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