EXECUTIVE SESSION, WORK SESSION, COMMUNITY INPUT SESSION &
BUSINESS MEETING
OF THE
DEKALB COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION
July 10, 2023
The DeKalb County Board of Education held its Executive Session, Work Session, Community
Input Session and Business Meeting on Monday, July 10, 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 12:34 pm and noted the following were in
attendance; Mrs. Anna Hill, Mrs. Deirdre P. Pierce, Mrs. Whitney McGinniss, Mrs. Vickie
Turner, Dr. Devon Q. Horton, Superintendent. Dr. Joyce Morley attended the executive session
virtually. Ms. Allyson Gevertz physically joined the group during the executive session.
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 July 10, 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. Turner, seconded by Mrs. Pierce and with a vote of (5\0), the July 10,
2023, meeting adjourned to executive session at 12:36 pm.
ADJOURN THE EXECUTIVE SESSION
There being no further business, Mr. DaCosta, Sr. adjourned the July 10, 2023, executive
session and convene to the work session and business meeting.
Mr. DaCosta, Sr. noted there were no objections, the July 10, 2023, executive session adjourned
at 1:42 pm.
ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA
Mr. DaCosta, Sr. requested to adopt the July 10, 2023, work session and business meeting
agenda.
Mr. DaCosta, Sr. noted there were no objections, the July 10, 2023, work session and business
meeting agenda was approved.
SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT and COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
1. Superintendent’s Report – No Report This Month
Presented by Dr. Devon Q. Horton
2. Committee of the Whole Presentation – K-12 Math Curriculum
DeKalb Board of Education
July 10, 2023
Page 2 of 10
Presented by Ms. Stacy E. Stepney, Chief Academic Officer, Division of Curriculum &
Instruction
REVIEW OF AGENDA ITEMS FOR THE JULY 10, 2023, BUSINESS MEETING
01.01.
BOARD OF EDUCATION – No Report This Month
01.02.a.
Mr. DaCosta, Sr. requested that the Board of Education approve the minutes of the following
meetings: June 12, 2023, 1st budget presentation & millage rate hearing, June 12, 2023 board
meeting which includes the executive session, work session, community input session and
business meeting, June 12, 2023, 2nd millage rate hearing, June 20, 2023, 2 nd budget
presentation and 3rd millage rate hearing, June 28, 2023, called meeting and executive session.
01.03.a.
Mr. Byron Schueneman, Chief Financial Officer, Division of Finance, requested that the Board
of Education accept the May 2023 Monthly Financial Report.
01.03.b.
Mr. Byron Schueneman, Chief Financial Officer, Division of Finance, requested that the Board
of Education approve the resolutions necessary to update administrative signatures for the
district’s banking institutions.
01.03.c.
Mr. Byron Schueneman, Chief Financial Officer, Division of Finance, requested that the Board
of Education approve Allovue, Incorporated for the purchase of consulting services and
software via the Interlocal Purchasing System under contract number 200105 in support of the
development of the annual Budget. The total cost for the software license (unlimited users)
budget and strategic development support in the amount of $530,500 from July 1, 2023 through
June 30, 2024.
01.03.d.i.
Mr. Byron Schueneman, Chief Financial Officer, Division of Finance, requested that the Board
of Education approve the renewal of the District’s Third - Party Administrator Services with
Brentwood Services Administrators (“Brentwood”), for an amount not to exceed
$484,826.40 in fixed claim costs, excluding bill review fees that are billed monthly based on
volume.
01.03.d.ii.
Mr. Byron Schueneman, Chief Financial Officer, Division of Finance, requested that the Board
of Education approve a contract with Swift, Currie, McGee and Hiers, LLP (“Swift Currie”)
as Workers’ Compensation Counsel at the hourly rate of $215 for partners and senior
attorneys, $180 for associates and $125 for paralegals, excluding necessary expenses and any
DeKalb Board of Education
July 10, 2023
Page 3 of 10
necessary complex litigation, which will be determined and authorized by the Board Chair and
Superintendent on a case-by-case basis. The term of this annual agreement shall commence on
December 3, 2023. This is the first of five one-year optional renewals.
(Part 2)
It is further requested that the Board approve a contract with Swift Currie as General Liability
Counsel, at the hourly rate of $260 for partners and senior attorneys, $210 for associates and
$155 for paralegals, excluding necessary expenses and any necessary complex litigation, which
will be determined and authorized by the Board Chair and Superintendent on a case-by-case
basis. The term of this annual agreement shall commence on December 3, 2023. This is the first
of five one-year optional renewals.
01.03.d.iii.
Mr. Byron Schueneman, Chief Financial Officer, Division of Finance, requested that the Board
of Education approve the renewal of the Insurance Producer Services for Property and Casualty
Insurance Agreement with Edgewood Partners Insurance Center d/b/a EPIC Insurance Brokers
and Consultants (“Epic”) for an annual fee not to exceed $150,000.
01.04.a.
Dr. Tekshia Ward-Smith, Administrator, Division of Human Resources, requested that the
Board of Education approve the July 2023 Human Resources Report.
01.04.b.
Dr. Tekshia Ward-Smith, Administrator, Division of Human Resources, requested that the
Board of Education approve the continuance of the professional services contract with Gallup,
Inc. for District-wide employee engagement services.
01.05.a.
Ms. Stacy Stepney, Chief Academic Officer, Division of Curriculum & Instruction, requested
that the Board of Education approve the RFQ 23-546 K-12 Mathematics Instructional
Resources contracts with Houghton Mifflin Harcourt (HMH), McGraw-Hill, and Savvas to
support K-12 core mathematics instruction and Accelerate Learning, DreamBox Learning,
Explore Learning, Snappet, Heinemann, Hand2Mind, Progress Learning, Education Learning
System, and Learn by Doing for supplemental mathematics resources. These vendors are the
most responsive and responsible bidders to provide mathematics instructional resources in print
and/or digital formats for teachers and students for more than $100,000.00 per vendor but not to
exceed a total contracted amount of $20,000,000.00.
K-12 Core Mathematics Instructional Resources
Grades/Specific Courses Vendor
Grades K-5 Mathematics McGraw-Hill
Grades 6-8 Mathematics Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Grades 9-12 Algebra Savvas
Grades 9-12 Geometry Savvas
Grades 9-12 Advanced Algebra Savvas
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July 10, 2023
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Grades 9-12 Pre-Calculus Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Grades 9-12 Advanced Mathematical Decision Making Savvas
Grades 9-12 Calculus Savvas
Grades 9-12 Advanced Placement (AP) Calculus Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Grades 9-12 Advanced Placement (AP) Statistics Savvas
K-12 Mathematics Supplemental Resources
Accelerate Learning Hand2Mind
DreamBox Learning Progress Learning
Explore Learning Education Learning System
Snappet Learn by Doing
Heinemann
01.06.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
amendment to RFP 19-513 to include Naviance for Elementary for a one-year subscription in an
amount not to exceed $98,658.81.
01.07.a.
Dr. Myisha Warren, Executive Director of Federal Programs, Division of Continuous
Improvement (Accountability) requested that the Board of Education approve the renewal of
Renaissance: Illuminate DnA and eduClimber for SY 2023-2024 in an amount not to exceed
$1,200,000.00. The requested purchase is a testing expenditure that does not require bid per the
District’s Purchasing Board Policy (DJE).
01.07.b.
Dr. Myisha Warren, Executive Director of Federal Programs, Division of Continuous
Improvement (Accountability) requested that the Board of Education approve the renewal of the
Northwest Evaluation Association (NWEA) Measures of Academic Progress (MAP)
Assessment for the 2023-2024 school year in an amount not to exceed $1,300,000.00. The
requested purchase is an assessment expenditure that does not require bid per the District’s
Purchasing Board Policy (DJE).
01.07.c.
Dr. Myisha Warren, Executive Director of Federal Programs, Division of Continuous
Improvement (Accountability) requested that the Board of Education approve the Board of
Education approve the payment of accreditation membership to COGNIA (formerly
AdvancED) for all DeKalb schools for the 2023-2024 school year, in an amount not to exceed
$147,000.00.
01.08. a.
Ms. Monika Davis, Chief Information Officer, Division of Information and Instructional
Technology requested that the Board of Education approve the purchase of applications support
DeKalb Board of Education
July 10, 2023
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and maintenance fees to Harris School Solutions, Inc. at a cost not to exceed $123,297.00. This
is a one-year agreement.
01.08. b.
Ms. Monika Davis, Chief Information Officer, Division of Information and Instructional
Technology requested that the Board of Education approve the renewal of device repair services
to include maintenance, repair, and warranty services from CDW-G at a cost not to exceed
$2,291,100. This is year 2 of a three-year agreement to provide services to students Acer Spin
511 Chromebooks and spare devices. This agreement was last approved in April 2022.
01.09.
DIVISION OF COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT, INNOVATION AND PARTNERSHIPS- No Agenda Items
This Month
01.10.a.i.
Mr. Erick Hofstetter, Chief Operating Officer, Division of Operations, requested that the
Board of Education approve the award of ITB 24-547 DCSD Middle School Weight Room
Equipment to Wynnpro, LLC, not to exceed $289,777.80.
01.10.d.i.
Mr. Erick Hofstetter, Chief Operating Officer, Division of Operations, requested that the
Board of Education approve the annual renewal of the Transportation Agreement between
International Community School, Inc. and DeKalb County School District to provide student
transportation services for the 2023 – 2024 school year.
01.10.e.i.
Mr. Erick Hofstetter, Chief Operating Officer, Division of Operations, requested that the
Board of Education approve the renewal of Bid 20-27, purchase of large equipment to Douglas
Equipment in the amount not to exceed $1,200,000 for SY 23-24. This request extends the
agreement with Douglas Equipment an additional year from August 1, 2023 through July 31,
2024. This is the fourth of four (4) one-year (1-year) Contract Renewal options.
01.10.f.i.
Mr. Erick Hofstetter, Chief Operating Officer, Division of Operations, requested that the
Board of Education approve the award of RFQu No. 23-752-021 for construction management
services for the New Dresden Elementary School to The Winter Construction 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 $10,000.00, 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 Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) will be presented in Spring
2024.
DeKalb Board of Education
July 10, 2023
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Additional sub packages may be presented to the Board of Education for approval as needed.
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.
01.11.
DONATIONS – No Agenda Items This Month
01.12.a.
Dr. Tekshia Ward-Smith, Administrator, Division of Human Resources, requested that the
Board of Education approve the hiring recommendation of Dr. Markisha Mitchell to the
position of Associate Superintendent of Continuous Improvement / Accountability.
01.12.b.
Dr. Tekshia Ward-Smith, Administrator, Division of Human Resources, requested that the
Board of Education approve the hiring recommendation of Mr. Antonio Ross to the position of
Director of Leadership and Development.
01.12.c.
Dr. Tekshia Ward-Smith, Administrator, Division of Human Resources, requested that the
Board of Education approve the hiring recommendation of Ms. Michelle Dillard to the position
of Associate Superintendent Leadership and Schools.
01.12.d.
Dr. Tekshia Ward-Smith, Administrator, Division of Human Resources, requested that the
Board of Education approve the hiring recommendation of Dr. Yolanda Williamson to the
position of Chief of Community Engagement and Innovative Partnerships.
01.12.e.
Dr. Tekshia Ward-Smith, Administrator, Division of Human Resources, requested that the
Board of Education approve the hiring recommendation of Mr. Elijah Palmer to the position of
Director of Organizational Effectiveness.
DeKalb Board of Education
July 10, 2023
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Dr. Morley requested that all the personnel recommendations not be placed on the consent
agenda. The items would have to be voted separately.
01.13.a.
OFFICE OF AUDITS AND COMPLIANCE - No Agenda Items This Month
AMENDMENT TO THE BYLAWS AND POLICIES
1. Ms. Melanie Slaton, General Counsel, Hall Booth Smith PC, Attorneys At Law,
requested that the Board of Education eliminate the board policy CGB, Administrative
Personnel Positions, due to the fact that it is duplicative or outdated.
2. Ms. Melanie Slaton, General Counsel, Hall Booth Smith PC, Attorneys At Law,
requested that the Board of Education eliminate the board policy DCA, Fiscal Goals and
Objectives, due to the fact that it is duplicative or outdated
3. Ms. Melanie Slaton, General Counsel, Hall Booth Smith PC, Attorneys At Law,
requested that the Board of Education eliminate the board policy DJAA, Authorized
Signatures, due to the fact that it is duplicative or outdated.
4. Ms. Melanie Slaton, General Counsel, Hall Booth Smith PC, Attorneys At Law,
requested that the Board of Education eliminate the board policy EEA, Free and
Reduced Nutrition Programs, due to the fact that it is duplicative or outdated.
5. Ms. Melanie Slaton, General Counsel, Hall Booth Smith PC, Attorneys At Law,
requested that the Board of Education eliminate the board policy EGA, Staff Insurance
Programs, due to the fact that it is duplicative or outdated.
6. Ms. Melanie Slaton, General Counsel, Hall Booth Smith PC, Attorneys At Law,
requested that the Board of Education eliminate the board policy GCA, Classified
Personnel Compensation, due to the fact that it is duplicative or outdated.
7. Ms. Melanie Slaton, General Counsel, Hall Booth Smith PC, Attorneys At Law,
requested that the Board of Education eliminate the board policy GCD, Classified
Personnel Hiring, due to the fact that it is duplicative or outdated.
8. Ms. Melanie Slaton, General Counsel, Hall Booth Smith PC, Attorneys At Law,
requested that the Board of Education eliminate the board policy GDD, Paraprofessional
Hiring, due to the fact that it is duplicative or outdated.
9. Ms. Melanie Slaton, General Counsel, Hall Booth Smith PC, Attorneys At Law,
requested that the Board of Education eliminate the board policy IDF, Interscholastic
Activities, due to the fact that it is duplicative or outdated.
DeKalb Board of Education
July 10, 2023
Page 8 of 10
10. Ms. Melanie Slaton, General Counsel, Hall Booth Smith PC, Attorneys At Law,
requested that the Board of Education eliminate the board policy IFBGA, Electronic
Communications, due to the fact that it is duplicative or outdated.
11. Ms. Melanie Slaton, General Counsel, Hall Booth Smith PC, Attorneys At Law,
requested that the Board of Education eliminate the board policy IHEA, Make-Up
Opportunities, due to the fact that it is duplicative or outdated.
12. Ms. Melanie Slaton, General Counsel, Hall Booth Smith PC, Attorneys At Law,
requested that the Board of Education eliminate the board policy JBC(3), Social Security
Numbers, due to the fact that it is duplicative or outdated.
**********************************
The meeting resumed at 5:44 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. Kirk Lunde
2. Miriam Martin
3. Tracey Anderson
4. Robin McDonald
5. Lillian Bittaye
6. Mary Margaret Brown
CONVENE THE BUSINESS MEETING
Mr. DaCosta, Sr. requested to convene the July 10, 2023, business meeting.
Mr. DaCosta, Sr. noted there were no objections, the business meeting convened.
STUDENT BOARD REPRESENTATIVE – No Student Board Representative This Month
RECOGNITION(S) – No Agenda Items This Month
ACTION ITEM(S)
DeKalb Board of Education
July 10, 2023
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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 DCSD vs. Special Education Student Settlement.
On a motion by Mrs. Turner, seconded by Mrs. Pierce, and with a vote of 5-1 abstention
by Morley.
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 Items which were NOT
placed on the consent agenda.
ITEM 12.a. Personnel Recommendation to hire Dr. Markisha Mitchell to the position of
Associate Superintendent of Continuous Improvement / Accountability.
On a motion by Ms. Gevertz, seconded by Mrs. Hill, and with a vote of (6\1 abstention
from Dr. Morley)
The motion passed.
ITEM 12.b. Personnel Recommendation to hire Mr. Antonio Ross to the position of
Director of Leadership and Development.
On a motion by Mrs. Turner, seconded by Mrs. Pierce, and with a vote of (6\1 abstention
from Dr. Morley)
The motion passed.
ITEM 12.c. Personnel Recommendation to hire Ms. Michelle Dillard to the position of
Associate Superintendent Leadership and Schools.
On a motion by Mrs. Turner, seconded by Mrs. McGinniss, and with a vote of (6\1
abstention from Dr. Morley)
The motion passed.
ITEM 12.d. Personnel Recommendation to hire Dr. Yolanda Williamson to the position of
Chief Community Engagement and Innovative Partnerships.
On a motion by Mrs. Turner, seconded by Mrs. McGinniss, and with a vote of (6\1
abstention from Dr. Morley)
The motion passed.
DeKalb Board of Education
July 10, 2023
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ITEM 12.e. Personnel Recommendation to hire Mr. Elijah Palmer to the position of
Director of Organizational Effectiveness.
On a motion by Mrs. Pierce, seconded by Mrs. Hill, and with a vote of (6\1 abstention
from Dr. Morley)
The motion passed.
CONSENT AGENDA
Mr. DaCosta, Sr. called for a motion to approve the July 10, 2023, consent agenda items.
On a motion by Ms. Gevertz, seconded by Mrs. McGinniss and with a vote of (6\1 – abstention
Dr. Morley), the motion passed to approve the consent agenda.
ADJOURN
Mr. DaCosta, Sr. called for a motion to adjourn the July 10, 2023, work session and business
meeting.
Mr. DaCosta, Sr. noted there were no objections, the work session and business meeting
adjourned at 6:31 pm.
_______________________ ____________________________
Secretary Ex-Officio Chair