EXECUTIVE SESSION, WORK SESSION, COMMUNITY INPUT SESSION &
BUSINESS MEETING
OF THE
DEKALB COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION
August 14, 2023
The DeKalb County Board of Education held its Executive Session, Work Session, Community
Input Session and Business Meeting on Monday, August 14, 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 12:32 pm and noted the following were in
attendance; Mrs. Anna Hill, Mrs. Deirdre P. Pierce, Mrs. Whitney McGinniss, Mrs. Vickie B.
Turner, Ms. Allyson Gevertz, and Dr. Devon Q. Horton, Superintendent.
Also in attendance were General Counsel Attorney, Ms. Melanie Slaton and Dr. Yolanda
Williamson, Executive Administrator to the Board. Dr. Joyce Morley joined the meeting when
the group adjourned to executive session.
ADJOURN TO AN EXECUTIVE SESSION
Mr. DaCosta, Sr. called for a motion to adjourn August 14, 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. Hill, seconded by Mrs. Turner and with a vote of (6\0), the August 14,
2023, meeting adjourned to executive session at 12:34 pm.
ADJOURN THE EXECUTIVE SESSION
There being no further business, Mr. DaCosta, Sr. adjourned the August 14, 2023, executive
session and convene to the work session and business meeting.
Mr. DaCosta, Sr. noted there were no objections, the August 14, 2023, executive session
adjourned at 2:47 pm.
ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA
Mr. DaCosta, Sr. requested to adopt the August 14, 2023, work session and business meeting
agenda.
Mr. DaCosta, Sr. noted there were no objections, the August 14, 2023, work session and
business meeting agenda was approved.
SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT and COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
1. Superintendent’s Report – Reorganization, Operation Updates, School Opening
Presentation
2. Committee of the Whole – No Agenda Item This Month
DeKalb Board of Education
August 14, 2023
Page 2 of 9
REVIEW OF AGENDA ITEMS FOR THE AUGUST 14, 2023, BUSINESS MEETING
02.01.
BOARD OF EDUCATION – No Report This Month
02.02.a.
Mr. DaCosta, Sr. requested that the Board of Education approve the minutes of the following
meetings: July 10, 2023 board meeting which includes the executive session, work session,
community input session and business meeting, July 17, 2023, board retreat, August 9, 2023
audit committee meeting.
02.03.a.i.
Mr. Byron Schueneman, Chief Financial Officer, Division of Finance, requested that the Board
of Education accept the Tentative June 2023 Monthly Financial Reports.
02.03.b.
Mr. Byron Schueneman, Chief Financial Officer, Division of Finance, requested that the Board
of Education authorize the fourth settlement funding payment in the amount of $22.5 million in
accordance with the agreement option under section 6(c) of the settlement agreement. The
District is seeking approval to exercise the Board’s installment payment option to occur no later
than 30 days before the District’s yearly funding payment is due, October 12, 2023. American
Legal Claims, LLC is appointed as the Settlement Administrator.
02.03.c.
Mr. Byron Schueneman, Chief Financial Officer, Division of Finance, requested that the Board
of Education approve the award recommendation for RFP 23-555, Financial Audit Services, to
Mauldin & Jenkins, LLC. The pricing for year one is not to exceed $20,000 for financial
statement preparation services, $175,000 for the financial statement and single federal program
audits, and $15,000 per additional federal programs.
02.03.d.
Mr. Byron Schueneman, Chief Financial Officer, Division of Finance, requested that the Board
of Education approve the non-resident student annual tuition fee of $4,758.51 for the 2023-2024
school year, as calculated using state provided formula.
02.03.e. – Risk Management - No Agenda Items This Month
02.04.a.
Dr. Tekshia Ward-Smith, Administrator, Division of Human Resources, requested that the
Board of Education approve the August 2023 Human Resources Report.
02.04.b.
DeKalb Board of Education
August 14, 2023
Page 3 of 9
Dr. Tekshia Ward-Smith, Administrator, Division of Human Resources, requested that the
Board of Education approve the Amendment No. 2 to the 403(b) 2% Employee Contribution
Match Program for the DeKalb County, Georgia School District, including the 403(b) programs
of Fidelity, EMPOWER, Corebridge and Voya.
02.05.a.
Ms. Stacy Stepney, Chief Academic Officer, Division of Curriculum & Instruction, requested
that the Board of Education approve the MOA Renewal between the Georgia Department of
Education and the DeKalb County School District on behalf of the Georgia Learning
Resources System for an amount not to exceed $560,000.00.
02.05.b.
Ms. Stacy Stepney, Chief Academic Officer, Division of Curriculum & Instruction, requested
that the Board of Education approve the 2024 Carl Perkins V Improvement Grant Application in
the amount of $1,390,462 that provides funding to improve Career Technical and Agricultural
Education (CTAE) programs throughout the DeKalb County School District.
02.05.c.
Ms. Stacy Stepney, Chief Academic Officer, Division of Curriculum & Instruction, requested
that the Board of Education approve the purchase of instructional materials, supplies, and
equipment from the identified vendors in an amount not to exceed $16,000,000.
02.06.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 Letter of
Agreement between Communities in Schools of Atlanta, Inc., and the DeKalb County School
District (DCSD), for an additional year for an amount not to exceed $325,000.
02.07.
OFFICE OF CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT AND ACCOUNTABILITY – No Agenda
Items This Month
02.08.a.
Ms. Monika Davis, Chief Information Officer, Division of Information and Instructional
Technology requested that the Board of Education approve the purchase of internet connectivity
options and associated infrastructure components from T-Mobile in an amount not to exceed
$500,000. The district will utilize state of Georgia contract for T-Mobile.
02.08.b.
Ms. Monika Davis, Chief Information Officer, Division of Information and Instructional
Technology requested that the Board of Education approve the extension of the Enterprise
Resource Planning (“ERP”) system and project implementation services with Tyler
Technologies in an amount not to exceed $2,351,016.
02.09.
DeKalb Board of Education
August 14, 2023
Page 4 of 9
DIVISION OF COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AND INNOVATIVE PARTNERSHIPS- No Agenda Items
This Month
02.10.a.- ATHLETICS- No Agenda Items This Month
02.10.b.i.
Mr. Erick Hofstetter, Chief Operating Officer, Division of Operations, requested that the
Board of Education approve the contract extension for ITB 21-752-020 for HVAC Water
Treatment Services to Superior Water Services, Inc. for an additional year in the not to exceed
amount of $200,000.
02.10.b.ii.
Mr. Erick Hofstetter, Chief Operating Officer, Division of Operations, requested that the
Board of Education approve the contract extension of Portable Air Condition (A/C) Bid 23-417
to Sun Belt Rentals, Inc. and Spot Coolers, Inc. for an additional year in the amount not to
exceed $1,200,000.00.
02.10.b.iii.
Mr. Erick Hofstetter, Chief Operating Officer, Division of Operations, requested that the
Board of Education approve Controls Concepts, Inc., as a single source vendor for the
installation of HVAC Instrumentation and Controls district wide in the amount not to exceed
$300,000.00. Any single purchases which exceed $100,000.00 will be brought back to the
Board of Education for approval in accordance with Board Policy DJE.
02.10.b.iv.
Mr. Erick Hofstetter, Chief Operating Officer, Division of Operations, requested that the
Board of Education authorize the District to use the General Service Administration (GSA)
Contract to purchase and install communications equipment replacements and upgrades from
Southwestern Communications, Inc., a sole authorized distributor of Rauland-Borg
Corporation equipment in accordance with the GSA Contract No. 47QTCA21D0098 in the
amount not to exceed $300,000.00.
Any single purchases which exceed $100,000.00 will be brought back to the Board of Education
for approval in accordance with Board Policy DJE.
approve the contract extension for ITB 21-752-020 for HVAC Water Treatment Services to
Superior Water Services, Inc. for an additional year in the not to exceed amount of $200,000.
02.10.b.v.
Mr. Erick Hofstetter, Chief Operating Officer, Division of Operations, requested that the
Board of Education authorize the District to use Sourcewell Contract #042821 to purchase pest
control services from Orkin, LLC in the amount not to exceed $750,000 through June 30,
2024.
02.10.c. BUSINESS SERVICES – No Agenda Items This Month
DeKalb Board of Education
August 14, 2023
Page 5 of 9
02.10.d
FLEET and TRANSPORTATION SERVICES – No Agenda Items This Month
02.10.e
SCHOOL NUTRITION SERVICES – No Agenda Items This Month
02.10.f.i.
Mr. Erick Hofstetter, Chief Operating Officer, Division of Operations, requested that the
Board of Education approve Change Order No. 1 for Redan MS to Construction Works, Inc.
for a not-to-exceed amount of $230,238.37 for DeKalb County School District requested HVAC
controls, and for Material Escalations as outlined in the Change Order #1 documents.
02.10.f.ii
Mr. Erick Hofstetter, Chief Operation Officer, Division of Operation, requested that the Board
of Education approve Change Order No. 1 for E.L. Miller ES to Centennial Contractors
Enterprises, Inc. for a not-to-exceed amount of $240,291.42 for DeKalb County School
District requested items and, and for Material Escalations as outlined in the Change Order #1
documents.
02.10.f.iii.
Mr. Erick Hofstetter, Chief Operation Officer, Division of Operation, requested that the Board
of Education approve Change Order No. 1 for Salem MS to Construction Works, Inc. for a
not-to-exceed amount of $230,238.37 for DeKalb County School District requested HVAC
controls, and for Material Escalations as outlined in the Change Order #1 documents.
02.10.f.iv.
Mr. Erick Hofstetter, Chief Operation Officer, Division of Operation, requested that the Board
of Education approve Change Order No. 1 for Fairington ES to Construction Works, Inc. for a
not-to-exceed amount of $121,801.93 for DeKalb County School District requested HVAC
controls, and for Material Escalations as outlined in the Change Order #1 documents.
02.10.f.v.
Mr. Erick Hofstetter, Chief Operating Officer, Division of Operations, requested that the
Board of Education approve the award of RFQu 23-752-016 for Architectural and Engineering
Services for Druid Hills High School Modernization to MSSA-PBK, 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 $350,000.
02.11.
DONATIONS – No Agenda Items This Month
02.12.a.
Dr. Tekshia Ward-Smith, Administrator, Division of Human Resources, requested that the
Board of Education approve the hiring recommendation of Dr. Darnell Logan to the position of
Director of Student Relations in the Division of Student Support Services.
DeKalb Board of Education
August 14, 2023
Page 6 of 9
02.12.b.
Dr. Tekshia Ward-Smith, Administrator, Division of Human Resources, requested that the
Board of Education approve the hiring recommendation of Mr. Keith Singleton to the position
of Director of Business Services in the Division of Facilities and Operations. Dr. Morley
objected to this recommendation. This item was pulled from the consent agenda. The board
would vote on this item separately.
02.12.c.
Dr. Tekshia Ward-Smith, Administrator, Division of Human Resources, requested that the
Board of Education approve the hiring recommendation of Mrs. Ateshia Lester to the new
position of Area Superintendent for Elementary Area 3 schools.
02.12.d.
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 new
position of Chief of Continuous Improvement and Accountability. Dr. Morley objected to this
recommendation. This item was pulled from the consent agenda. The board would vote on this
item separately.
02.12.e.
Dr. Tekshia Ward-Smith, Administrator, Division of Human Resources, requested that the
Board of Education approve the hiring recommendation of Mrs. Michelle Dillard to the new
position of Chief of Schools. Dr. Morley objected to this recommendation. This item was pulled
from the consent agenda. The board would vote on this item separately.
02.13.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 approve the removal of board policy DJAA,
Authorized Signatures, 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 approve the removal of board policy EEA, Free
and Reduced Nutrition Programs, 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 hold and amend of board policy EGA, Staff
Insurance Programs, due to the fact that it need additional revisions.
DeKalb Board of Education
August 14, 2023
Page 7 of 9
4. Ms. Melanie Slaton, General Counsel, Hall Booth Smith PC, Attorneys At Law,
requested that the Board of Education approve the removal of board policy GCD,
Classified Personnel Hiring, 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 approve the removal of board policy GDD,
Paraprofessional Hiring, 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 approve the removal of board policy IFBGA,
Electronic Communications, 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 approve the removal of board policy IHEA,
Make-Up Opportunities, 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 accept amended Board Policy DCL, Fund
Balance as a First Read to lay on the table for stakeholder feedback and considered for
adoption at the September 11, 2023 Board meeting.
**********************************
The meeting resumed at 5:46 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. Deborah Jones
2. Verdaillia Turner
3. Robin McDonald – no show
4. Edith Donaldson-Wheeler
5. Willie Pringle – no show
6. Daniel Sobczak
7. Nancy Kelly
8. Scherita Daniel
9. Crystal Carroll
10. Ava Sharma
11. Lillian Bittaye
12. Miriam Martin
DeKalb Board of Education
August 14, 2023
Page 8 of 9
CONVENE THE BUSINESS MEETING
Mr. DaCosta, Sr. requested to convene the August 14, 2023, business meeting.
On a motion by Mrs. Hill, seconded by Mrs. Turner, and a vote of 7/0, the motion passed. The
business meeting convened.
STUDENT BOARD REPRESENTATIVE – No Student Board Representative This Month
RECOGNITION(S) – No Recognitions This Month
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 Ramey vs DCSD Settlement.
On a motion by Mrs. Turner, seconded by Mrs. Pierce, 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 Items which were NOT
placed on the consent agenda.
ITEM 12.b. Personnel Recommendation to hire Mr. Keith Singleton to the position of
Director of Business Services in the Division of Facilities and Operations.
On a motion by Mrs. Pierce, seconded by Mrs. Hill, and with a vote of (6\1 - Nay from Dr.
Morley)
The motion passed.
ITEM 12.d. Personnel Recommendation to hire Dr. Markisha Mitchell to the new position
of Chief of Continuous Improvement and Accountability.
On a motion by Mrs. Hill, seconded by Mrs. Turner, and with a vote of (6\1- Nay from Dr.
Morley)
The motion passed.
ITEM 12.e. Personnel Recommendation to hire Mrs. Michelle Dillard to the new position
of Chief of Schools.
DeKalb Board of Education
August 14, 2023
Page 9 of 9
On a motion by Mrs. Pierce, seconded by Mrs. Gevertz, and with a vote of (6\1 - Nay
from Dr. Morley)
The motion passed.
CONSENT AGENDA
Mr. DaCosta, Sr. called for a motion to approve the August 14, 2023, consent agenda items.
On a motion by Mrs. Hill, seconded by Ms. Gevertz and with a vote of (7/0) the motion passed
to approve the consent agenda.
ADJOURN
Mr. DaCosta, Sr. called for a motion to adjourn the August 14, 2023, work session and business
meeting.
Mr. DaCosta, Sr. noted there were no objections, the work session and business meeting
adjourned at 6:53 pm.
_______________________ ____________________________
Secretary Ex-Officio Chair