EXECUTIVE SESSION, WORK SESSION, COMMUNITY INPUT SESSION &
BUSINESS MEETING
OF THE
DEKALB COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION
September 11, 2023
The DeKalb County Board of Education held its Executive Session, Work Session, Community
Input Session and Business Meeting on Monday, September 11, 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 12:39 pm and noted the following were in
attendance; Mr. Dijjon DaCosta, Sr., Mrs. Deirdre P. Pierce, Ms. 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, Chief of Community Engagement and Innovative Partnerships. Mrs. Anna Hill and
Dr. Joyce Morley joined the group in the executive session.
ADJOURN TO AN EXECUTIVE SESSION
Mr. DaCosta, Sr. called for a motion to adjourn September 11, 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 Ms. McGinniss and with a vote of (5\0), the
September 11, 2023, meeting adjourned to executive session at 12:42 pm.
ADJOURN THE EXECUTIVE SESSION
Mr. DaCosta, Sr. called for a motion to adjourn the September 11, 2023, executive session to
convene the work session.
On a motion by Ms. Hill, seconded by Mrs. Turner and a vote of (7/0), the September 11, 2023,
executive session adjourned to the work session at 3:05 pm.
ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA
Mr. DaCosta, Sr. requested to adopt the September 11, 2023, work session and business
meeting agenda.
Mr. DaCosta, Sr. noted there were no objections, the September 11, 2023, work session and
business meeting agenda was approved.
SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT and COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
1. Superintendent’s Report – Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) Website
Presented by: Dr. Devon Q. Horton, Superintendent
DeKalb Board of Education
September 11, 2023
Page 2 of 11
2. Committee of the Whole – Milestone Testing Data Update
Presented by: Dr. Markisha Mitchell, Chief of Continuous Improvement
(Accountability), Division of Continuous Improvement (Accountability)
Ms. Stacy Stepney, Chief Academic Officer, Division of Curriculum and
Instruction
Kisha K. Towns, Ph.D., Deputy Superintendent of Student Support and
Intervention, Division of Equity and Student Empowerment
REVIEW OF AGENDA ITEMS FOR THE SEPTEMBER 11, 2023, BUSINESS
MEETING
03.01.
BOARD OF EDUCATION – Local Board Governance Training Plan
Mr. DaCosta, Sr. requested the local Board members approve and submit their completed local
board training plan to the State Board for approval.
03.02.a.
Mr. DaCosta, Sr. requested that the Board of Education approve the minutes of the following
meetings: August 14, 2023, board meeting which includes the executive session, work session,
community input session and business meeting, August 23, 2023 – August 24, 2023, 2-day
board retreat.
03.03.a.
FINANCE - MONTHLY FINANICIAL REPORTS – No Agenda Item This Month
03.03.b.
Mr. Byron Schueneman, Chief Financial Officer, Division of Finance, requested that the Board
of Education approve the renewal of the contract with ADP for select post-payroll processing
services under a Global Master Services Agreement.
03.03.c.
RISK MANAGEMENT - No Agenda Item This Month
03.04.a.
Dr. Tekshia Ward-Smith, Administrator, Division of Human Resources, requested that the
Board of Education approve the September 2023 Human Resources Report.
03.05.a
Mrs. Michelle Dillard, Chief of Schools, Division of Leadership & Schools, requested that the
Board of Education approve the Rutherford Learning Group (President, Dr. Mike Rutherford)
Professional Learning Services Agreement in the execution of the Assistant Principals and
Principals’ Academy at a cost not to exceed $145,150. Dr. Morley objected to this item being
placed on the consent agenda. This item will be voted on separately.
DeKalb Board of Education
September 11, 2023
Page 3 of 11
03.06.a.
Ms. Stacy Stepney, Chief Academic Officer, Division of Curriculum & Instruction, requested
that the Board of Education approve the second year of the Lexia Learning two-year agreement
to offer LETRS professional development as a teacher resource providing the fundamentals of
reading instruction – phonological awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, comprehension,
writing, and language. LETRS is a professional learning course that provides in-depth
knowledge and tools that can be used with any reading curriculum program. Additionally,
LETRS is a professional learning program rooted in the Science of Reading. Not to exceed
$397,100.00.
03.06.b.
Ms. Stacy Stepney, Chief Academic Officer, Division of Curriculum & Instruction, requested
that the Board of Education authorize the district to secure transportation services from the
approved carriers for all sixth and seventh grade students to participate in Junior Achievement
of Georgia’s programs focusing on financial literacy, career readiness, and entrepreneurship in
an amount not to exceed $300,000.00.
03.07.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 renewal
of the Committee for Children Second Step SEL Digital Program license for an amount not to
exceed $206,811 for a one (1) year license.
03.08.a.
Dr. Markisha Mitchell, Chief of Office of Continuous Improvement (Accountability), Division
of Continuous Improvement (Accountability) requested that the Board of Education approve the
purchase of Advanced Placement Exams from College Board for the SY23-24 test
administration in an amount not to exceed $530,000.
03.08.b.
Dr. Markisha Mitchell, Chief of Office of Continuous Improvement (Accountability), Division
of Continuous Improvement (Accountability) requested that the Board of Education approve the
award and contract for strategic planning services to Insight Education Group for the purpose
of creating a robust strategic planning process that will lead to the development of a high-
quality Strategic Plan for the DeKalb County School District. The process will include leading
multiple community engagement sessions, analyzing data, engaging various teams utilized in
the plan development, and providing support to division and schools to cascade the plan. The
total contract award for the strategic planning services is not to exceed $111,000. Dr. Morley
objected to this item being placed on the consent agenda. This item will be voted on
separately.
03.09.a.
Ms. Monika Davis, Chief Information Officer, Division of Information and Instructional
Technology requested that the Board of Education approve the purchase of laptop and desktop
devices, installation, support services, and associated components from Virtucom, CDW-G,
DeKalb Board of Education
September 11, 2023
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and Apple Inc. in an amount not to exceed $9,920,000. Ms. McGinniss has requested that this
item be removed from the consent agenda. This item will be voted on separately.
03.09.b.
Ms. Monika Davis, Chief Information Officer, Division of Information and Instructional
Technology requested that the Board of Education approve the purchase of information and
network security services and associated infrastructure components from Dell EMC, Blue
Mantis, Layer 3, B2B Technologies, CDW-G, and Integrated Communications Network at a
cost not to exceed $2,372,080.
03.09. c.
Ms. Monika Davis, Chief Information Officer, Division of Information and Instructional
Technology requested that the Board of Education extend RFP 18-16 Collaboration
Presentation System to Virtucom, LLC to support the purchase of the interactive flat panels for
a refresh project in an amount not to exceed $11,026,590. This is a one-year extension.
03.10.a.
Dr. Yolanda Williamson, Chief of Community Engagement and Innovative Partnerships,
Division of Community Engagement and Innovative Partnerships requested that the Board of
Education approve the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA) Subrecipient Agreement
between the City of Stonecrest and DCSD for a donation in the amount of $1.2 million to
provide wrap around support and services for the students and staff in the 12 schools located in
the City of Stonecrest during FY2024 school year.
03.11.a.i.
Mr. Erick Hofstetter, Chief Operating Officer, Division of Operations, requested that the
Board of Education approve the award of Professional Architectural and Engineering Services
for a District Wide Evaluation of High School Athletic Facilities to CDH Partners, for the
lump sum amount of $136,500.
03.11.b.i.
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 $1,586,832.55 to be paid for Year 2 of the Lease, not to exceed Year 2:
$1,586,832.55. Mrs. Turner motioned for this item be postponed until the next call meeting,
Seconded by Ms. McGinniss. With a vote of 7/0, the item was tabled and would be discussed at
the next called meeting.
03.11.b. ii.
Mr. Erick Hofstetter, Chief Operating Officer, Division of Operations, requested that the
Board of Education approve the contract renewal for ITB 21-752-043 Pressure Washing
Services to A-Action Janitorial Services, Autaco Development, LLC and Tribond, LLC for
one additional year in the not to exceed amount of $2,000,000.
DeKalb Board of Education
September 11, 2023
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03.11.b.iii.
Mr. Erick Hofstetter, Chief Operating Officer, Division of Operations, requested that the
Board of Education approve the award of RFP No. 23-752-026 to Evergreen Construction, 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 Briarlake Elementary School,
Early Learning Center, Montclair Elementary School, and Tucker Middle School for the lump
sum amount of $31,921,000.
03.11.b. iv.
Mr. Erick Hofstetter, Chief Operating Officer, Division of Operations, requested that the
Board of Education ratify a five-year Facilities Lease of the former Heritage School site
by The GLOBE Academy Inc. The term of the five-year lease will start on July 1, 2023, and
expire on June 30, 2028.
03.11.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.
03.11.c.
BUSINESS SERVICES – No Agenda Items This Month
03.11.d.
FLEET and TRANSPORTATION SERVICES – No Agenda Items This Month
03.11.e.i.
Mr. Erick Hofstetter, Chief Operating Officer, Division of Operations, requested that the
Board of Education approve the renewal of Bid 20-22, Ice Cream Products, to Hershey
Creamery Company, in the amount not to exceed $297,781.00 for SY 23-24. This request
extends the agreement for Hershey Creamery Company an additional year, October 1, 2023,
through September 30, 2024.
03.11.f.i.
Mr. Erick Hofstetter, Chief Operating Officer, Division of Operations, requested that the
Board of Education approve the contract extension for RFP No. 22-752-025 for Program
Management Services to AECOM Technical Services, Inc. (AECOM) and Corporate
Environmental Risk Management (CERM) for an additional year in the amount not to
exceed $3,167,131.20.
03.11.f.ii
Mr. Erick Hofstetter, Chief Operation Officer, Division of Operation, requested that the Board
of Education approve two (2) E-SPLOST V budget reallocations for a total
of $12,227,935 (Midvale Elementary School-$5,440,435) and (DeKalb High School of
Technology-South-$6,787,500), from Program Contingency which will allow the proper funds
DeKalb Board of Education
September 11, 2023
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to be allocated to the necessary project cost code for the construction of Midvale Elementary
School and DeKalb High School of Technology-South Major Building System project.
It is requested that the Board of Education approve the award of RFP No. 23-752-022
to Evergreen Construction, 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 Midvale Elementary School and DeKalb High School of Technology-South for the lump
sum amount of $19,360,000.
03.11.f.iii.
Mr. Erick Hofstetter, Chief Operation Officer, Division of Operation, requested that the Board
of Education approve the extension for RFQu 21-752-033 for professional building envelope
consulting services to Raymond Engineering on an as needed basis for an additional year,
October 1, 2023, through September 30, 2024, for a not to exceed amount of $500,000.
03.11.f. iv.
Mr. Erick Hofstetter, Chief Operating Officer, Division of Operations, requested that the
Board of Education approve a resolution requesting the modification of the FY2020 and
FY2021 Capital Outlay Applications and authorize staff to submit the resolutions to Georgia
Department of Education.
03.11.f.v.
Mr. Erick Hofstetter, Chief Operating Officer, Division of Operations, requested that the
Board of Education approve the Fiscal Year 2025 Capital Outlay Application to the Georgia
Department of Education (GaDOE), totaling $52,115,602.
03.12.
DONATIONS- No Agenda Item(s)This Month
03.13.a.
Dr. Tekshia Ward-Smith, Administrator, Division of Human Resources, requested that the
Board of Education approve the hiring recommendation of Stephanie Brown-Bryant to the
position of Director of Pre-K – 12. in the Division of Curriculum and Instruction. Dr. Morley
objected to this personnel recommendation. This item was removed from the consent agenda
and would be voted on separately.
03.13.b.
Dr. Tekshia Ward-Smith, Administrator, Division of Human Resources, requested that the
Board of Education approve the hiring recommendation of Carolyn Lloyd to the position of
Executive Director of Board Operations in the Board of Education Office. Dr. Morley objected
to this personnel recommendation. This item was removed from the consent agenda and would
be voted on separately.
03.13.c.
DeKalb Board of Education
September 11, 2023
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Dr. Tekshia Ward-Smith, Administrator, Division of Human Resources, requested that the
Board of Education approve the hiring recommendation of Mr. Ennis Harvey to the position of
Executive Administrator, in the Division of School Leadership. Dr. Morley objected to this
personnel recommendation. This item was removed from the consent agenda and would be
voted on separately.
03.13.d.
Dr. Tekshia Ward-Smith, Administrator, Division of Human Resources, requested that the
Board of Education approve the hiring recommendation of Dr. Jesse Berger to the position of
Executive Administrator, in the Division of School Leadership. Dr. Morley objected to this
personnel recommendation. This item was removed from the consent agenda and would be
voted on separately.
03.13.e.
Dr. Tekshia Ward-Smith, Administrator, Division of Human Resources, requested that the
Board of Education approve the hiring recommendation of Dr. Frederico Rowe to the position
of Executive Administrator, in the Division of School Leadership. Dr. Morley objected to this
personnel recommendation. This item was removed from the consent agenda and would be
voted on separately.
03.13.f.
Dr. Tekshia Ward-Smith, Administrator, Division of Human Resources, requested that the
Board of Education approve the hiring recommendation of Ms. Cathy Goolsby to the position of
Executive Administrator, in the Division of School Leadership. Dr. Morley objected to this
personnel recommendation. This item was removed from the consent agenda and would be
voted on separately.
03.13.g.
Dr. Tekshia Ward-Smith, Administrator, Division of Human Resources, requested that the
Board of Education approve the hiring recommendation of Dr. Marchell Boston to the position
of Executive Administrator, in the Division of School Leadership. Dr. Morley objected to this
personnel recommendation. This item was removed from the consent agenda and would be
voted on separately.
03.14.a.
OFFICE OF AUDITS AND COMPLIANCE - No Agenda Items This Month
F. 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 adopt the amended Board Policy DCL, Fund
Balance the September 11, 2023 Board meeting. Dr. Morley objected to placing this
item on the consent agenda. This item was removed and would be voted on separately.
DeKalb Board of Education
September 11, 2023
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**********************************
The community input session began 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. Lillian Bittaye
3. Yuritzi Macias
4. Monek Lima - virtual
5. Joe Williams – no show
6. Stacie Griffin – no show
7. Verdallia Turner – requested to be removed from the list
8. Dinka Gudar
CONVENE THE BUSINESS MEETING
Mr. DaCosta, Sr. requested to convene the September 11, 2023, business meeting.
With no objections, The business meeting convened.
STUDENT BOARD REPRESENTATIVE – Superintendent, Dr. Horton introduced Student
Representative, Ms. Shaniah Moody, DeKalb Early College Academy, 12 th Grade.
RECOGNITION(S) – Mrs. Vickie B. Turner read the recognition for Mr. Bob Mullen being
named State Coach of the Year, SWD HS Track & Field.
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 Atria vs DCSD Settlement Acceptance.
On a motion by Mrs. Pierce, seconded by Mrs. Turner, and with a vote of 7-0.
The motion passed.
b. Mr. DaCosta, Sr. called for a motion to accept the actions, as discussed, in Executive
Session for Worker’s Comp Settlement regarding Ronald Hunt vs. DCSD.
On a motion by Mrs. Turner, seconded by Mrs. Hill, and with a vote of 7-0.
DeKalb Board of Education
September 11, 2023
Page 9 of 11
The motion passed.
c. Mr. DaCosta, Sr. called for a motion to accept the actions, as discussed, in Executive
Session for Student Appeal # 24-10.
On a motion by Ms. McGinniss seconded by Ms. Gevertz and with a vote of 7-0.
The motion passed.
d. Mr. DaCosta, Sr. called for a motion to accept the actions, as discussed, in Executive
Session for Student Appeal # 24-11.
On a motion by Mrs. Turner, 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 Items which were NOT
placed on the consent agenda.
a. ITEM. E.5.a Mike Rutherford Learning Group for Assistant Principals’ and
Principals’ Academy (Not to exceed $145,150)
On a motion by Mrs. Hill, seconded by Ms. Gevertz, and with a vote of (6\1 - Nay from
Dr. Morley)
The motion passed.
b. ITEM: E.8.b. RFP 24-508 Strategic Planning Management System (Not to exceed
$111,000)
On a motion by Mrs. Hill, seconded by Mrs. Turner, and with a vote of (6\1- Nay from Dr.
Morley)
The motion passed.
c. ITEM E.9.a. Technology Device Purchase Approval (Not to exceed $9,920,000)
On a motion by Mrs. Hill, seconded by Mrs. Pierce, and with a vote of (6\1 - Nay from
Ms. McGinniss).
The motion passed.
DeKalb Board of Education
September 11, 2023
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d. ITEM E.13.a. Personnel Recommendation to approve the hiring recommendation of
Stephanie Brown-Bryant to the position of Director of Pre-K-12 in the Division of
Curriculum and Instruction.
On a motion by Mrs. Turner, seconded by Ms. Gevertz, and with a vote of (6\1 - Nay from
Dr. Morley)
The motion passed.
e. ITEM E.13.b. Personnel Recommendation to approve the hiring recommendation of
Carolyn Lloyd to the position of Executive Director, Board Operations in the Board
of Education Office.
On a motion by Mrs. Turner, seconded by Ms. Gevertz, and with a vote of (6\1 - Nay from
Dr. Morley)
The motion passed.
f. ITEM E.13.c. Personnel Recommendation to approve the hiring recommendation of
Mr. Ennis Harvey to the position of Executive Administrator of Schools in the
Division of School Leadership.
On a motion by Mrs. Hill, seconded by Ms. Gevertz, and with a vote of (6\1 - Nay from
Dr. Morley)
The motion passed.
g. ITEM E.13.d. Personnel Recommendation to approve the hiring recommendation of
Dr. Jesse Berger to the position of Executive Administrator of Schools in the
Division of School Leadership.
On a motion by Ms. Gevertz, seconded by Ms. McGinniss, and with a vote of (6\1 - Nay
from Dr. Morley)
The motion passed.
h. ITEM E.13.e. Personnel Recommendation to approve the hiring recommendation of
Dr. Frederico Rowe to the position of Executive Administrator of Schools in the
Division of School Leadership.
On a motion by Mrs. Pierce, seconded by Mrs. Turner, and with a vote of (6\1 - Nay from
Dr. Morley)
The motion passed.
i. ITEM E.13.f. Personnel Recommendation to approve the hiring recommendation of
Ms. Cathy Goolsby to the position of Executive Administrator of Schools in the
Division of School Leadership.
DeKalb Board of Education
September 11, 2023
Page 11 of 11
On a motion by Ms. McGinniss, seconded by Mrs. Pierce, and with a vote of (6\1 - Nay
from Dr. Morley)
The motion passed.
j. ITEM E.13.g. Personnel Recommendation to approve the hiring recommendation of
Dr. Marchell Boston, Jr. to the position of Executive Administrator of Schools in the
Division of School Leadership.
On a motion by Mrs. Hill, seconded by Ms. Gevertz, and with a vote of (6\1 - Nay from
Dr. Morley)
The motion passed.
k. ITEM F.1 READY FOR ACTION Amendment to the Bylaws & Policies: Board
Policy DCL: Fund Balance.
On a motion by Mrs. Pierce, seconded by Mrs. Hill, 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 September 11, 2023, consent agenda items.
On a motion by Ms. McGinniss, seconded by Mrs. Hill and with a vote of (7/0) the motion
passed to approve the consent agenda.
Before Mr. DaCosta called for a motion to adjourn, he asked that we honor the victims and
survivors of the 9/11 event by standing in a moment of silence.
ADJOURN
Mr. DaCosta, Sr. called for a motion to adjourn the September 11, 2023, work session and
business meeting.
Mr. DaCosta, Sr. noted there were no objections, the work session and business meeting
adjourned at 9:01 pm.
_______________________ ____________________________
Secretary Ex-Officio Chair