January 31, 2024 board retreat and executive session

                        BOARD RETREAT & EXECUTIVE SESSION
                                     OF THE
                        DEKALB COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION

                                        January 31, 2024

The DeKalb County Board of Education held its Board Retreat & Executive Session, January 31,
2024, at the Hyatt Regency Atlanta Perimeter at Villa Christina at 4000 Summit Boulevard
Atlanta, GA 30319.

Mr. Diijon DaCosta, Sr., Chair, convened the meeting at 9:31 a.m. and noted the following were
also in attendance; Mrs. Vickie B. Turner, Mrs. Anna Hill, Mrs. Deirdre P. Pierce, Ms. Allyson
Gevertz, Ms. Whitney McGinniss, and Dr. Devon Q. Horton, Superintendent. Dr. Joyce Morley
attended the retreat virtually.

Also in attendance were General Counsel Attorneys, Ms. Melanie Slaton, Mr. Aaron Webb, and
Executive Administrator to the Board, Ms. Carolyn Lloyd.

ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA
Mr. DaCosta, Sr. requested that the DeKalb County Board of Education adopt the January 31,
2024, Board Retreat & Executive Session agenda.

There being no objections, the agenda was approved.

BOARD RETREAT & EXECUTIVE SESSION – JANUARY 31, 2024

       1. Welcome & Overview
          By: Mr. Diijon DaCosta, Sr., Board Chair

ADJOURN TO AN EXECUTIVE SESSION
Mr. DaCosta, Sr. called for a motion to adjourn January 31, 2024, meeting to an executive
session for the purpose of discussing permitted matters regarding litigation, land, legal,
personnel, and student appeals.

On a motion by Ms. Turner, seconded by Mrs. Hill and with a vote of (6/0), the January 31,
2024, meeting adjourned to executive session.

ADJOURN THE EXECUTIVE SESSION
Mr. DaCosta, Sr. called to adjourn the January 31, 2024, executive session to adjourn the executive
session and convene the board retreat.

On a motion by Mrs. Pierce, second by Mrs. Hill, the January 31, 2024, and with a vote of 7/0,
executive session adjourned to convene the board retreat.


PERSONNEL RECOMMENDATIONS
Mr. DaCosta, Sr, requested that the Board of Education approve the hiring recommendation of
DeKalb Board of Education
July 17, 2023
Page 2 of 2

Dr. Norman Sauce as the new Chief of Student Services in the Division of the Superintendent as
discussed in executive session. On a motion by Ms. Gevertz, second by Mrs. Turner, and a vote
of 6/1, the hiring recommendation was approved. Dr. Morley opposed.

Mr. DaCosta, Sr, requested that the Board of Education approve the hiring recommendation of
Mr. Elijah Palmer as the new Chief of Staff in the Division of the Superintendent as discussed in
executive session. On a motion by Ms. McGinniss, second by Mrs. Hill, and a vote of 6/1, the
hiring recommendation was approved. Dr. Morley opposed.

Mr. DaCosta, Sr, requested that the Board of Education approve the hiring recommendation of
Mr. Christopher Key as the Executive Director of Student Advancement in the Division of the
Wrap Around Support & Intervention as discussed in executive session. On a motion by Mrs.
Pierce, second by Ms. Gevertz, and a vote of 6/1, the hiring recommendation was approved. Dr.
Morley opposed.


DISCUSSION TOPICS
   1. Dr. Tekshia Ward Smith, Administrator of Human Resources, in the Division of Human
      Resources led the discussion on the Comp and Class Study.
   2. Dr. Horton, Superintendent, reviewed the DCSD Organizational Chart with the Board.


ADJOURN
Mr. DaCosta, Sr. requested that the DeKalb County Board of Education adjourn the January 31,
2024, Board Retreat & Executive Session

Mr. DaCosta, Sr. noted there were no objections, the Board Retreat adjourned at 3:56 p.m.


_______________________                      ____________________________
Secretary Ex-Officio                         Chair