Policy Initiative Phase 1, July 10, 2023

AID 1537092 · View on Simbli

Agenda Item

3. FIRST READ - Amendment to the Bylaws & Policies: Board Policy DJAA, Authorized Signatures (Updated 07.05.2023)

Summary: Presented by: Ms. Melanie Slaton, General Counsel, Hall Booth Smith, P.C. Attorneys At Law
Request: It is requested that the Board of Education eliminate the board policy DJAA, Authorized Signatures, due to the fact that it is duplicative or outdated.
Why: The Board of Education is empowered to abolish duplicative or outdated policies. The elimination of said policies will increase the efficiency of the organization. Board Policy DJAA- Authorized Signatures is covered by Board Policy DJEG - Purchase Orders and Contracts.
Financial impact: There is no financial impact to the District.
Contact: Ms. Melanie Slaton, General Counsel, Hall Booth Smith, P.C. Attorneys At Law, 678.676.1200
Effective: Upon Board Approval
Status: Approved by General Counsel
Attorney Approval Not Required
                               POLICY                               Overview of Policy                                             RATIONALE FOR ABOLISHING                                                   Overview of Policy

                                            Classify the positions for personnel; authorize the employment of
                                            personnel required for instruction, administration, maintenance                                                                         Superintendent shall have the authority to employ personnel in
                                            and operation of facilities, and other appropriate services;                                                                            accordance with the policies of the Board and shall assign
CGB – Administrative Personnel Positions    employ in accordance with adopted job classifications and salary Covered by CGD - Administrative Personnel Hiring                       personnel to positions authorized by the Board; Board of
                                            schedules; Superintendent shall have authority to employ and                                                                            Education members, collectively and individually, shall remain
                                            assign personnel for positions authorized by the Board, provided                                                                        neutral and not become involved in the review of applications for
                                            that assignments at the level of executive director and above are                                                                       vacant positions and in the screening process, except in the
                                            approved by the Board                                                                                                                   recruitment and selection of the Superintendent
                                                                                                                                                                                    The maintenance of a fund balance is essential to the
                                                                                                                                                                                    preservation of the financial integrity and is fiscally advantageous
                                                                                                                                                                                    for both the District and its taxpayers. This policy establishes
                                            The accumulation of reserves protects the District from uncontrollable                                                                  goals and provides guidance concerning the desired level of fund
                                            increases in expenditures or unforeseen reductions in revenues, or a
DCA – Fiscal Goals and Objectives                                                                                  Covered by DCL - Fund Balance                                    balance maintained by the District to mitigate financial risk that
                                            combination of the two. It also allows for the prudent financing of
                                            capital construction and replacement projects.                                                                                          can occur from unforeseen revenue fluctuations, unanticipated
                                                                                                                                                                                    expenditures, and similar circumstances. The District also seeks
                                                                                                                                                                                    to maintain the highest possible credit ratings which are
                                                                                                                                                                                    dependent, in part, on the District’s maintenance of an adequate
                                            All checks, drafts, or other orders for payment of money issued by the                                                                  All contracts of the Board, unless specified otherwise by law, shall be
DJAA – Authorized Signatures                Board shall be signed by the Superintendent either as the Secretary or Covered by DJEG - Purchase Orders and Contracts                  signed by the Superintendent as the Secretary Ex-Officio of the Board
                                            as Superintendent of Schools.                                                                                                           or as Superintendent
                                                                                                                                                                                    Well-planned           of Schools.implemented school nutrition and
                                                                                                                                                                                                    and effectively
                                                                                                                                                                                    fitness programs have been shown to enhance students’ overall
                                                                                                                                                                                    health, as well as their behavior and academic achievement in
                                            Serve meals in all DeKalb schools that meet the nutritional
                                                                                                                                                                                    school. Academic performance and quality of life are affected by
EEA – Free and Reduced Nutrition Programs   requirements for all students participating in the Free and         Covered by EEE - Wellness Program
                                            Reduced Program                                                                                                                         the choice and availability of healthy meals in our schools.
                                                                                                                                                                                    DeKalb School District will provide a comprehensive learning
                                                                                                                                                                                    environment for developing and practicing lifelong wellness
                                            Provide optional health insurance programs, including but not
                                            limited to medical, dental, and vision, for the benefit of
                                            personnel and their spouses or dependents; authorize the
                                            Administration to make periodic deductions from the wages or
                                            salaries of employees, to pay the premium for life, accident and                                                                        To ensure that all payroll deductions are available and executed legally
EGA – Staff Insurance Program                                                                                  Covered by DJCB - Salary Deductions
                                            sickness, hospitalization, or annuity insurance, or any other kind                                                                      and properly
                                            of insurance, for the benefit of such employees who utilize the
                                            option to participate in the group insurance plan agreed upon
                                            and entered into by the Board of Education and insurance
                                            companies
                                            The compensation for each employee shall be based on the
                                                                                                                                                                                    The Superintendent will allow overtime pay or compensatory time
GCA – Classified Personnel Compensation     salary schedule adopted by the DeKalb County Board of               Covered by GCRD - Classified Personnel Overtime Pay
                                                                                                                                                                                    only in situations where it is evident that additional time is needed for
                                            Education                                                                                                                               the smooth and efficient operation of the school system.

                                            Board of Education members, collectively and individually, shall remain                                                                 Board of Education members, collectively and individually, shall remain
GCD – Classified Personnel Hiring           neutral and not become involved in the review of applications for       Covered by GBD - Professional Personnel Hiring                  neutral and not become involved in the review of applications for
                                            vacant positions and in the screening process, except in the                                                                            vacant positions and in the screening process, except in the
                                            recruitment and selection of the superintendent.                                                                                        recruitment and selection of the superintendent.

                                            Board of Education members, collectively and individually, shall remain                                                                 To ensure proper personnel classification, authorization, and
GDD – Paraprofessional Hiring               neutral and not become involved in the review of applications for       Covered by GBD - Professional Personnel Hiring                  placement essential for conducting efficient and effective school
                                            vacant positions and in the screening process, except in the                                                                            system services
                                            recruitment and selection of the superintendent.

                                             To provide opportunities for student participation in academic     Covered by IDE(1) Competitive Interscholastic Activities, Grades 9- The Board of Education supports the offering of competitive
IDF – Interscholastic Activities
                                            interscholastic activities                                          12                                                                  interscholastic activities in grades 9-12 subject to reasonable
                                                                                                                                                                                    rules and regulations concerning eligibility to participate.
                                                                                                                                                     All guidelines set forth in this policy and any relevant regulations or
                                    Cellular telephones that are owned by DeKalb County School                                                       rules are applicable to all telecommunication services and equipment
                                    System (“DCSS”) should be used only for official business related                                                provided by the District including, but not limited to, the following: 1.
IFBGA – Electronic Communications                                                                      Covered by IFBG - Internet Acceptable Use
                                    activities, when a safe, convenient and less costly alternative is                                               Computer workstations and notebook computers; 2. Smart phones,
                                    not available.                                                                                                   tablets, e-readers, and other mobile devices; 3. Internet services; 4.
                                                                                                                                                     Telephone services; and 5. Cellular telephone services.
                                                                                                                                                     Final course grades of students shall not be penalized because of
                                                                                                                                                     absences if the following conditions are met: 1. Absences are justified
IHEA – Make-Up Opportunities                                                                                    Covered by JB - Student Attendance
                                    To ensure that students who are legally absent from school are given                                             and validated for excusable reasons; and 2. Make-up work for excused
                                    opportunities to learn the lessons offered during absences.                                                      absences was completed satisfactorily.
                                    A person seeking to register a student for enrollment in the DeKalb                                              A person seeking to register a student for enrollment in the DeKalb
                                    County School District shall provide to school officials an official copy                                        County School District shall provide to school officials an official copy
JBC(3) – Social Security Numbers                                                                                Covered by JBC - School Admissions
                                    of the student’s Social Security number or a waiver objecting to                                                 of the student’s Social Security number or a waiver objecting to
                                    furnishing the Social Security number.                                                                           furnishing the Social Security number.