EXECUTIVE SESSION, WORK SESSION, COMMUNITY INPUT SESSION &
BUSINESS MEETING
OF THE
DEKALB COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION
January 8, 2024
The DeKalb County Board of Education held its Executive Session, Work Session, Community
Input Session and Business Meeting on Monday, January 8, 2024, 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; Mr. Diijon DaCosta, Sr., Mrs. Deirdre P. Pierce, Mrs. Anna Hill, Ms. Whitney
McGinniss, Mrs. Vickie B. Turner, Ms. Allyson Gevertz, and Superintendent, Dr. Devon Q.
Horton.
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 January 8, 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. Gevertz, seconded by Mrs. Turner and with a vote of (6/0), the January 8,
2024, meeting adjourned to executive session at 12:35 pm. Dr. Morley joined the meeting
during the executive session.
ADJOURN THE EXECUTIVE SESSION
Mr. DaCosta, Sr. called to adjourn the January 8, 2024, executive session to convene the work
session and business meeting
Mr. DaCosta, Sr. noted there were no objections, the January 8, 2024, executive session
adjourned to the work session.
ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA
Mr. DaCosta, Sr. amended the agenda by adding agenda item E.3.c. Approval of Dentons
Contract for Professional Services (Not to exceed $144,000 within the period from January 1,
2024 through December 31, 2024 (Not to exceed $12,000 per month). The agenda for the
January 8, 2024 work session and business meeting agenda was adopted.
With no objections, the January 8, 2024, work session and amended business meeting agenda
was approved.
SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT and COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
DeKalb Board of Education
January 8, 2024
Page 2 of 9
1. Superintendent’s Report ~ “MIRACLES” Update
Presented by: Dr. Devon Q. Horton, Superintendent
2. Committee of the Whole Presentations
a. Charter School Presentation: DeKalb Preparatory Academy (DPA)
Presented by: Ms. Suzette Arnold, Governing Board Chair, DPA
Dr. Lenise Bostic, Head of School, DPA
b. Charter School Presentation: International Community School (ICS)
Presented by: Dr. Chanika Perry, Governing Board Chair, ICS
Ms. Fran Carroll, Executive Director, ICS
REVIEW OF AGENDA ITEMS FOR THE JANUARY 8, 2024, BUSINESS MEETING
07.01.a.
Mr. DaCosta, Sr. requested that the Board of Education open the floor to accept nominations for
the position of Chair and Vice Chair for 2024.
Election of Chair for 2024 calendar year:
1. Nominee: Mr. Diijon DaCosta, Sr. Nominated by: Mrs. Deirdre P. Pierce
Motion that nominations be closed by: Mrs. Vickie B. Turner
Vote: 6/1 – Dr. Joyce Morley - Abstained
Votes for Nominee #1 - 6
Election of Vice Chair for the 2024 calendar year:
1. Nominee: Mrs. Deirdre P. Pierce By: Mrs. Vickie B. Turner
Motion that nominations be closed by: Mr. DaCosta, Sr.
Vote: 6/1 – Dr. Morley - Abstained
Votes for Nominee #1 - 6
07.01.b.
Mr. DaCosta, Sr. requested that the members of the Board of Education re-affirm their
commitment to comply with Board Policy BH (Board Member Code of Ethics) and Board
DeKalb Board of Education
January 8, 2024
Page 3 of 9
Policy BHA (Board Member Conflict of Interest). It is also requested that members of the
Board of Education affirm to comply with Board Norms approved May 6, 2013.
07.01.c.
Mr. DaCosta, Sr. requested that the Board of Education approve travel related to educational
conferences, meetings and workshops that address issues, strategies and process which will
enable Board decisions to improve student achievement and successful management practices
within the District for the calendar year 2024.
07.01.d.
Mr. DaCosta, Sr. requested that the Board of Education approve the 2024 Legislative Priorities.
Dr. Morley objected to the legislative priorities as they were outlined. She made a motion to
include to include mental health to the list. With no second, the motion died. Ms. McGinniss
motioned to table to vote on the priorities, and for the board to vote on them at the board retreat
at the end of the month. Motion seconded by Dr. Morley. Vote of 2/5 opposed; the motion
failed. The item was placed on the consent agenda.
07.01.e.
Mr. DaCosta, Sr. requested that the Board of Education elect no more than two (2) other Board
of Education members and no more than three (3) Community Advisors to the Audit
Committee. Mrs. Pierce nominated Board Member, Ms. Hill to continue her service on the
Audit Committee. With a vote of 6/1- Abstention by Dr. Morley, Ms. Hill would continue to
serve on the Audit Committee.
Nominees, Ms. Gena Major, Mr. Dennis Allen and Ms. Erica Kuniansky were named to serve
on the Community Advisory members. Dr. Morley objected. The item was pulled and would be
voted on separately.
07.01.f.
Mr. DaCosta, Sr. requested that the Board of Education approve the ratification of the
Superintendent's Goals and Artifacts. Dr. Morley objected to this agenda item. The item was
pulled and would be voted on separately.
07.02.a.
Mr. DaCosta, Sr. requested that the Board of Education approve the minutes of the following
meetings: December 11, 2023 strategic plan work session, and the December 11, 2023, board
meeting which includes the executive session, work session, community input session and
business meeting. Dr. Morley objected to this agenda item. The item was pulled and would be
voted on separately.
07.03.a.i
Mr. Byron Schueneman, Chief Financial Officer, Division of Finance, requested that the Board
of Education accept the November 2023 Monthly Financial Report.
07.03.b.
DeKalb Board of Education
January 8, 2024
Page 4 of 9
Mr. Byron Schueneman, Chief Financial Officer, Division of Finance, requested that the Board
of Education approve a General Fund budget adjustment (rev/exp) in the amount of $9,930,774.
This is to record the additional revenue received through the QBE formula and subsequent
outlay to provide employee bonuses.
07.03.c.
Mr. Byron Schueneman, Chief Financial Officer, Division of Finance, requested that the Board
of Education approve the District to engage Dentons for Professional Services in an amount
not to exceed $144,000.00 within the period from January 1, 2024 through December 31, 2024
at a rate of no more than $12,000.00 per month for strategic support and lobbying services.
07.03.d.
RISK ASSESSMENT – No Agenda Items This Month
07.04.a.
Dr. Tekshia Ward-Smith, Administrator, Division of Human Resources, requested that the
Board of Education approve the 2023 Human Resources Report for January.
07.05.
LEADERSHIP & SCHOOLS - No Agenda Items This Month
07.06.a.
Ms. Stacy E. Stepney, Chief Academic Officer, Division of Curriculum & Instruction, requested
that the Board of Education approve the award for RFP 24-187 for Speech Language,
Occupational Therapy, and Physical Therapy Services to Applied Pediatrics, Inc; The
Stepping Stones Group; Comprehensive Therapy Consultants; Orange Tree Staffing;
Soliant Health, LLC; SHC Services, Inc.; Invo Healthcare Associates, LLC ProCare
Therapy; CRA Therapy; Sunbelt Staffing LLC; Tandym Group, LLC; Pediatric
Developmental Services; AMN Allied Services, LLC; American Medical Staffing, Inc.;
Maxim Healthcare Staffing Services, Inc.; Academic Staffing, Inc.; Epic Special Education
Staffing; Kadiant LLC; Verbal Expressions, Inc.; GHR Education; Total Communication
Therapy; Kidz Speak Therapeutic Services; E-Therapy LLC; Senseabilities, Inc.; Speech
Teachers of North Georgia LLC; Advokids LLC; and CareerStaff Unlimited, LLC as the
most responsive and responsible bidders to provide speech language, occupational therapy,
and/or physical therapy services for more than $100,000.00 per vendor but not to
exceed $9,000,000.00.
07.06.b.
Ms. Stacy E. Stepney, Chief Academic Officer, Division of Curriculum & Instruction, requested
that the Board of Education approve the calendars for the next two school years. This item
establishes the school calendars for the District during the period of July 1, 2024 through June
30, 2026.
07.07.
DeKalb Board of Education
January 8, 2024
Page 5 of 9
EQUITY & STUDENT EMPOWERMENT - No Agenda Item This Month
07.08.
OFFICE OF CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT (ACCOUNTABILITY - No Agenda Item This
Month
07.09.a.
INFORMATION AND INSTRUCTIONAL TECHNOLOGY – No Agenda Item This Month
07.10.a.i
Mr. Michael Harris, Manager of Partnerships, Division of Community Engagement and
Innovative Partnerships requested that the Board of Education accept the donation from
Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) which is aligned to the organization’s core
philanthropic pillar of ensuring all students can connect and engage with technology to meet
their learning needs.
07.10.b.
Ms. Kina Champion, Director of School Innovation, Division of Community Engagement and
Innovative Partnerships, requested that the Board of Education approve the charter renewal
petition of DeKalb Preparatory Academy for a term of three (3) years. The school shall be
placed on probationary status effective immediately through June 30, 2025, due to multiple
incidents of noncompliance with FAPE (Free and Appropriate Public Education) as outlined in
IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act); persistent instability in leadership,
including during the current two-year contract extension; and academic performance. DeKalb
Preparatory Academy shall provide a corrective action plan to the district for review and
approval within 30 days.
07.10.c.
Ms. Kina Champion, Director of School Innovation, Division of Community Engagement and
Innovative Partnerships, requested that the Board of Education approve the charter renewal
petition of International Community School for five (5) years with an increase in maximum
enrollment from 475 to 550.
07.11.a
ATHLETICS ~ No Agenda Item This Month
07.11.b.i.
Mr. Erick Hofstetter, Chief Operating Officer, Division of Operations, requested that the
Board of Education approve the following ICA’s that exceed $50,000, with a total contract
value not-to-exceed $185,000.00:
Clean A Blind of Atlanta, LLC ($95,000)
Premier Grease, Inc. ($90,000)
Dr. Morley objected to this agenda item. The item was pulled and would be voted on separately.
DeKalb Board of Education
January 8, 2024
Page 6 of 9
07.11.b.ii.
Mr. Erick Hofstetter, Chief Operating Officer, Division of Operations, requested that the
Board of Education approve the award of General Contractor Services for Playground
Equipment Repairs, Replacements, and Outdoor Equipment Installation Services Contract Limit
Increase district-wide to PlayPower Inc on an as-needed basis during 2024. Work to be
performed as per Sourcewell Solicitation Number: RFP #010521 for playground equipment
repairs, replacements, and outdoor equipment installation services district-wide, not to exceed
the amount of $2,500,000.
07.11.b.iii.
Mr. Erick Hofstetter, Chief Operating Officer, Division of Operations, requested that the
Board of Education approve the renewal for ITB 20-752-036 for Electrical Contractor Services
to Capital City Electrical Services, Mr. Dee’s Electric Service LLS and MWI Electrical
Contractors, Inc. for an additional year January 22, 2024– January 21, 2025; Donald Camp,
Inc. for an additional year March 1, 2024 – February 29, 2025; and D & R Construction and
Contracting for an additional year April 1, 2024 - March 31, 2025 in the amount not to exceed
$2,000,000.
07.11.b.iv.
Mr. Erick Hofstetter, Chief Operating Officer, Division of Operations, requested that the
Board of Education approve a budget adjustment to cover additional costs for elevator services
in the not to exceed amount of $2,000,000, to the current term of the contract. This brings the
total contract amount for the first service year to $2,750,000.
07.11.c.i.
Mr. Erick Hofstetter, Chief Operating Officer, Division of Operations, requested that the
Board of Education approve the Custodial Supplies Bid 22-497 as per the attached Bid
Tabulation and its recommended awarded vendors.
07.11.d.
FLEET AND TRANSPORTATION SERVICES ~ No Agenda Item This Month
07.11.e.
SCHOOL NUTRITION SERVICES ~ No Agenda Item This Month
07.11.f.
E-SPLOST Projects ~ No Agenda Item This Month
07.12.
PERSONNEL RECOMMENDATIONS – No Agenda Item This Month
DeKalb Board of Education
January 8, 2024
Page 7 of 9
07.13.
OFFICE OF AUDITS & COMPLIANCE – No Agenda Item This Month
F. AMENDMENT TO THE BYLAWS AND POLICIES ~ No Agenda Items This Month
**********************************
The community input session began at 5:49 pm.
COMMUNITY INPUT SESSION AND BUSINESS MEETING
Mr. DaCosta, Sr. convened the Community Input Session and Mrs. Pierce read the Guidelines
for Public Comments.
The following individuals addressed the Board:
1. Eric Naindouba
2. Deborah Jones
3. Miriam Martin
4. Tara Gilmore
5. Joseph Austin
6. Michael St. Louis
CONVENE THE BUSINESS MEETING
Mr. DaCosta, Sr. requested to convene the January 8, 2024, business meeting.
With no objections, the business meeting convened.
STUDENT BOARD REPRESENTATIVE – Superintendent, Dr. Horton introduced two (2)
Student Representatives. Miss Madison Roberts, Miller Grove High School, 12 th Grade and Mr.
Jonah Horwitz, Dunwoody High School, 12 th Grade.
RECOGNITION(S) ~ No Recognitions This Month
CONSENT AGENDA
Mr. DaCosta, Sr. called for a motion to approve the January 8, 2024, 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.
ACTION ITEM(S)
J.1. APPROVAL OF AN ITEM(S) FROM EXECUTIVE SESSION
DeKalb Board of Education
January 8, 2024
Page 8 of 9
a. Mr. DaCosta, Sr. called for a motion to accept the actions, as discussed, in Executive
Session for item: Student Appeal #24-19.
On a motion by Mrs. Hill, seconded by Mrs. Pierce, 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 item: Student Appeal #24-20.
On a motion by Mrs. Pierce, seconded by Mrs. Turner, and with a vote of 7-0.
The motion passed.
c. Mr. DaCosta, Sr. called for a motion to accept the actions, as discussed, in Executive
Session for item: Student Appeal #24-21.
On a motion by Mrs. Hill, seconded by Ms. McGinniss, 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 item: Student Appeal #24-22
On a motion by Mrs. Turner, seconded by Ms. Gevertz, 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.1.e. Election of Audit Committee and Advisory Members
Motion by Mrs. Pierce Second by Mrs. Turner
All in favor - 6, Abstention by Dr. Morley. Motion passed 6 to 1.
b. Agenda Item: E.1.f. Ratification of the Superintendent’s Goals and Artifacts
Motion by Mrs. Hill Second by Mrs. Turner
All in favor - 6, Abstention by Dr. Morley. Motion passed 6 to 1.
c. Agenda Item: E.2.a. Approval of Minutes
DeKalb Board of Education
January 8, 2024
Page 9 of 9
Motion by Ms. Gevertz Second by Mrs. Pierce
All in favor - 6, Abstention by Dr. Morley. Motion passed 6 to 1.
d. Agenda Item: E.11.b.i. Approval of Independent Contractor Agreements (ICA)
Clean A Blind of Atlanta, LLC, Premier Grease Inc., (For a collective total not to
exceed $185,000)
Motion by Mrs. Hill Second by Ms. Gevertz
All in favor - 6, Abstention by Dr. Morley. Motion passed 6 to 1.
ADJOURN
Mr. DaCosta, Sr. asked if there were any objections to adjourn the January 8, 2024, work
session and business meeting.
With no objections, the work session and business meeting adjourned at 8:08 pm.
_______________________ ____________________________
Secretary Ex-Officio Chair