EXECUTIVE SESSION, WORK SESSION, COMMUNITY INPUT SESSION &
BUSINESS MEETING
OF THE
DEKALB COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION
February 12, 2024
The DeKalb County Board of Education held its Executive Session, Work Session, Community
Input Session and Business Meeting on Monday, February 12, 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 12:31 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
Executive Director, Ms. Carolyn Lloyd.
Mr. DaCosta introduced DeKalb School of the Arts HighLeit Choir. They sang 2 songs. Mrs.
Pierce read and presented a Recognition to the HighLeit Choir.
The Southwest DeKalb HS Trombone Ensemble also performed 2 songs.
Mrs. Pierce read and presented Recognition to the Trombone Ensemble.
ADJOURN TO AN EXECUTIVE SESSION
Mr. DaCosta, Sr. called for a motion to adjourn February 12, 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 Mrs. Pierce seconded by Mrs. Hill and with a vote of (6/0), the February 12,
2024, meeting adjourned to executive session at 12:59 pm. Dr. Morley joined the meeting
during the executive session.
ADJOURN THE EXECUTIVE SESSION
Mr. DaCosta, Sr. called to adjourn the February 12, 2024, executive session to convene the
work session and business meeting
Mr. DaCosta, Sr. noted there were no objections, the February 12, 2024, executive session
adjourned to the work session at 3:04 pm.
ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA
Mr. DaCosta, Sr. called to adopt the agenda for the February 12, 2024 work session and
business meeting.
With no objections, the February 12, 2024, work session and amended business meeting agenda
was approved.
SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT and COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
DeKalb Board of Education
February 12, 2024
Page 2 of 14
1. Superintendent’s Report – No Agenda Item This Month
Presented by: Dr. Devon Q. Horton, Superintendent
2. Committee of the Whole Presentations
a. Schools & Leadership Update
Presented by: Mrs. Michelle Dillard, Chief of Schools, Division of Schools &
Leadership
b. Strategic Plan Update
Presented by: Ms. Aurora Lora, Insight Education Group
REVIEW OF AGENDA ITEMS FOR THE FEBRUARY 12, 2024, BUSINESS MEETING
08.01.a.
Mr. Edward Lindsey, Jr from Dentons provided the Board of Education with an update on the
Legislative Priorities.
08.02.a
Mr. DaCosta, Sr. requested that the Board of Education approve the minutes of the following
meetings: January 8, 2024, board meeting which includes the executive session, work session,
community input session and business meeting, and the January 31, 2024 board retreat and
executive session. Dr. Morley objected to this agenda item. It was removed from the consent
agenda and would be voted on separately.
08.03.a.i
Ms. Lauren Scott, Deputy Chief of Finance, Division of Finance, requested that the Board of
Education accept the December 2023 Monthly Financial Report.
08.03.b.
Ms. Lauren Scott, Deputy Chief of Finance, Division of Finance, requested that the Board of
Education approve the entry into a contract with EqualLevel to provide an eMarketplace for
procurement for a period of one year effective from January 17, 2024 through January 16, 2025
for an amount not to exceed $97,600. The effective date was amended to February 12, 2024
through February 11, 2025.
Dr. Morley objected to this agenda item. It was removed from the consent agenda and would be
voted on separately.
08.03.c.
RISK ASSESSMENT – No Agenda Items This Month
08.04.a.
Dr. Tekshia Ward-Smith, Administrator, Division of Human Resources, requested that the
Board of Education approve the 2024 Human Resources Report for February.
08.05.
LEADERSHIP & SCHOOLS - No Agenda Items This Month
DeKalb Board of Education
February 12, 2024
Page 3 of 14
08.06.a.
Ms. Stacy E. Stepney, Chief Academic Officer, Division of Curriculum & Instruction, requested
that the Board of Education approve the contract renewal between MRESA and MEGLRS for
an additional year for an amount not to exceed $225,000.
08.06.b.
Ms. Stacy E. Stepney, Chief Academic Officer, Division of Curriculum & Instruction, requested
that the Board of Education approve the contract extensions with Pediatric Services of
America, Inc. dba Aveanna Healthcare; Cobb Pediatric/The Stepping Stones Group;
Delta T Group; and Maxim Healthcare as the most responsive and responsible bidders to
provide school health and school nursing services for more than $50,000 per vendor, but not to
exceed a total contracted amount of $3,000,000.
08.06.c.
Ms. Stacy E. Stepney, Chief Academic Officer, Division of Curriculum & Instruction, requested
that the Board of Education approve the contract with Metro RESA in the amount of
$72,900 (54 teachers x $1,350.00 per teacher) to provide access for DeKalb teachers to
participate in the Metro RESA Online ESOL Endorsement Program and professional libraires.
This contract will be supported by Title III federal funds and will not impact the local budget.
08.06.d.
Ms. Stacy E. Stepney, Chief Academic Officer, Division of Curriculum & Instruction, requested
that the Board of Education approve the contract extension for Bid 20 –519 Catalog Discount –
Career Technical & Agricultural Materials, Equipment & Supplies to the following vendors:
Pocket Nurse, Midwest Technology Products, NASCO Education LLC, Blick Art
Materials LLC., William J. Redmond & Son, Incorporated, PC Specialists Incorporated,
Troxell Communications Incorporated, School Outfitters, Howard Technology Solutions,
Learning Labs, Incorporated, Nisewonger Audio Visual Center, Incorporated, Amitrace
Computer System, MSC Industrial Supply Company, Goodheart-Wilcox Company,
Incorporated, MATCO Tool Corporation, and PITSCO Education for an additional year
in the amount not to exceed $1,000,000.
08.07.a.
Dr. Kishia Towns, Chief of Wrap Around Services, Division of Equity & Student
Empowerment requested that the Board of Education approve the contract renewal for RFP No.
19-513 for Naviance Inc. by PowerSchool, for 15 months in an amount not to
exceed $592,594.29. Dr. Morley objected to this agenda item. It was removed from the consent
agenda and would be voted on separately.
08.08.
ACCOUNTABILITY & CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT ~ No Agenda Item This Month
08.09.a.
Ms. Monika Davis, Chief of Information & Instructional Technology, Division of Information
& Instructional Technology requested that the Board of Education award RFP 24-577 Disaster
Recovery as a Service (DRaaS) to Layer 3 Communications LLC as the lowest responsible,
responsive bid and the purchase of Disaster Recovery as a Service (DRaaS), in an amount not to
DeKalb Board of Education
February 12, 2024
Page 4 of 14
exceed $400,000.
This would be year 1 of a 5-year agreement.
08.09.b.
Ms. Monika Davis, Chief of Information & Instructional Technology, Division of Information
& Instructional Technology requested that the Board of Education approve the amended
extension to RFP 17-487 Disaster Recovery as a Service (DRaaS) to CenturyLink
Communications LLC (Lumen) and the purchase of Disaster Recovery as a Service (DRaaS)
for the district for an amount not to exceed $500,000.
08.09.c.
Ms. Monika Davis, Chief of Information & Instructional Technology, Division of Information
& Instructional Technology requested that the Board of Education approve the request to utilize
the services of Computer Aid, Inc (CAI) not to exceed $655,200 to provide immediate support
necessary to complete ERP project milestones.
08.10.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
Rheaply, which is aligned with the organization’s core philanthropic pillars of environmental
sustainability.
08.10.a. ii.
Mr. Michael Harris, Manager of Partnerships, Division of Community Engagement and
Innovative Partnerships requested that the Board of Education accept a donation of $27,620.73
from the Kittredge Magnet School Foundation to Kittredge Magnet School to be used to
purchase sound system and AV equipment from Nisewonger for use in the Kittredge cafeteria
and stage.
08.10.a.iii.
Mr. Michael Harris, Manager of Partnerships, Division of Community Engagement and
Innovative Partnerships requested that the Board of Education accept a donation of
$37,023.00 from the Kittredge Magnet School Foundation to Kittredge Magnet School to be
used to install a new playground from Playworx Playsets, LLC.
08.10.a. iv.
Mr. Michael Harris, Manager of Partnerships, Division of Community Engagement and
Innovative Partnerships requested that the Board of Education accept the donation of $20,000
from Blue Mantis. The funds will be used to support the District’s student Hack-a-thon event.
08.11.a.i.
Mr. Erick Hofstetter, Chief Operating Officer, Division of Operations, requested that the
Board of Education approve the Contract Renewal for the Athletic Department’s Equipment and
Uniform Bid with Riddell All American and BSN Sports, LLC, for an additional year through
May 16, 2025, for an amount not to exceed $1,475,000. This recommendation is for year three
(3) of the four (4) one-year renewal options, which will support the new initiative for
Elementary School Athletics and the growing programs, such as Middle School Soccer, Middle
School Wrestling, Middle School Volleyball, Middle School Baseball, and Varsity Flag
DeKalb Board of Education
February 12, 2024
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Football. Dr. Morley objected to this agenda item. It was removed from the consent agenda and
would be voted on separately.
08.11.b.i.
Mr. Erick Hofstetter, Chief Operating Officer, Division of Operations, requested that the
Board of Education approve the renewal of RFP 22-752-003 for pool maintenance services for
an additional year at an amount not to exceed $375,000.
08.11.b. ii.
Mr. Erick Hofstetter, Chief Operating Officer, Division of Operations, requested that the
Board of Education approve contract award of ITB 24-548 Asphalt Paving, Striping & Overlay
Services to DAF Concrete, Inc. and Shepco Paving, Inc., the lowest responsive, responsible
bidders in accordance with the Invitation to Bid documents and contract obligations identified
therein for a not to exceed the amount of $2,000,000.
08.11.b.iii.
Mr. Erick Hofstetter, Chief Operating Officer, Division of Operations, requested that the
Board of Education approve the award of RFP 24-551 Painting Services to the most responsive,
responsible bidders in accordance with the Request for Proposal documents and contract
obligations identified therein, not to exceed the collective amount of $2,500,000.
08.11.b. iv.
Mr. Erick Hofstetter, Chief Operating Officer, Division of Operations, requested that the
Board of Education approve the award of RFP 24-564 HVAC Repair and Installation Services
to 5 Seasons Mechanical, ARS Mechanical LLC, HVAC Allies LLC, Mann Mechanical
Company, Inc., Maxair Mechanical, Mechanical Services, Inc., Smith Mechanical Heating
& Air, and Trane U.S. Inc., the most responsive, responsible bidders in accordance with the
Request for Proposal documents and contract obligations identified therein, not to exceed
amount collectively of $5,000,000.
08.11.b.v.
Mr. Erick Hofstetter, Chief Operating Officer, Division of Operations, requested that the
Board of Education approve the renewal of ITB 21-752-010 for tree cutting and trimming
services district-wide to Casey Tree Experts, Richmond Tree Experts, and Total Outdoor,
LLC for an additional year, March 1, 2024 – February 28, 2025, in the amount not to exceed
$1,500,000.
08.11.b.vi.
Mr. Erick Hofstetter, Chief Operating Officer, Division of Operations, requested that the
Board of Education approve the award of RFP 24-550 Floor Covering Installation Services to,
the most responsive, responsible bidders in accordance with the Request for Proposal
documents and contract obligations identified therein, for a not to exceed amount collectively of
$3,500,000.
08.11.b.vii.
Mr. Erick Hofstetter, Chief Operating Officer, Division of Operations, requested that the
Board of Education approve an easement to Georgia Power to allow for it to upgrade electric
DeKalb Board of Education
February 12, 2024
Page 6 of 14
distribution facilities to improve electric service reliability at the Former Atherton ES site and
other DeKalb County residences.
08.11.b. viii.
Mr. Erick Hofstetter, Chief Operating Officer, Division of Operations, requested that the
Board of Education approve an easement to Georgia Power to allow for improvement to
underground distribution lines which service E.L. Miller Elementary School.
08.11.b. ix.
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 the new Middle and High School Facility at the Sequoyah Site.
08.11.f.x.
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 the rebuild of the Dresden Elementary School Facility.
08.11.c.i.
Mr. Erick Hofstetter, Chief Operating Officer, Division of Operations, requested that the
Board of Education approve the extension of contract 22-80 for District-Wide Furniture,
Fixtures & Equipment (FF&E) district Contract Award for Ernie Morris Enterprises,
Lakeshore Learning Materials LLC., and School Specialty LLC., for a term through March
14, 2024 to March 13, 2025, not to exceed the amount of $4,000,000.
08.11.d.i.
Mr. Erick Hofstetter, Chief Operating Officer, Division of Operations, requested that the
Board of Education approve the purchase of support vehicles for the Operations Division from
Wade Ford, Inc., and Allan Vigil Ford through Georgia Statewide Contract 99999-SPD-
ES40199373-009S and 99999-SPD-ES40199373-002 for an amount not to exceed $2,000,000.
Mr. DaCosta objected to this agenda item. It was removed from the consent agenda and would
be voted on separately.
08.11.d. ii.
Mr. Erick Hofstetter, Chief Operating Officer, Division of Operations, requested that the
Board of Education approve the purchase of diesel and gasoline fuel from James River
Solutions, LLC as the primary supplier, Sunoco, LP as the secondary supplier, and Boswell
Oil Company as the tertiary supplier through the North Georgia Fuel Cooperative (BL051-23)
in an amount not-to-exceed $8,100,000 for the dates March 1st, 2024 through August 31,
2024.
08.11.e.i.
Mr. Erick Hofstetter, Chief Operating Officer, Division of Operations, requested that the
Board of Education approve the renewal of Single Source and the purchase of administrative
software and support services to Cybersoft Technologies, Inc. in the amount of $95,911 with
DeKalb Board of Education
February 12, 2024
Page 7 of 14
additional cost for cloud migration services in the amount of $21,402 with the total amount not
to exceed $124,813 for SY 24-25. This request extends the agreement with Cybersoft
Technologies, Inc. for an additional year from July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2025. This is the
third Contract Renewal option after single source approval for SY21-22.
08.11.f.i.
Mr. Erick Hofstetter, Chief Operating Officer, Division of Operations, requested that the
Board of Education approve the award of RFQu 24-752-007 for Architectural and Engineering
Services for Ashford Park Elementary School and International Student Center HVAC Systems
Replacement and Renovations to Corgan, 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 $1,500,000 ($600,000 Ashford Park ES and $900,000 International Student
Center).
08.11.f. ii.
Mr. Erick Hofstetter, Chief Operating Officer, Division of Operations, requested that the
Board of Education approve the award of RFQu 24-752-008 for Architectural and Engineering
Services for Idlewood Elementary School and Murphey Candler Elementary School HVAC
Systems Replacement and Renovations to Cooper Carry, Inc., 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 $1,980,000 ($1,200,000 Idlewood Elementary
School and $780,000 Murphey Candler Elementary School).
08.11.f.iii.
Mr. Erick Hofstetter, Chief Operating Officer, Division of Operations, requested that the
Board of Education approve the award of RFQu No. 24-752-009 for construction management
services for the Ashford Park Elementary School and International Student Center to The
Winter Construction Company, the most responsive and responsible Offeror whose proposal
is the most advantageous to the Board based on the evaluation factors set forth in the Request
for Qualifications solicitation document.
In addition, it requested that the Board of Education approve a not-to-exceed amount of
$100,000.00 for the Pre-Construction Phase Fee associated with this contract agreement.
Additional packages will be presented to the Board of Education for approval as indicated
below:
An early release package will be presented in Spring 2024.
The final Guaranteed maximum summer (GMP) will be presented in the summer
of 2024.
Additional sub-packages may be presented to the Board of Education for approval as needed.
08.11.f. iv.
Mr. Erick Hofstetter, Chief Operating Officer, Division of Operations, requested that the
Board of Education approve the award of RFQu No. 24-752-010 for construction management
services for the Idlewood Elementary School and Murphey Candler Elementary School to
Balfour Beatty Construction, LLC the most responsive and responsible Offeror whose
proposal is the most advantageous to the Board based on the evaluation factors set forth in the
DeKalb Board of Education
February 12, 2024
Page 8 of 14
Request for Qualifications solicitation document.
In addition, it requested that the Board of Education approve a not-to-exceed amount of
$100,000.00, for the Pre-Construction Phase Fee associated with this contract agreement.
Additional packages will be presented to the Board of Education for approval as indicated
below:
Early Release Package will be presented in Spring 2024
Final Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) will be presented in Summer 2024.
Additional sub packages may be presented to the Board of Education for approval as needed.
08.11.f.v.
Mr. Erick Hofstetter, Chief Operating Officer, Division of Operations, requested that the
Board of Education approve a modification to the October Agenda Item, “Modular Classroom
Building Lease Approval for Salem Middle School (Mobile Modular Management Corporation
in a not to exceed amount of $677,177.76)”, to incorporate the total dollar amount for the lease
of the portable classroom units in the amount of $383,880.00 for 12 months. The total amount
of the October Agenda Item will be modified to include a reduced cost of 652,177.76 to install
and remove the mobile classroom units and the above cost to lease the units for 12 months,
$383,880.00, for a total cost to Mobile Modular of $1,036,057.76.
Additionally, it is requested that the Board approve a budget reallocation from Program
Contingency to the necessary project cost code (SP5FACCON.36535.PRECONST) in the
amount of $1,462,834.60. The reallocation will allow funds to be placed in the ESPLOST
project budget to pay Mobile Modular for the installation and removal of the portable
classroom units and the monthly lease payments. The reallocation will also allow funds to be
available to pay the District’s electrical, plumbing, carpentry, IT, and moving vendors, which
are typical and necessary for the complete installation of the portable classroom units. Dr.
Morley objected to this agenda item. It was removed from the consent agenda and would be
voted on separately.
08.11.f.vi.
Mr. Erick Hofstetter, Chief Operating Officer, Division of Operations, requested that the
Board of Education approve a modification to the October Agenda Item, “Modular Classroom
Building Lease Approval for Fairington Elementary (Mobile Modular Management Corporation
in a not to exceed the amount of $605,151.68)” to incorporate the total dollar amount for the
lease of the portable classroom units in the amount of $332,469.60 for 12 months. The total
amount of the October Agenda Item will be modified to include a reduced cost of $570,226.68
to install and remove the mobile classroom units and the above cost to lease the units for 12
months for a total cost to Mobile Modular of $902,696.28.
Additionally, it is requested that the Board approve a budget reallocation from Program
Contingency to the necessary project cost code (SP5FACCON.36135.PRECONST) in the
amount of $1,289,674.80. The reallocation will allow funds to be placed in the ESPLOST
project budget to pay Mobile Modular for the installation and removal of the portable
classroom units and the monthly lease payments. The reallocation will also allow funds to be
available to pay the District’s electrical, plumbing, carpentry, IT and moving vendors which are
typical and necessary for the complete installation of the portable classroom units. Dr. Morley
DeKalb Board of Education
February 12, 2024
Page 9 of 14
objected to this item. It would be removed from the consent agenda and voted on separately. Dr.
Morley objected to this agenda item. It was removed from the consent agenda and would be
voted on separately.
08.11.f.vii.
Mr. Erick Hofstetter, Chief Operating Officer, Division of Operations, requested that the
Board of Education approve a modification to the October Agenda Item, “Modular Classroom
Building Lease Approval for Redan Middle School (Mobile Modular Management Corporation
in a not to exceed amount of $677,177.76)” to incorporate the total dollar amount for the lease
of the portable classroom units in the amount of $433,080 for 12 months.
Also, it is requested that the Board of Education approve a Change Order in the amount of
$141,662.24 that is necessary due to the extended installation height of the portable classroom
units. The location of the classroom units is such that a portion of the units are mounted on
higher than normal supports due to the natural grade of the area. The total additional cost of
$141,662.24 is composed of $92,462.24 for additional installation materials and labor, and
$49,200 for additional monthly lease costs for the additional ramp length needed for the
increased height.
The total amount of the October Agenda Item will be modified to include an increased cost of
$769,640 to install and remove the mobile classroom units and the above cost to lease the units
for 12 months, $433,080, for a total cost to Mobile Modular of $1,202,720.
Additionally, it is requested that the Board approve a budget reallocation from Program
Contingency to the necessary project cost code (SP5FACCON.32235.PRECONST) in the
amount of $1,631,221.84. The reallocation will allow funds to be placed in the ESPLOST
project budget to pay Mobile Modular for the installation and removal of the portable
classroom units and the monthly lease payments. The reallocation will also allow funds to be
available to pay the District’s electrical, plumbing, carpentry, IT and moving vendors, which are
typical and necessary for the complete installation of the portable classroom units. Dr. Morley
objected to this agenda item. It was removed from the consent agenda and would be voted on
separately.
08.11.f. viii.
Mr. Erick Hofstetter, Chief Operating Officer, Division of Operations, requested that the
Board of Education ratify and approve a contract extension for an Annual License for the use of
the Kahua Project Management Information System (PMIS) software to Kahua for a not-to-
exceed amount of $376,000. This request is for the first of four one-year contract extensions and
will extend the contract with Kahua through October 14, 2024.
08.11.f. ix.
Mr. Erick Hofstetter, Chief Operating Officer, Division of Operations, requested that the
Board of Education and Superintendent execute the “Certificate of the Board of Education”
document(s) and authorize staff to submit to the Georgia Department of Education all
documents necessary to receive the State Capital Outlay Reimbursement amounts shown below
totaling $127,265 for the following project(s):
DeKalb Board of Education
February 12, 2024
Page 10 of 14
Project Name Project# Reimbursement
Brockett ES 20-644-005 $47,724
Vanderlyn ES 20-644-010 $37,119
Woodward ES 20-644-008 $42,422
08.11.f.x.
Mr. Erick Hofstetter, Chief Operating Officer, Division of Operations, requested that the
Board of Education approve the award of RFQu No. 24-752-011 for construction management
services for the Livsey Elementary School and Toney Elementary School to Ajax Building
Company, LLC the most responsive and responsible Offeror whose proposal is the most
advantageous to the Board based on the evaluation factors set forth in the Request for
Qualifications solicitation document.
In addition, it requested that the Board of Education approve a not-to-exceed amount
of $100,000.00, for the Pre-Construction Phase Fee associated with this contract agreement.
Additional packages will be presented to the Board of Education for approval as indicated
below:
Early release package will be presented in Spring 2024
Final Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) will be presented in Summer 2024.
Additional sub packages may be presented to the Board of Education for approval as needed.
08.12.a.
Dr. Tekshia Ward-Smith, Administrator, Division of Human Resources, requested that the
Board of Education approve the hiring recommendation of Dr. Beth Ann Kyle as the Area
Superintendent in the Division of Schools & Leadership from executive session. Dr. Morley
objected to this agenda item. It was removed from the consent agenda and would be voted on
separately.
08.12.b.
Dr. Tekshia Ward-Smith, Administrator, Division of Human Resources, requested that the
Board of Education approve the hiring recommendation of Ms. Sarita M. Smith as the
Executive Director of Student Assignment in the Division of Equity and Student Empowerment
from executive session. Dr. Morley objected to this agenda item. It was removed from the
consent agenda and would be voted on separately.
08.12.c.
Dr. Tekshia Ward-Smith, Administrator, Division of Human Resources, requested that the
Board of Education approve the hiring recommendation of Ms. Alain Love-Davis as the
Director of Equitable Services in the Division of Accountability & Continuous Improvement
from executive session. Dr. Morley objected to this agenda item. It was removed from the
consent agenda and would be voted on separately.
08.12.d.
Dr. Tekshia Ward-Smith, Administrator, Division of Human Resources, requested that the
Board of Education approve the hiring recommendation of Felicia G. Rhone, PhD.as the
Director of Assessment in the Division of Accountability & Continuous Improvement from
DeKalb Board of Education
February 12, 2024
Page 11 of 14
executive session. Dr. Morley objected to this agenda item. It was removed from the consent
agenda and would be voted on separately.
08.13.
OFFICE OF AUDITS & COMPLIANCE – No Agenda Item This Month
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. Esther Guthrie
2. Deborah Jones
CONVENE THE BUSINESS MEETING
Mr. DaCosta, Sr. requested to convene the February 12, 2024, business meeting.
With no objections, the business meeting convened.
STUDENT BOARD REPRESENTATIVE – Superintendent, Dr. Horton introduced Student
Representatives, Miss Deandra Smith, Lithonia High School, 12 th Grade.
RECOGNITION(S)
a. Proclamation: National School Counseling Week, February 5-9, 2024
Presented by: Ms. Allyson Gevertz, Board Member, District 4
b. Proclamation: Career, Technical, and Agricultural Education (CTAE) Month
Presented by: Ms. Whitney McGinniss, Board Member, District 2
c. Recognition: Cedar Grove High School Football State Championship
Presented by: Mr. Diijon DaCosta, Sr., Board Chair, District 6
d. Recognition: DeKalb School of the Arts HighLeit Choir
Presented earlier by: Mrs. Deirdre P. Pierce, Vice Chair, District 3
e. Recognition: Southwest DeKalb High School Trombone Ensemble
Presented earlier by: Mrs. Deirdre P. Pierce, Vice Chair, District 3
f. Proclamation: Coach Napoleon B. Cobb Day
DeKalb Board of Education
February 12, 2024
Page 12 of 14
Presented by: Mrs. Vickie B. Turner, Board Member, District 5
CONSENT AGENDA
Mr. DaCosta, Sr. called for a motion to approve the February 12, 2024, consent agenda items.
On a motion by Mrs. Turner, seconded by Mrs. 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
There were no action items from executive session.
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. Pierce. Second by Ms. Gevertz
All in favor – 6, abstention by Dr. Morley. Motion passed 6 to 1.
b. Agenda Item:E.3.b. EqualLevel License and Implementation (new date: from
February 12, 2024 through February 11, 2025 (Not to exceed $97,600).
Motion by Mrs. Hill Second by Ms. McGinniss
All in favor - 6, opposed by Dr. Morley. Motion passed 6 to 1.
c. Agenda Item: E.7.a. Renewal of the Naviance College and Career Readiness
Platform (Not to exceed $592,594.29).
Motion by Ms. Gevertz. Second by Mrs. Turner
All in favor - 6, Abstention by Dr. Morley. Motion passed 6 to 1.
d. Agenda Item: E.11.a.i. Bid# 21-530 Athletic Equipment and Uniform (BSN
Sports, LLC and Riddell All American) Contract Extension and Spend Increase
Approval of Year Three of the (4) Four One-Year Renewal Options (Not to
exceed $1,475,000).
Motion by Ms. Gevertz. Second by Mrs. Turner.
DeKalb Board of Education
February 12, 2024
Page 13 of 14
All in favor - 6, opposed by Dr. Morley. Motion passed 6 to 1.
e. Agenda Item: E.11.d.i. Georgia Statewide Contract for Acquisition of Operations
Division Support Service Vehicles from Wade Ford, Inc, (99999-SPD-
ES40199373-009S) and Allan Vigil Ford (99999-SPD-ES40199373-002) (Not to
exceed $2,000,000).
Motion by Ms. McGinniss. Second by Mrs. Hill.
All in favor – 7. Motion passed 7 / 0.
f. Agenda Item: E.11.f.v. Modification to a Previously Approved (October) Board
Agenda Item and Budget Reallocation for the Modular Classroom Installation at
Salem Middle School (Not to exceed $1,462,834.60).
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.f.vi. Modification to a Previously Approved (October) Board
Agenda Item and Budget Reallocation for the Modular Classroom Installation at
Fairington Elementary School (Not to exceed $1,289,674.80).
Motion by Mrs. Hill Second by Mrs. Turner
All in favor - 6, Abstention by Dr. Morley. Motion passed 6 to 1.
h. Agenda Item: E.11.f.vii. Modification to a Previously Approved (October)
Board Agenda Item and Budget Reallocation for the Modular Classroom
Installation at Redan Middle School (Not to exceed $1,631,221.84)
Motion by Mrs. Hill Second by Mrs. Turner
All in favor - 6, Abstention by Dr. Morley. Motion passed 6 to 1.
i. Personnel Recommendation to approve the hiring recommendation of Dr. Beth
Kyle as the Area Superintendent in the Division of Schools & Leadership.
Motion by Ms. Gevertz. Second by Mrs. Turner
All in favor – 6 / 1 - Opposed by Dr. Morley. Motion passed 6 to 1.
j. Personnel Recommendation to approve the hiring recommendation of Ms. Sarita
M. Smith as the Executive Director of Student Assignments in the Division of
Equity & Student Empowerment.
Motion by Ms. McGinniss. Second by Mrs. Pierce
All in favor – 6 / 1- Opposed by Dr. Morley. Motion passed 6 to 1.
k. Personnel Recommendation to approve the hiring recommendation of Ms. Alain
Love-Davis as the Director of Equitable Services in the Division of
DeKalb Board of Education
February 12, 2024
Page 14 of 14
Accountability & Continuous Improvement.
Motion by Mrs. Hill. Second by Mrs. Turner
All in favor – 6 / 1 - Opposed by Dr. Morley. Motion passed 6 to 1.
l. Personnel Recommendation to approve the hiring recommendation of Felicia G.
Rhone, Ph D. as the Director of Assessment in the Division of Accountability &
Continuous Improvement.
Motion by Mts. Turner. Second by Mrs. Pierce
All in favor – 6 / 1 – Abstention by Dr. Morley. Motion passed 6 to 1.
ADJOURN
Mr. DaCosta, Sr. asked if there were any objections to adjourn the February 12, 2024, work
session and business meeting.
With no objections, the work session and business meeting adjourned at 8:50 pm.
_______________________ ____________________________
Secretary Ex-Officio Chair