EXECUTIVE SESSION, WORK SESSION, COMMUNITY INPUT SESSION &
BUSINESS MEETING
OF THE
DEKALB COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION
November 13, 2023
The DeKalb County Board of Education held its Executive Session, Work Session, Community
Input Session and Business Meeting on Monday, November 13, 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 12:35 pm and noted the following were in
attendance; Mrs. Deirdre P. Pierce, Mrs. Anna Hill, Mrs. Vickie B. Turner, Ms. Allyson
Gevertz, Dr. Joyce Morley and Superintendent, Dr. Devon Q. Horton. Mr. Diijon DaCosta, Sr.
and Ms. McGinniss attended the meeting virtually.
Also in attendance were General Counsel Attorney, Ms. Melanie Slaton, Mr. Aaron Webb and
Ms. Carolyn Lloyd, Executive Director to the Board.
ADJOURN TO AN EXECUTIVE SESSION
Mr. DaCosta, Sr. called for a motion to adjourn November 13, 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 (7/0), the November 13,
2023, meeting adjourned to executive session at 12:40 pm.
ADJOURN THE EXECUTIVE SESSION
Vice Chair, Mrs. Deirdre P. Pierce presided over the meeting for the rest of the evening. Mrs.
Pierce called to adjourn the November 13, 2023, executive session to convene the work session.
Mrs. Pierce noted there were no objections, the November 13, 2023, executive session
adjourned to the work session at 3:54 pm.
Mrs. Pierce apologized for the lateness of the hour and informed the public that the meeting
would pause to begin the community input session at 5:45 pm.
ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA
Mrs. Pierce requested to amend the November 13, 2023 work session and business meeting
agenda to include a personnel recommendation from executive session. Mrs. Pierce requested a
motion to amend and adopt the November 13, 2023 work session and business meeting agenda.
On a motion by Mrs. Hill, seconded by Mrs. Turner, the November 13, 2023, work session and
a vote of 7/0 the amended business meeting agenda was approved.
DeKalb Board of Education
November 13, 2023
Page 2 of 10
SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT and COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
1. Superintendent’s Report ~ “MIRACLES” Update – 90 Day Plan
Presented by: Dr. Devon Q. Horton, Superintendent
2. Committee of the Whole Presentations
a. Graduation Rates
Presented by: Dr. Markisha Mitchell, Chief of Continuous Improvement
(Accountability)
REVIEW OF AGENDA ITEMS FOR THE NOVEMBER 13, 2023, BUSINESS
MEETING
05.01.
BOARD OF EDUCATION – No Report This Month
05.02.a.
Mrs. Pierce requested that the Board of Education approve the minutes of the following
meetings: October 16, 2023, board meeting which includes the executive session, work session,
community input session and business meeting, October 24, 2023 virtual board retreat, called
meeting and executive session, and the November 8, 2023 audit committee meeting.
Dr. Morley objected to the agenda item being placed on the consent agenda. This item was
pulled to be voted on separately.
05.03.a.i
Mr. Byron Schueneman, Chief Financial Officer, Division of Finance, requested that the Board
of Education accept the September 2023 Monthly Financial Report.
05.03.b.
Mr. Byron Schueneman, Chief Financial Officer, Division of Finance, requested that the Board
of Education approve the renewal of RFQ 22-534 to 22nd Century Technologies, Inc., Abacus
Corporation, COGENT Infotech Corporation, Corporate Temps, Inc., Howroyd-Wright
Employment Agencies, Inc. dba AppleOne Employment Services, Robert Half, Tryfacta,
Inc., US Tech Solutions, Inc. to provide temporary staffing services on an as-needed basis for
the DCSD Finance Department for a period of one year effective from December 17,
2023 through December 16, 2024 for an amount not to exceed $750,000. This is the second
renewal option of four.
Dr. Morley objected to the agenda item being placed on the consent agenda. This item was
pulled to be voted on separately.
05.03.c.
RISK ASSESSMENT – No Agenda Items This Month
DeKalb Board of Education
November 13, 2023
Page 3 of 10
05.04.a.
Dr. Tekshia Ward-Smith, Administrator, Division of Human Resources, requested that the
Board of Education approve the November 2023 Human Resources Report.
05.05.
LEADERSHIP & SCHOOLS - No Agenda Items This Month
05.06.a.
Ms. Stacy E. Stepney, Chief Academic Officer, Division of Curriculum & Instruction, requested
that the Board of Education approve the purchase of band uniforms for Chamblee High School,
Clarkston High School, Redan High School, and Stephenson High School in the amount not to
exceed $315,000.
Dr. Morley objected to the agenda item being placed on the consent agenda. This item was
pulled to be voted on separately.
05.06.b.
Ms. Stacy E. Stepney, Chief Academic Officer, Division of Curriculum & Instruction, requested
that the Board of Education authorize the District purchase of musical instruments from the
following vendors: Adorama, Alamo Music Center, Amro Music Stores, Inc. Brook Mays
Music and H and H Music Universal Melody Services, Delgado Guitars, Lone Star
Percussion ZNK Partners, LLC, Midwest Musical Imports MSA Music, Inc., Music and
Arts Guitar Center Stores, Inc., Penders Music Company Betrold Enterprises, Inc.,
SoundTree Korg USA, Steve Weiss Music, Sweet Pipes, Taylor Music, Inc., Terra Nova
Violins LLC, The Bandwagon Music Store and Repair, The Tuba Exchange, Washington
Music Sales Center, Inc., in accordance with the TIPS Contract No. 210302 through May 31,
2024 and West Music Company, in accordance with the Choice Partners Cooperative
Agreement Contract No. 23/025SG-05 through May 16, 2024. Musical Instruments was an
approved project in the SPLOST V vote on March 20, 2017, for an amount not to exceed
$10,000,000. This agenda item is a request to spend the balance of those funds.
Dr. Morley objected to the agenda item being placed on the consent agenda. This item was
pulled to be voted on separately.
05.07.
EQUITY & STUDENT EMPOWERMENT - No Agenda Item This Month
05.08.
OFFICE OF CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT (ACCOUNTABILITY - No Agenda Item This
Month
05.09.
INFORMATION & INSTRUCTIONAL TECHNOLOGY – No Agenda Items This Month
DeKalb Board of Education
November 13, 2023
Page 4 of 10
05.10.a.i.
Mr. Michael Harris, Manager, Grants & Partnerships, Division of Community Engagement &
Innovative Partnerships, requested that the Board of Education accept donation of $93,321.01
from Publix – Tools for Back – to- School Register campaign.
05.10.a. ii.
Mr. Michael Harris, Manager, Grants & Partnerships, Division of Community Engagement &
Innovative Partnerships, requested that the Board of Education accept donation of $5000 from
the Byard Family Legacy Fund, Inc. to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. High School Athletics
Department.
05.10.b.
Dr. Yolanda Williamson, Chief of Community Engagement & Innovative Partnerships,
Division of Community Engagement & Innovative Partnerships, requested that the Board of
Education approve the additional name(s) to the DeKalb Schools Foundation board member for
the purpose of establishing the Foundation.
DeKalb Schools Foundation Board Member Slate
Mr. Munir I. Meghjani – Founder & Partner, Momentum Consulting
Dr. Morley objected to the agenda item being placed on the consent agenda. This item was
pulled to be voted on separately.
05.11.a.
ATHLETICS – No Agenda Item This Month
05.11.b.i.
Mr. Erick Hofstetter, Chief Operating Officer, Division of Operations, requested that the
Board of Education approve the application to the Georgia Department of Education for site
approval of addition and/or modernization of Cross Keys High School.
Dr. Morley objected to the agenda item being placed on the consent agenda. This item was
pulled to be voted on separately.
05.11.b. ii.
Mr. Erick Hofstetter, Chief Operating Officer, Division of Operations, requested that the
Board of Education approve the award of RFP No. 24-752-001 to F.H. Paschen, S.N. Nielsen
& Associates, LLC, 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
Chapel Hill Middle School, Stephenson Middle School, Druid Hills Middle School and
Columbia Elementary School Roof, HVAC & Controls Replacement.
Dr. Morley objected to the agenda item being placed on the consent agenda. This item was
pulled to be voted on separately.
DeKalb Board of Education
November 13, 2023
Page 5 of 10
05.11.b.iii.
Mr. Erick Hofstetter, Chief Operating Officer, Division of Operations, requested that the
Board of Education approve the District to contract with Canty Consulting Services for an
amount not to exceed $250,000 from November 13, 2023 to November 12, 2024. Dr. Morley
objected to the agenda item being placed on the consent agenda. This item was pulled to be
voted on separately.
05.11.c.
BUSINESS SERVICES – No Agenda Items This Month
05.11.d.
FLEET and TRANSPORTATION SERVICES – No Agenda Items This Month
05.11.e.
SCHOOL NUTRITION – No Agenda Items This Month
05.11.f.
E-SPLOST PROJECTS – No Agenda Items This Month
05.12.a.
Dr. Tekshia Ward-Smith, Administrator, Division of Human Resources, requested that the
Board of Education approve the personnel recommendation from executive session.
Mrs. Pierce requested a motion to approve the personnel recommendation from executive
session.
Motion by Mrs. Hill to approve the ratification of the employment contract discussed for
Donald Dillard. Second by Ms. Gevertz.
Dr. Morley objected to the agenda item being placed on the consent agenda. This item was
pulled to be voted on separately.
05.13.
OFFICE OF AUDITS & COMPLIANCE – No Agenda Item This Month
F. AMENDMENT TO THE BYLAWS AND POLICIES
1. Mr. Aaron Webb, Hall Booth & Smith Counsel, requested that the Board of Education
accept amended Board Policy BBC, Part B.2. (Community Advisors) as READY FOR
ACTION to be adopted at the November 13, 2023, board meeting.
Ms. Gevertz and Dr. Morley objected to the agenda item being placed on the consent
agenda. This item was pulled to be voted on separately.
DeKalb Board of Education
November 13, 2023
Page 6 of 10
2. Mr. Aaron Webb, Hall Booth & Smith Counsel, requested that the Board of
Education eliminate Board Policy EGA: Staff Insurance Programs because it is
duplicative of Board Policy DJCB Salary Deductions.
Dr. Morley objected to the agenda item being placed on the consent agenda. This item
was pulled to be voted on separately.
3. Mr. Aaron Webb, Hall Booth & Smith Counsel, requested that the Board of
Education eliminate Board Policy CGB Administrative Personnel Positions because
it it duplicative of Board Policy CGD Administrative Personnel Hiring.
Dr. Morley objected to the agenda item being placed on the consent agenda. This
item was pulled to be voted on separately.
4. Mr. Aaron Webb, Hall Booth & Smith Counsel, requested that the Board of
Education eliminate Board Policy JBC(3) Social Security Numbers and to amend
Board Policy JBC School Admissions.
Dr. Morley objected to the agenda item being placed on the consent agenda. This
item was pulled to be voted on separately.
**********************************
The community input session began at 5:46 pm.
COMMUNITY INPUT SESSION AND BUSINESS MEETING
Mrs. Pierce. convened the Community Input Session and Mrs. Turner read the Guidelines for
Public Comments.
The following individuals addressed the Board:
1. Deborah Jones
CONVENE THE BUSINESS MEETING
Mrs. Pierce requested to convene the November 13, 2023, business meeting.
With no objections, the business meeting convened.
STUDENT BOARD REPRESENTATIVE – Superintendent, Dr. Horton introduced Student
Representative Ms. Brianna Lin, Chamblee High School, 12 th Grade.
RECOGNITION(S)
a. Proclamation: National School Psychology Week, November 6-10, 2023 was presented
by board member, Ms. Gevertz.
DeKalb Board of Education
November 13, 2023
Page 7 of 10
b. Proclamation: Apply to College Month was presented by board member, Mrs. Anna
Hill.
c. Proclamation: Family Engagement Month was presented by Vice-Chair, Mrs. Pierce.
CONSENT AGENDA
Mrs. Pierce called for a motion to approve the November 13, 2023, consent agenda items.
On a motion by Mrs. Turner, seconded by Ms. Hill 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. Mrs. Pierce called for a motion to accept the actions, as discussed, in Executive Session
for Student Appeal # 24-13.
On a motion by Mrs. Hill, seconded by Ms. Gevertz, and with a vote of 7-0.
The motion passed.
b. Mrs. Pierce called for a motion to accept the actions, as discussed, in Executive Session
for Student Appeal # 24-14.
On a motion by Mrs. Turner, seconded by Mr. DaCosta, Sr. and with a vote of 7-0.
The motion passed.
c. Mrs. Pierce called for a motion to accept the actions, as discussed, in Executive Session
for Student Appeal # 24-15.
On a motion by Ms. Gevertz, seconded by Mrs. Turner, and with a vote of 7-0.
The motion passed.
d. Mrs. Pierce called for a motion to accept the actions, as discussed, in Executive Session
for Student Appeal # 24-16.
On a motion by Mrs. Hill, seconded by Ms. Gevertz, and with a vote of 7-0.
The motion passed.
e. Mrs. Pierce called for a motion to accept the actions, as discussed, in Executive Session
for Student Appeal # 24-17.
DeKalb Board of Education
November 13, 2023
Page 8 of 10
On a motion by Mrs. Hill, seconded by Mrs. Turner 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, Sr. called for a motion to approve the following Action Items which were
NOT placed on the consent agenda.
a. Agenda Item: E.2.a. Approval of Minutes
Motion by Mrs. Turner Second by Ms. McGinniss
All in favor 6 Opposed by Dr. Morley Motion passed 6 to 1.
b. Agenda Item: E.3.b. Renewal (2 of 4) for Temporary Staffing Services (RFQ 22-
534) to 22nd Century Technologies, Inc., Abacus Corporation, COGENT
Infotech Corporation, Corporate Temps, Inc., Howroyd-Wright Employment
Agencies, Inc. dba AppleOne Employment Services, Robert Half, Tryfacta, Inc.,
US Tech Solutions, Inc. (Not to exceed $750,000)
Motion by Mrs. Hill Second by Mr. DaCosta, Sr.
All in favor 6 Opposed by Dr. Morley Motion passed 6 to 1.
c. Agenda Item: E.6.a. Purchase of Band Uniforms for High Schools (Not to exceed
$315,000)
Motion by Ms. McGinniss Second by Mrs. Hill
All in favor 6 Abstention by Dr. Morley Motion passed 6 to 1.
d. Agenda Item: E.6.b. Approval to Purchase Musical Instruments from TIPS
Cooperative Agreement(Adorama, Alamo Music Center, Amro Music Stores,
Inc. Brook Mays Music and H and H Music Universal Melody Services, Delgado
Guitars, Midwest Musical Imports MSA Music, Inc., Music and Arts Guitar
Center Stores, Inc., Penders Music Company Betrold Enterprises, Inc.,
SoundTree Korg USA, Steve Weiss Music, Sweet Pipes, Taylor Music, Inc.,
Terra Nova Violins LLC, The Bandwagon Music Store and Repair, The Tuba
Exchange, Washington Music Sales Center, Inc.) and West Music through the
Choice Partners Cooperative Agreement (Not to exceed $3,673,587.93)
Motion by Mrs. Turner Second by Ms. Gevertz
All in favor 6 Abstention by Dr. Morley Motion passed 6 to 1.
e. Agenda Item: E.10.b. Approval of DeKalb Schools Foundation Board Member ~
Additional Name(s)
DeKalb Board of Education
November 13, 2023
Page 9 of 10
Motion by Mrs. Hill Second by Ms. Gevertz
All in favor 6 Opposed by Dr. Morley Motion passed 6 to 1.
f. Agenda Item: E.11.b.i. Request to Georgia Department of Education for Site
Approval for the addition and/or modernization to the existing facility at Cross
Keys High School
Motion by Mrs. Hill Second by Mrs. Turner
All in favor 6 Abstention by Dr. Morley Motion passed 6 to 1.
g. Agenda Item: E.11.b.ii. RFP No. 24-752-001 for General Contractor Services for
Chapel Hill MS, Stephenson MS, Druid Hills MS and Columbia ES Roof,
HVAC & Controls Replacement to F.H. Paschen, S.N. Nielsen & Associates,
LLC. (Not to exceed $34,876,233)
Motion by Mrs. Turner Second by Ms. Gevertz
All in favor 6 Abstention by Dr. Morley Motion passed 6 to 1.
h. Agenda Item: E.11.b.iii. Approval to Contract with Canty Consulting Services
from November 13, 2023 to November 12, 2024 (Not to exceed $250,000)
Motion by Ms. Gevertz Second by Mrs. Hill
All in favor 6 Abstention by Dr. Morley Motion passed 6 to 1.
i. Agenda Item: E.12.a. PERSONNEL RECOMMENDATION FROM
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Motion by Ms. Gevertz Second by Mrs. Hill
All in favor 6 Opposed by Dr. Morley Motion passed 6 to 1.
j. Agenda Item: F.1. READY FOR ACTION ~ Amendment to the Bylaws &
Policies: Board Policy BBC: Board Committees, Part B. 2 (Community
Advisors)
Motion by Mrs. Hill Second by Mr. DaCosta, Sr.
All in favor 4 Opposed by Dr. Morley, Ms. Gevertz, and Ms. McGinniss Motion
passed 4 to 3.
k. Agenda Item: F.2. READY FOR ACTION ~ Amendment to the Bylaws &
Policies: Board Policy EGA, Staff Insurance Programs
Motion by Mrs. Turner Second by Ms. Gevertz
All in favor 5 Opposed by Dr. Morley and Ms. McGinniss Motion passed 5 to 2.
l. Agenda Item: F.3. READY FOR ACTION ~ Amendment to the Bylaws &
Policies: Elimination of Board Policy CGB, Administrative Personnel Positions
DeKalb Board of Education
November 13, 2023
Page 10 of 10
Motion by Mrs. Hill Second by Mrs. Turner
All in favor 6 Abstention by Dr. Morley Motion passed 6 to 1.
m. Agenda Item:F.4. READY FOR ACTION ~ Amendment to the Bylaws &
Policies: Elimination of Board Policy JBC(3) Social Security Numbers and
Amendment to Board Policy JBC School Admissions
Motion by Ms. Gevertz Second by Mrs. Hill
All in favor 6 Abstention by Dr. Morley Motion passed 6 to 1.
ADJOURN
Mrs. Pierce called for a motion to adjourn the November 13, 2023, work session and business
meeting.
Motion by Mrs. Turner, seconded by Mrs. Hill and a vote of 7/0 the work session and business
meeting adjourned at 8:35 pm.
_______________________ ____________________________
Secretary Ex-Officio Chair