr. DaCosta, Sr. called for a motion to adjourn the June 12, 2023, work session and business
meeting.
Mr. DaCosta, Sr. noted there were no objections, the work session and business meeting
adjourned at 7:00 pm.
_______________________ ____________________________
Secretary Ex-Officio Chair