EXECUTIVE SESSION, WORK SESSION, COMMUNITY INPUT SESSION &
BUSINESS MEETING
OF THE
DEKALB COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION
April 15, 2024
The DeKalb County Board of Education held its Executive Session, Work Session, Community
Input Session and Business Meeting on Monday, April 15, 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 11:37 am and noted the following were in
attendance; Mr. Diijon DaCosta, Sr., Mrs. Deirdre P. Pierce, Mrs. Anna Hill, Ms. Whitney
McGinniss, Ms. Allyson Gevertz, Dr. Morley and Superintendent, Dr. Devon Q. Horton. Mrs.
Vickie B. Turner joined the meeting virtually.
Also in attendance were General Counsel Attorney, Ms. Melanie Slaton, Attorney at Law, Mr.
Aaron Webb and Executive Director to the Board, Ms. Carolyn Lloyd.
Mr. DaCosta, Sr. led the pledge of allegiance.
ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA
Mr. DaCosta, Sr. called to adopt the agenda for the April 15, 2024, work session and business
meeting.
With an objection by Dr. Joyce Morley and a vote of 5/1, the April 15, 2024, work session and
business meeting agenda was approved.
SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT and COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
1. Superintendent’s Report – Gallup Presentation
Presented by: Dr. Devon Q. Horton, Superintendent
Presented by: Dr. Tekshia Ward-Smith, Administrator, Division of Human
Resources
2. Committee of the Whole Presentation
a. Strategic Planning Update
Presented by: Ms. Aurora Lora, Insight Education Group
REVIEW OF AGENDA ITEMS FOR THE APRIL 15, 2024, BUSINESS MEETING
10.01.a.
Mr. DaCosta, Sr., requested that the Board of Education open the floor to nominate and elect a
board member to the Board Policy Review Committee. Mr. DaCosta, Sr. nominated Ms.
Allyson Gevertz. Ms. Gevertz accepted the nomination. With a vote of 5/1 – opposed by Dr.
Morley, Ms. Gevertz was elected to the Board Policy Review Committee.
DeKalb Board of Education
April 15, 2024
Page 2 of 11
10.01.b
Mr. DaCosta, Sr., informed the Board of Education that he would appoint Mrs. Vickie B.
Turner as the committee chair of the Board Policy Review Committee.
10.01.c.
Mr. DaCosta, Sr., requested a motion that the Board of Education amend and extend the Term
of Service on Board Policy BBC: Board Committees from 60 – 180 days. With a motion by Ms.
McGinniss, second by Mrs. Hill, and a vote of 5/1 – opposed by Dr. Morley. The term of
service of the special board committee was extended to 180 days.
10.02.a
Mr. DaCosta, Sr. requested that the Board of Education approve the minutes of the following
meetings: March 11, 2024, board meeting which includes the executive session, work session,
community input session and business meeting, and the April 11, 2024, audit committee
meeting. Mrs. Hill requested that a handout which was not included in the original information
packet and was discussed at the April 11, 2024, audit committee meeting be added to the
documentation in Simbli. The addendum was added. Dr. Morley objected to this item being
placed on the consent agenda. The item would be voted on separately.
10.03.a.i.
Mr. Erick Hofstetter, Chief Operating Officer, Division of Operations, requested that the
Board of Education authorize the purchase of door and hardware security resources, including
products and installation services from Door Resources, to enhance security. The total cost for
products and installation services will not exceed $91,506.58.
10.03.a. ii.
Mr. Erick Hofstetter, Chief Operating Officer, Division of Operations, requested that the
Board of Education approve the extension of RFP 20-752-030R Asbestos and Lead Based Paint
Abatement Services with SACAL Environmental & Management Company for an additional
year through April 22, 2025.
10.03.a.iii.
Mr. Erick Hofstetter, Chief Operating Officer, Division of Operations, requested that the
Board of Education approve the award of ITB 24-464 Catalog Discount Plumbing Supplies,
Parts and Equipment to Best Plumbing Specialties, Inc. and MSC Industrial Supply Co. for
an amount not to exceed $200,000.
10.03.a. iv.
Mr. Erick Hofstetter, Chief Operating Officer, Division of Operations, requested that the
Board of Education approve the award of ITB 24-467 Catalog Discount Lawn Equipment,
Repair Parts, and Supplies to Ag-Pro Conyers in the amount not to exceed $200,000.
10.03.a.v.
Mr. Erick Hofstetter, Chief Operating Officer, Division of Operations, requested that the
Board of Education approve the award of ITB 24-468 Discount Audio Visual and Fire Safety
Supplies to Bluum USA, Inc., CCS Presentation Systems, and School Outfitters, LLC. in
the amount not to exceed $200,000.
DeKalb Board of Education
April 15, 2024
Page 3 of 11
10.03.a.vi.
Mr. Erick Hofstetter, Chief Operating Officer, Division of Operations, requested that the
Board of Education approve the award of ITB 24-469 Catalog Discount Glazing Supplies to
MSC Industrial Supply Co. and P & E Mirror and Glass, LLC for an amount not to exceed
$200,000.
10.03.a.vii.
Mr. Erick Hofstetter, Chief Operating Officer, Division of Operations, requested that the
Board of Education approve the award of ITB 24-510 Catalog Discount Locksmith Supplies to
MSC Industrial Supply Co., Southern Lock and Supply, Inc., Academy Lock & Key, Inc.,
Accredited Lock Supply, and DH Pace in the amount not to exceed $200,000.
10.03.a. viii.
Mr. Erick Hofstetter, Chief Operating Officer, Division of Operations, requested that the
Board of Education approve an easement to Georgia Power to secure distribution and
communication lines that service Bethune Middle School and the surrounding area.
10.03.a. ix.
Mr. Erick Hofstetter, Chief Operating Officer, Division of Operations, requested that the
Board of Education approve the Omnia Partners contract number: 02-123 to replace HVAC
equipment in accordance with the Omnia Partners HVAC Related Products through December
31, 2024, for an amount not to exceed $1,000,000.
10.03.a.x.
Mr. Erick Hofstetter, Chief Operating Officer, Division of Operations, requested that the
Board of Education approve the award of RFP 24-552 Gym Floor Maintenance, Repair, and
Replacement Services to FloorCare Specialists, Inc. dba Gameday Floors and Superior
Court Systems By Floor Action, 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 $2,000,000.
10.03.a. xi.
Mr. Erick Hofstetter, Chief Operating Officer, Division of Operations, requested that the
Board of Education approve the renewal of ITB 21-752-018 for roofing contractor services to
Core Roofing Systems, Inc., and Klein Contracting Corp. on an as needed basis for minor
roofing repair projects for various locations throughout the district. This request extends the
agreement for Core Roofing Systems, Inc., and Klein Contracting Corp. an additional year
through May 19, 2025, for an additional year not to exceed $3,000,000.
10.03.a.xii.
Mr. Erick Hofstetter, Chief Operating Officer, Division of Operations, requested that the
Board of Education authorize the District to approve the following contractors utilizing the
Georgia statewide contract to provide services for repairs, alterations and minor construction
projects: Albion Scaccia Enterprises, LLC, (99999-SPD-S20200901-0001); Bayne
Development Group, LLC, (99999-SPD-S20200901-00024); Brown & Root Industrial
Services, LLC, (99999-SPD-S20160216-010);; Crown Retail Services (99999-SPD-
DeKalb Board of Education
April 15, 2024
Page 4 of 11
S20200901-0004);; F.H. Paschen, S.N. Nielsen & Associates (99999-SPD-S20200901-0007);
HCR Construction, Inc., (99999-SPD-S20200901-0009); HITT Construction, Inc., ( 99999-
SPD-S2020090100010); JOC Construction (99999-SPD-S20200901-00013); Lichty
Commercial Construction, Inc., (99999-SPD-S20200901-00023); Osprey Management
LLC, (99999-SPD-S20200901-00014); Paryani Construction (99999-SPD-S20200901-
00020); Place Services, Inc., (99999-SPDS20200901-00016); Prime Contractors (99999-
SPD-S20200901-00015); and Ward Humphrey Incorporated (99999-SPD-S20200901-
00027) in accordance with the State of Georgia Indefinite Quantity Construction (EZIQC)
statewide contract through June 30, 2025, for an amount not to exceed $15,000,000.
10.03.a. xiii.
Mr. Erick Hofstetter, Chief Operating Officer, Division of Operations, requested that the
Board of Education authorize the district to use the IBS Contract between DeKalb County
School District and Replacement Parts Company (Grainger) for services in accordance with
State of Georgia Contract SWC 99999-001-SPD0000181-0001. Ms. McGinniss and Dr. Morley
objected to this item. It was pulled from the consent agenda and moved to May agenda.
10.03.a.xiv.
Mr. Erick Hofstetter, Chief Operating Officer, Division of Operations, requested that the
Board of Education approve the ratification and contract extension of RFP 20-752-029 for Fire
Safety Services to Cliff’s Fire Extinguisher Company, Inc. for an additional year for an
amount not to exceed $750,000.
10.03.b.
BUSINESS SERVICES ~ No Agenda Item This Month
10.03.c.i.
Mr. Erick Hofstetter, Chief Operating Officer, Division of Operations, requested that the
Board of Education approve the contract extension of ITB No. 22-541 for Liquid Propane Gas
Delivery Service for the 2nd of 4 one (1)-year extension to Ferrellgas in the amount not to
exceed $2,000,000 per year.
10.03.c. ii.
Mr. Erick Hofstetter, Chief Operating Officer, Division of Operations, requested that the Board of
Education ratify and approve the contract extension for RFP 20-472, Charter Bus Services to
Allstate Tours, American Coach Lines, Coast to Coast Tours, LLC, Friendship Tours,
LLC, Harmon Brothers, Kelly Tours, Inc., Kingsmen Coach Lines, R&W Motorcoach,
Inc., Samson Tours, Inc., Southeastern Stages, Inc., and We Care Charters for one
additional year through December 31, 2024. This recommendation is for the fourth of four (4)
one-year contract renewal options.
10.03.c.iii.
Mr. Erick Hofstetter, Chief Operating Officer, Division of Operations, requested that the
Board of Education approve the purchase of fifteen (15) support vehicles for the Transportation
Department from Wade Ford, Inc. through Georgia Statewide Contract 99999-SPD-
ES40199373-009S for an amount not to exceed $627,675.00.
DeKalb Board of Education
April 15, 2024
Page 5 of 11
10.03.d.i.
Mr. Erick Hofstetter, Chief Operating Officer, Division of Operations, requested that the
Board of Education approve the renewal of RFP 21-524R for the purchase of uniforms by
Cintas Corporation for an amount not to exceed $258,940.00 for SY 24-25. This request
extends the agreement with Cintas Corporation an additional year from July 1, 2024, through
June 30, 2025. This is the third of four (4) one-year (1-year) Contract Renewal options.
10.03.d. ii.
Mr. Erick Hofstetter, Chief Operating Officer, Division of Operations, requested that the
Board of Education approve the extension of Bid 22-15, Frozen Temperature Control & Dry
Food Products to Gordon Food Service, Inc. in the amount not to exceed $15,407,125 for SY
24-25. This extends the agreement with Gordon Food Service, Inc. an additional year, July 1,
2024, through June 30, 2025.
10.03.d.iii.
Mr. Erick Hofstetter, Chief Operating Officer, Division of Operations, requested that the
Board of Education approve the agreement between DeKalb County School District (School
Nutrition Services) and DeKalb County Government to serve as the vendor for the 2024
summer feeding program. School Nutrition Services partners with community programs to
ensure every student receives meals needed during the summer months.
10.03.e.
E-SPLOST Projects ~ No Agenda Items This Month
10.04.
INFORMATION & INSTRUCTIONAL TECHNOLOGY ~ No Agenda Item This Month
10.05.a.i
Mr. Byron Schueneman, Chief Financial Officer, Division of Finance, requested that the Board
of Education accept the February 2024 Monthly Financial Report. Dr. Morley objected to this
item. It would be pulled from the consent agenda and voted on separately.
10.05.b.
RISK ASSESSMENT ~ No Agenda Items This Month
10.06.a.
Dr. Tekshia Ward-Smith, Administrator, Division of Human Resources, requested that the
Board of Education approve the 2024 Human Resources Report for April.
10.06.b.
Dr. Tekshia Ward-Smith, Administrator, Division of Human Resources, requested that the
Board of Education approve the award recommendation for RFP 24-582R DeKalb Teacher
Residency University Partner to Kennesaw State University not to exceed $770,500. Dr. Morley
and Ms. McGinniss both objected to this agenda item. It would be pulled from the consent
agenda and voted on separately.
DeKalb Board of Education
April 15, 2024
Page 6 of 11
10.07.a.i.
Mrs. Michelle Dillard, Chief of Schools, Division of Schools & Leadership, requested that the
Board of Education approve the first of four, one-year renewals for RFP 23-544 for ambulance
services provided by Metro Ambulance Services dba American Medical Response in the
amount not to exceed $250,000. This agenda item seeks the Board of Education approval for the
second one-year contract, with three remaining, one-year renewal options. Dr. Morley objected
to this agenda item. It would be pulled from the consent agenda and voted on separately.
10.08.a.
Ms. Stacy Stepney, Chief Academic Officer, Division of Curriculum & Instruction, requested
that the Board of Education approve the award for RFP 24-576 for the Teaching and Learning
Curriculum Audit Services to Insight Education Group as the most responsive and responsible
bidder to conduct a comprehensive curriculum audit in an amount not to exceed $350,000.
10.09.
WRAP AROUND SERVICES ~ No Agenda Items This Month
10.10.a.
Dr. Norman Sauce, III, Chief of Student Services, Division of Student Services, requested that
the Board of Education approve for Georgia State University (GSU) to receive $352,808 to
support the recruitment, training, tuition, student health insurance, graduate research
assistantships, professional association memberships, conference fees, and other school-related
costs for newly incoming school psychology graduate students (5), practicum students (4), and
interns (2) who will become school psychologists upon graduation and will work in DeKalb
County School District. This cost represents year 2 of the 5-year School-Based Mental Health
Services Grant that DeKalb County School District was awarded by the United States
Department of Education, in conjunction with Georgia State University- to alleviate the
financial burden of graduate school for school psychology students from underrepresented
groups and/or living in communities served by our school district.
10.11.
EQUITY & STUDENT EMPOWERMENT ~ No Agenda Items This Month
10.12.a.
Dr. Markisha Mitchell, Chief of Accountability & Continuous Improvement, Division of
Accountability & Continuous Improvement, requested that the Board of Education approve the
award and contract for computer program evaluation services to Level Data LLC in an amount
not to exceed $247,887. Dr. Morley objected to this agenda item. It would be pulled from the
consent agenda and voted on separately.
10.13.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT & INNOVATIVE PARTNERSHIPS ~ No Agenda Item This
Month
DeKalb Board of Education
April 15, 2024
Page 7 of 11
10.14.a.
Mr. Joel B. Thibodeaux, Director Internal Audits & Compliance, Office of Audits and
Compliance requested that the Board of Education consider and approve a change order and
additional funds for RFP 23-543 Comprehensive Financial Audit of E-SPLOST IV and E-
SPLOST V Spending to Plante Moran for an additional amount not to exceed $320,000. Dr.
Morley objected to this agenda item. It would be pulled from the consent agenda and voted on
separately.
10.15.
LEGAL SERVICES ~ No Agenda Item This Month
AMENDMENT TO THE BYLAWS AND POLICIES
E.1.
Mr. Aaron Webb, Legal Counsel, Hall Booth Smith, PC. requested that the Board of Education
amend Board Policy GBRI: Professional Personnel Personal Leaves and Absences and allow for
public review, comment, and vote on the changes at the May 6, 2024, board meeting.
E.2.
Mr. Aaron Webb, Legal Counsel, Hall Booth Smith, PC. requested that the Board of Education
approve the DeKalb Schools Foundation amended bylaws and allow for public review,
comment, and vote on the changes at the May 6, 2024, board meeting.
STUDENT BOARD REPRESENTATIVE – Superintendent, Dr. Horton introduced Student
Representatives, Mr. Khamari Jenkins, Columbia High School, 10th Grade.
RECOGNITIONS
a. Proclamation: Exceptional Children’s Week ~ April 15 – 19, 2024
Presented by: Mrs. Anna Hill, Board Member, District 1
b. Proclamation: School Library Month
Presented by: Ms. Allyson Gevertz, Board Member, District 4
c. Recognition: Georgia Scholar Honorees
Presented by: Mrs. Deirdre P. Pierce, Vice Chair
d. Recognition: 2024 REACH Georgia Scholarship Recipients
Presented by: Ms. Whitney McGinniss, Board Member, District 2
GROUP / EXTERNAL PRESENTATION
a. Video Presentation of Outstanding Student Athletes
Presented by: Mr. Diijon DaCosta, Sr., Board Chair
DeKalb Board of Education
April 15, 2024
Page 8 of 11
ADJOURN TO AN EXECUTIVE SESSION
Mr. DaCosta, Sr. called for a motion to adjourn April 15, 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. Hill seconded by Ms. Gevertz and with a vote of (6/0), the April 15, 2024,
meeting adjourned to executive session.
ADJOURN THE EXECUTIVE SESSION
Mr. DaCosta, Sr. called to adjourn the April 15, 2024, executive session to convene the business
meeting
On a motion by Mrs. Hill seconded by Ms. McGinniss and with a vote of (7/0), the April 15,
2024, executive session adjourned to the work session.
PERSONNEL RECOMMENDATIONS FROM EXECUTIVE SESSION
G.2.a.
Dr. Tekshia Ward-Smith, Administrator, Division of Human Resources, requested that the
Board of Education approve the hiring recommendation of Ms. Tasha Davis Mills to the
position of Chief Human Resource Officer, in the Division of Human Resources. On a motion
from Mrs. Pierce, seconded by Ms. Gevertz, and a vote of 6/1, abstention by Dr. Morley, the
motion passes.
G.2.b.
Dr. Tekshia Ward-Smith, Administrator, Division of Human Resources, requested that the
Board of Education approve the hiring recommendation of Dr. Thomas Glanton to the position
of Area Superintendent of High Schools, in the Division of School Leadership. On a motion
from Mrs. Turner, seconded by Ms. Gevertz, and a vote of 6/1, abstention by Dr. Morley, the
motion passes.
CONVENE THE BUSINESS MEETING
Mr. DaCosta, Sr. requested to convene the April 15, 2024, business meeting.
With no objections, the business meeting convened.
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. Decarlos O’neal
2. Ella Driscoll
3. Hank Stewart
DeKalb Board of Education
April 15, 2024
Page 9 of 11
4. Cittra Seid
5. Safia Yussuf
6. Carla Weston-Brown
7. Austin McDonald
8. Sarah Sansbury
9. Seth Gehle
10. Willie Pringle
11. Jeannette Gonzalez Fusia
12. Jessica Burns
CONSENT AGENDA
Mr. DaCosta, Sr. called for a motion to approve the April 15, 2024, consent agenda items.
On a motion by Ms. McGinniss, 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
a. Agenda Item: Student Appeal # 24-28 as discussed in executive session
Motion by Mrs. Turner. Second by Mrs. Pierce.
All in favor - 7. Motion passed 7/0.
b. Agenda Item: Student Appeal # 24-29 as discussed in executive session
Motion by Mrs. Turner. Second by Mrs. Hill.
All in favor – 7. Motion passed 7/0.
c. Agenda Item: Student Appeal # 24-30 as discussed in executive session
Motion by Ms. McGinniss. Second by Mrs. Hill
All in favor - 7. Motion passed 7/0.
d. Agenda Item: Student Appeal # 24-31 as discussed in executive session
Motion by Mrs. Turner. Second by Mrs. Pierce.
All in favor – 7. Motion passed 7/0.
DeKalb Board of Education
April 15, 2024
Page 10 of 11
e. Agenda Item: Review of Findings in Personnel Hearing Appeal # 24-01 as discussed in
executive session
Motion by Mrs. Turner. Second by Ms. McGinniss.
All in favor – 7. Motion passed 7/0.
f. Agenda Item: Review of Findings in Personnel Hearing Appeal # 24-02 as discussed in
executive session
Motion by Mrs. Hill. Second by Mrs. Turner.
All in favor – 7. Motion passed 7/0.
g. Agenda Item: Settlement of Cheryl Watson Harris vs. DCSD as discussed in executive
session
Motion by Ms. Gevertz. Second by Mrs. Pierce.
All in favor 6 – 1 opposed by Dr. Morley, Motion passed 6/1.
h. Agenda Item: Settlement of Zakia Johnson vs. DCSD as discussed in executive session
Motion by Mrs. Hill. Second by Mrs. Turner.
All in favor - 7. Motion passed 7/0
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: D.2.a. Approval of Minutes
Motion by Mrs. Pierce. Second by Ms. Gevertz
All in favor 6 – 1 abstention by Dr. Morley, Motion passed 6/1.
b. Agenda Item: D.3.a.v. ITB 24-468 Catalog Discount Audio Visual and Fire
Safety Supplies Contract Award Approval (Not to exceed $200,000.
Motion by Ma. Gevertz. Second by Mrs. Pierce
All in favor – 7/0. Motion passed.
c. Agenda Item: D.3.a. xiii. Replacement Parts Company (Grainger) State of
Georgia Maintenance, Repair, and Operation Contract No 99999-001-SPD000
0181-001
DeKalb Board of Education
April 15, 2024
Page 11 of 11
This item was removed and tabled to the May 6, 2024, BoE meeting.
d. Agenda Item: D.5.a.i Acceptance of the February 2024 Monthly Financial Report
Motion by Mrs. Hill. Second by Ms. Gevertz.
All in favor 6 – 1 abstention by Ms. McGinniss. Motion passed 6/1.
e. Agenda Item:D.6.b.RFP 24-582R DeKalb Teacher Residency University Partner
for Early Childhood Education and Special Education (Not to exceed $770,550)
Motion by Ms. Gevertz. Second by Mrs. Pierce.
All in favor 6 – 1 abstention by Dr. Morley. Motion passed 6/1.
f. Agenda Item:D.7. a. i Renewal for RFP 23-544 for Ambulance Services (Not to
exceed $250,000)
Motion by Mrs. Hill. Second by Ms. McGinniss.
All in favor 6 – 1 abstention by Dr. Morley. Motion passed 6/1.
g. Agenda Item:D.12. a RFP 24-568 Level Data LLC (Not to exceed $247,887)
Motion by Mrs. Pierce. Second by Ms. McGinniss.
All in favor 6 –1 opposed by Dr. Morley. Motion passed 6/1.
h. Agenda Item: D.14.a. Approval of Change Order Request to REP 23-543
Comprehensive Financial Audit of E-SPLOST IV and E-SPLOST V Spending
(Not to exceed $320,000)
Motion by Ms. Pierce. Second by Ms. Gevertz.
All in favor – 6 -1 opposed by Dr. Morley. Motion passed 6/1.
ADJOURN
Mr. DaCosta, Sr. asked if there were any objections to adjourn the April 15, 2024, work session
and business meeting.
With no objections, the work session and business meeting adjourned at 9:20 pm.
_______________________ ____________________________
Secretary Ex-Officio Chair