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
Paper Ballot Results
DeKalb Magnet School of the Arts (3)
DeKalb Elementary and Middle School of
the Arts (1)
DeKalb Arts Academy (14)
DeKalb Enrichment School of the Arts (3)