Agenda Item
a. Renaming of DeKalb Elementary School of the Arts ~ Updated 5.1.2024
Summary: Presented by: Ms. Whitney McGinniss, District 2
Ms. Michelle Dillard, Chief of Schools, Division of Schools & Leadership
Dr. Michelle Jones, Area Superintendent, Division of Schools & Leadership
Request: It is requested that the Board of Education approve the name change for DeKalb Elementary School of the Arts to DeKalb Arts Academy.
Why: The stakeholders of DeKalb Elementary School of the Arts requested that the name of the school be renamed to remove “elementary” to reflect the Kindergarten-8th grade (K-8) configuration of the school.
Details: The committee, led by Board member McGinniss, was composed of the required Board members and District and School leaders. Then, PTA and PAC leaders, teachers, parents, a student, and a community member were added to make a total of 15 members.
The committee met on the following dates:
January 24, 2024
February 27, 2024*
Mar 27, 2024
Apr 9, 2024
*Public input meeting was February 27, 2024
Financial impact: Operations provided a list of potential tasks and accompanying estimated costs.
For DESA
Two exterior signs identified, one digital and one monument sign: budget $10,000 to cover the name/logo panels. (This assumes the digital sign readers is kept and only the adjacent panels are changed out).
Interior signage/wayfinding (if applicable): budget $5,000
If the total interior of the school needs to be repainted, budget $80,000.- Not total interior
If the gym floor needs to be sanded, refinished, and repainted: budget $20,000- Not needed
If the cafeteria floor needs to be changed: budget $60,000- Not needed
All Athletic Uniforms: up to $60,000- Not applicable
Letterhead: variable but $5,000 would be an initial startup. (This is a school level cost not provided from operations).
Murals: variable local school cost
Miscellaneous/unforeseen costs: $5,000
Contact: Ms. Michelle Dillard. Chief of Schools, Division of Schools & Leadership, 678.676.0542
Dr. Michelle Jones, Area Superintendent for Specialty Area, Division of schools & Leadership, 678.676.0329
Ms. Whitney McGinniss, Board Member 678.676,0722
Effective: Upon Board approval, the Specialty Area will work with appropriate divisions to change the school's name.
Status: Attorney approval not required
DESA Name Change Committee members
Name Role Student Bio/Info
At DESA
Ms. Whitney McGinnis Board Member (Required) No
Ms. Deirdre Pierce Board Member (Required) No
Dr. Michelle Jones Area Superintendent No
(Required)
Dr. LaTonya Donald Principal (Required) No
Dr. Keith Jones DSA Principal (Required) No
Ms. Bianca Hamilton Visual Arts Coordinator No
Ms. Jennifer Durham Community Stakeholder No My name is Jennifer Durham. I am a native of Atlanta, Georgia. I am the oldest of
7 siblings. I attend Greater Travelers Rest Baptist Church (GTRBC)/ House of
Hope Atlanta (HOHA). I have been a faithful member of GTRBC/HOHA for 54
years. I attended elementary (Wesley Elementary and Alfred Blalock Elementary)
and high school (Henry Grady High) in Atlanta Public Schools. After high school,
I attended Morris Brown College for 3 years. I worked in the Dekalb County
School System for 40 years; 5 years as a part-time employee and 35 years as a full-
time employee. I started as a part-time paraprofessional at Forrest Hill Elementary
School where I worked 3 years. I worked at Hooper Alexander Elementary School/
Elementary School of the Arts at Hooper Alexander/ Dekalb Elementary School of
the Arts for 37 years. From 1984-2002, I worked at Hooper Alexander Elementary
School as a paraprofessional. Starting in 2002, until retirement in 2021, I worked
as a secretary. Finally, I worked as the Afterschool Director for several years.
Ms. Bri’el Gordon PTA Yes Bri'el K. Gordon is the parent of a 6th grader attending Dekalb Elementary School
of the Arts. She currently serves as the Vice President of DESA's PTA and has
served as a Junior Board member and volunteer at Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta
and is a member of the Junior League of Atlanta. Bri'el resides in the Gresham Park
community and works as a Sales & Marketing Coordinator for a landscape supply
company. Her daughter participates in Dance, Art, and Cheer at DESA.
Ms. Allison Mulkey PAC No Allison Mulkey has been an educator in DeKalb County for 20 years. She is
currently in her 8th year at DESA. She teaches 5th grade science and social studies.
Allison also dedicates her time as a coach for the 6th grade Lego League Team, the
digital liaison for the school, and currently serves on the DESA PAC. She has a son
in 7th grade at Chamblee Middle School. She is passionate about teaching and
understands how important it is for students to find their voice and learn how to
advocate for themselves
Mr Darryle Gayle Student Yes Darryle Gayle has Attended DESA for 9 years.
Ms. Zandra Taylor-Ayoko Performing Arts Teacher No Zandra Taylor-Ayoko is a performing arts teacher who teaches dance. She
is in her 35th year of teaching. She is also one of the original staff members
of DESA.
Mr. Marquis Jackson Parent Yes Marquis Jackson, a prolific author, captivations speaker, and devoted father of four,
is a product of Dekalb County schools. He calls the vibrant Stonecrest community
home, where he’s committed to giving back. Marquis’s heart lies with his alma
mater, Bob Mathis Elementary, where he mentors young black males, instilling
core principles and guiding them towards success. His 10-year-old daughter, L.
Jackson, attends the electric DESA and is a member of the band. Mr. Jackson & his
family are active members and supporters of DESA’s PTA.
Ms. Danielle Bostein Parent Yes Danielle Botstein Tamez and her 6th grade student have been active members of
the DESA community for 7 yearsSince her daughter started at DESA, Ms. Botstein
served for 3 years as Vice President of the PTA, Co-chair of the DESA
beautification committee and has spearheaded various fundraising events and
community service activities for the school
Dr. Samantha Fitts Parent Yes Dr. Samantha Fitts has a 3rd grader attending Dekalb Elementary School of the Arts
(DESA). She is an active member of the PTSA. Samantha resides in Ellenwood
and works as a Special Education Coordinator with a local school district. Her
daughter has attended DESA since kindergarten.
Mr. Josh Stifter Parent Yes Josh Stifter has two children who attend DESA, a 2nd grader and a 5th grader. Him
and his family live in the Morningside community. He is the lead producer for the
video department of an automated systems company, as well as an independent
filmmaker. His children love taking part in the plays and activities at DESA.