Agenda Item
E. Strategic Waiver School System (SWSS) Contract Renewal
Summary: Presented by: Kina M. Champion; Director, School Innovation; Division of Community Engagement & Innovative Partnerships
Request: It is requested that the DeKalb County Board of Education approve the Strategic Waiver School System (SWSS) contract for submission to the Georgia Department of Education.
Why: To support the DeKalb County School District’s intent to continue exercising flexibility as outlined in its Strategic Waiver School System contract through June 30, 2030
Details: The State Board of Education will consider for approval all SWSS contracts at its June 12-13, 2024 meetings. Appendix A (attached as supporting documentation for this agenda item) includes the waivers requested, implementation strategies, and aligned student improvement outcomes, if required. Additional waivers, if needed, may be requested during the contract term through a contract amendment process.
Financial impact: None
Contact: Dr. Yolanda Williamson; Chief of Community Engagement & Innovative Partnerships; Division of Community Engagement & Innovative Partnerships; 678-676-0027
Ms. Kina M. Champion; Director, School Innovation; Division of Community Engagement & Innovative Partnerships; 678.676.0718
Effective: July 1, 2024 - June 30, 2030
Status: Approved by General Counsel
DEKALB COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, the DeKalb County Board of Education is the governing body of DeKalb County
School District;
WHEREAS, the DeKalb County Board of Education intends to enter into a contract with the
State Board of Education (the “State Board”) on or about July 1, 2024 for the continued
operation of DeKalb County School District as a Strategic Waiver School System (“SWSS”);
WHEREAS, pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 20-2-80, the DeKalb County Board of Education
recognizes that it is requesting increased flexibility from certain state laws, rules, and regulations
in exchange for increased accountability and defined consequences through a contract with the
State Board; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 20-2-80, the DeKalb County Board of Education
recognizes that the goal of each waiver or variance request is the improvement of student
achievement.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the DeKalb County Board of Education
approves the SWSS contract with the Georgia Department of Education, with final approval of
the SWSS contract by the State Board.
Adopted this 29th day of May 2024.
DeKalb County Board of Education
________________________________________
Mr. Diijon DaCosta, Sr., Board Chairperson
________________________________________
Dr. Devon Q. Horton, Superintendent