EXECUTIVE SESSION, WORK SESSION, COMMUNITY INPUT SESSION &
BUSINESS MEETING
OF THE
DEKALB COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION
July 8, 2024
The DeKalb County Board of Education held its Executive Session, Work Session, Community
Input Session and Business Meeting on Monday, July 8, 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 11:38 am and noted the following were in
attendance; himself, Mrs. Deirdre P. Pierce, Mrs. Anna Hill, Ms. Whitney McGinniss, Mrs.
Vickie B. Turner, Ms. Allyson Gevertz and Superintendent, Dr. Devon Q. Horton.
Also in attendance were General Counsel Attorney, Ms. Melanie Slaton 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 July 8, 2024 work session and business
meeting.
Mrs. Pierce made a motion to approve the agenda. Mrs. Turner seconded the motion. With a
vote of 6-0, the July 8, 2024, work session and business meeting agenda was approved.
RECOGNITIONS
STUDENT BOARD REPRESENTATIVE ~ No Student Representative This Month.
RECOGNITIONS ~ No Recognitions This Month
GROUP / EXTERNAL PRESENTATION ~ No Presentation This Month
SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT and COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
1. Superintendent’s Report ~ No Report This Month
2. Committee of the Whole Presentations
a. HB 147 Safe Schools Act Plan
Presented by: Mr. Larry Wright, Interim Chief of Public Safety, Chief of Staff
Division.
b. Enhancing Student Engagement: Implementing Yondr Cellphone Pouches in
Schools
Presented by: Dr. Darnell Logan, Director of Student Relations, Division of
Wrap Around Services.
DeKalb Board of Education
July 8, 2024
Page 2 of 11
REVIEW OF AGENDA ITEMS FOR THE JULY 8, 2024, BUSINESS MEETING
01.01.
BOARD OF EDUCATION ~ No Agenda Item This Month
01.02.a
Mr. DaCosta, Sr. requested that the Board of Education approve the minutes of the following
meetings: June 10, 2024 board meeting which includes the executive session, work session,
community input session and business meeting, the June 13, 2024 audit committee meeting,
June 17, 2024 1st budget presentation and millage rate hearing, June 17, 2024 virtual 2 nd millage
rate hearing, June 24, 2024 2nd budget presentation & 3rd millage rate hearing, and the June 25,
2024 board b-policy review committee meeting.
01.03.a.i.
Mr. Erick Hofstetter, Chief Operating Officer, Division of Operations, requested that the
Board of Education approve the use of the CINTAS Uniform Agreement issued through the
Omnia Cooperative Agreement Contract No. 222886, for the rental of uniforms for
Maintenance, Fleet, and AIC custodial staff, not to exceed $400,000. The contract period will
be for one (1) year, effective July 16, 2024, through July 15, 2025.
01.03.a. ii.
Mr. Erick Hofstetter, Chief Operating Officer, Division of Operations, requested that the
Board of Education approve the following ICA’s that exceed $50,000, with a total contract
value not-to-exceed $2,004,509.97:
Alliance Fire Protection ($95,000)
Century Fire Protection ($95,999.99)
Chamblee Fence Company ($95,000)
Clean A Blind of Atlanta, LLC ($95,000)
Coit Cleaning and Restoration Services ($85,000)
CS Truck & Trailer Repair Services, Inc. ($60,000)
Daikin Applied ($95,000)
Darling Ingredients, Inc. ($95,000)
Electronic Maintenance Associates, Inc. ($85,000)
Georgia Stage, LLC ($95,000)
Georgia Truck & Trailer, LLC ($99,000)
Green Diamond Waste ($80,000)
John Q Bullard Associates ($85,000)
M&H Equipment Repairs ($90,000)
Mountain High Mulch ($90,999.99)
National Roof Drainage, Inc. ($95,000)
Overhead Door Company of Atlanta ($95,000)
Peach State Truck Centers, LLC ($95,000)
Premier Grease, Inc. ($95,999.99)
Section 10, Inc. ($95,000)
Strategic Environmental Solutions, LLC ($92,510.00)
Summit Fence, LLC ($95,000)
DeKalb Board of Education
July 8, 2024
Page 3 of 11
01.03.a.iii.
Mr. Erick Hofstetter, Chief Operating Officer, Division of Operations, requested that the
Board of Education approve an easement to Georgia Power to allow for improvement to
underground distribution lines which service Chesnut Elementary School.
01.03.a.iv
Mr. Erick Hofstetter, Chief Operating Officer, Division of Operations, requested that the
Board of Education approve the easement requests at four DCSD sites to Georgia Power to
secure distribution and communication lines which service those sites and surrounding area.
The sites are Briarlake Elementary, Hawthorne Elementary, Redan Middle, and Lakeside High.
01.03.a.v
Mr. Erick Hofstetter, Chief Operating Officer, Division of Operations, requested that the
Board of Education approve an easement to Georgia Power to allow for improvement and
operation of electrical and communication lines which service the Laurel Ridge Elementary
School.
01.03.a.vi
Mr. Erick Hofstetter, Chief Operating Officer, Division of Operations, requested that the
Board of Education authorize the District to use Sourcewell Contract #042821 to purchase pest
control services from Orkin, LLC for an amount not to exceed $750,000 through June 18,
2025.
01.03.b.
BUSINESS SERVICES ~ No Agenda Item This Month
01.03.c.
FLEET and TRANSPORTATION SERVICES ~ No Agenda Item This Month
01.03.d.i.
Mr. Erick Hofstetter, Chief Operating Officer, Division of Operations, requested that the
Board of Education approve the award of Bid 24-19 School Nutrition Paper Products to
Southeastern Paper Group, LLC, in the amount not to exceed the budgeted amount of
$3,944,131 for SY 24-25.
01.03.e.i.
Mr. Erick Hofstetter, Chief Operating Officer, Division of Operations, requested that the
Board of Education approve the award of RFQu 24-752-025 for Architectural and Engineering
Services for Group 1 Security Vestibules to LS3P Associates, LTD., the most responsive and
responsible Offeror whose submittal is the most advantageous to the Board based on the
evaluation factors, for the lump sum amount of $945,000.
01.04.a.
Ms. Monika Davis, Chief Information Officer, Division of Information and Instructional
Technology requested that the Board of Education approve the renewal of device repair services
to include maintenance, repair, and warranty services from CDW-G at a cost not to exceed
$2,410,699. This is year three of a three-year agreement.
DeKalb Board of Education
July 8, 2024
Page 4 of 11
01.04.b.
Ms. Monika Davis, Chief Information Officer, Division of Information and Instructional
Technology requested that the Board of Education approve the purchase of applications support
and maintenance fees from Harris School Solutions, Inc. at a cost not to exceed $101,207. This
is a one-year agreement.
01.04.c.
Ms. Monika Davis, Chief Information Officer, Division of Information and Instructional
Technology requested that the Board of Education approve the purchase of the annual
subscription for the district's Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) application and associated
professional services with Tyler Technologies in an amount not to exceed $1,706,936.71.
This is a one-year agreement.
01.05.a.
Mr. Joel Thibodeaux, Director of Internal Audits & Compliance, Chief of Staff Division,
requested that the Board of Education approve the Annual HB147 Safe Schools Act Plan for SY
2024-2025. Mrs. Anna Hill objected to this item being placed on the consent agenda. It would
be voted on separately.
01.05.b.
Mr. Joel Thibodeaux, Director of Internal Audits & Compliance, Chief of Staff Division
requested that the Board of Education approve the lease of additional Evolv Weapons Detection
systems for select high schools, District Offices, and Stadiums for an amount of $1,650,000.
Ms. Whitney McGinniss objected to this item being placed on the consent agenda. It would be
voted on separately.
01.05.c.
Mr. Joel Thibodeaux, Director of Internal Audits & Compliance, Chief of Staff Division
requested that the Board of Education approve the payment of accreditation membership to
COGNIA (formerly AdvancED) for all DeKalb schools for the 2024-2025 school year, in an
amount not to exceed $147,000.
01.06.a.
Mr. Byron Schueneman, Chief Financial Officer, Division of Finance, requested that the Board
of Education accept the May 2024 Monthly Financial Report.
01.06.b.
Mr. Byron Schueneman, Chief Financial Officer, Division of Finance, requested that the Board
of Education approve the renewal and amendment of the agreement with Loomis Armored US,
LLC to continue to provide armored car services for the first of four one-year renewal periods
for an amount not to exceed $452,544.
01.06.c.
Mr. Byron Schueneman, Chief Financial Officer, Division of Finance, requested that the Board
of Education approve the annual PowerSchool agreement in the amount of $558,615.
PowerSchool, previously Allovue, will provide a platform for resource allocation and budget
development.
DeKalb Board of Education
July 8, 2024
Page 5 of 11
01.07.a.
Mrs. Tasha Davis Mills, Chief Human Resource Officer, Division of Human Resources,
requested that the Board of Education approve the July 2024 Human Resources Report.
01.08.a.
Dr. Candace Alexander, Executive Director of Professional Development, Division of Schools
& Leadership, requested that the Board of Education approve the award for RFP 24-585
Leadership Development Services to The Leadership Academy Inc., the most responsive and
responsible bidder in an amount not to exceed $249,500.
01.08.b.
ATHLETICS ~ No Agenda Item This Month
01.09.a.
Ms. Stacy Stepney, Chief Academic Officer, Division of Curriculum & Instruction, requested
that the Board of Education approve the MOA between ChanceLight, through the
Ombudsman Educational Services Division, and the DeKalb County School District for an
amount not to exceed $622,530. Mr. DaCosta, Sr. objected to this agenda item. It would be
voted on separately.
01.09.b.
Ms. Stacy Stepney, Chief Academic Officer, Division of Curriculum & Instruction, requested
that the Board of Education approve the Memorandum of Agreement between the Acceleration
Academies and the DeKalb County School District to serve up to 200 students in an amount
not to exceed $2,766,800.
01.10.a.
Dr. Kishia Towns, Chief of Wrap Around Services, Division of Wrap Around Services
requested that the Board of Education approve the Letter of Agreement between Communities
in Schools of Atlanta, Inc., and the DeKalb County School District (DCSD), for an additional
year for an amount not to exceed $325,000.
01.10.b.
Dr. Kishia Towns, Chief of Wrap Around Services, Division of Wrap Around Services
requested that the Board of Education approve the purchase of Yondr cellphone pouches to be
implemented in 10 pilot schools for the 2024-25 school year (12,916 students plus 15% buffer
for 14,853 students). This request is aligned to Strategic Goal Area 4, Culture and Climate for
an amount not to exceed $400,000.
01.11.a.
Dr. Norman Sauce III, Chief of Student Services, Division of Student Services requested that
the Board of Education approve the Memorandum of Agreement between the DeKalb County
School District (DCSD) and Laurel Heights Hospital (LHH) in an amount not to exceed
$414,103.
DeKalb Board of Education
July 8, 2024
Page 6 of 11
01.11.b.
Dr. Norman Sauce III, Chief of Student Services, Division of Student Services requested that
the Board of Education approve the contract renewal of RFP 21-522R1 with the following
seven vendors: Cobb Pediatrics (DBA Stepping Stones), Comprehensive Behavior Change,
Core Therapy, Kadiant, Maxim, Pathways (Rebecca Lamont), and Southern Behavior
Group, as the most responsive and responsible bidders to provide behavior intervention
services for more than $100,000 per vendor, not to exceed the total contract amount of
$2,000,000.
01.11.c.
Dr. Norman Sauce III, Chief of Student Services, Division of Student Services requested that
the Board of Education approve the contract renewal between MRESA and MEGLRS for the
FY25 school year for an amount not to exceed $180,000.
01.11.d.
Dr. Norman Sauce III, Chief of Student Services, Division of Student Services requested that
the Board of Education approve the purchase of professional translation and interpretation
services from the following vendors in excess of $100,000.00 with a combined total not to
exceed $1,200,000 for the following vendors:
ALTA Language Services
Language Line Services
LATN Language Solutions
Piedmont Global Language Service
Real Time Translation
SeSo, Inc.
Translation Station, Inc.
TransPerfect
Zab Translation Solutions
01.11.e.
Dr. Norman Sauce III, Chief of Student Services, Division of Student Services requested that
the Board of Education approve the Memorandum of Agreement between the Georgia
Department of Education and the DeKalb County School District on behalf of the Georgia
Learning Resources System for an amount not to exceed $564,000.00.
01.12.
EQUITY & INCLUSION ~ No Agenda Items This Month
01.13.a.
Dr. Felicia Rhone, Director of Assessments, Division of Accountability & Continuous
Improvement, requested that the Board of Education approve the renewal of Renaissance:
Illuminate DnA in an amount not to exceed $750,000 for SY 2024-2025. The requested
purchase is a testing expenditure that does not require bid per the District’s Purchasing Board
Policy (DJE).
01.14.a.i.
DeKalb Board of Education
July 8, 2024
Page 7 of 11
Dr. Yolanda Williamson, Chief of Community Engagement & Innovative Partnerships,
Services, Division of Community Engagement & Innovative Partnerships, requested that the
Board of Education accept funding for the Leader In Me Program from the GaDOE to support
the Leader in Me Program at Stoneview Elementary, Flat Rock Elementary, Oakview
Elementary, Stone Mountain Elementary, Leadership Preparatory Academy, Columbia
Elementary, Fairington Elementary, Idlewood Elementary, Princeton Elementary, Briar Vista
Elementary, Doraville United Elementary, Flat Shoals Elementary, Jolly Elementary, Redan
Elementary, Woodridge Elementary, Chapel Hill Elementary, Dunwoody Elementary, Shadow
Rock Elementary, Woodward Elementary, Tucker Middle, Druid Hills Middle, and Ronald
McNair Middle in the amount of $1,454,037.49.
01.15.a.i.
LEGAL SERVICES ~ No Agenda Item This Month
AMENDMENT TO THE BYLAWS AND POLICIES
F.1.
Mrs. Marissa Key, Executive Director of Legal Services, Division of Legal Services requested
that the Board of Education rescind Board Policy: BAB: School Board Governance.
F.2.
Mrs. Marissa Key, Executive Director of Legal Services, Division of Legal Services requested
that the Board of Education amend Board Policy GAEB: Sexual Harassment of Employees.
F.3.
Mrs. Marissa Key, Executive Director of Legal Services, Division of Legal Services requested
that the Board of Education amend Board Policy JCAC: Sexual Harassment of Students.
F.4.
Mrs. Marissa Key, Executive Director of Legal Services, Division of Legal Services requested
that the Board of Education amend Board Policy IFBG: Internet Acceptable Use.
F.5.
Mrs. Marissa Key, Executive Director of Legal Services, Division of Legal Services requested
that the Board of Education accept an amendment to Board Policy BBA: Board Officers for
First Read. The proposed revisions are requested to update the policy and to clarify the current
language. This policy has been reviewed and analyzed by the Board Policy Committee. The
Committee agrees on the recommended revisions.
ADJOURN TO AN EXECUTIVE SESSION
Mr. DaCosta, Sr. called for a motion to adjourn July 8, 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 Mrs. Pierce and with a vote of (6/0), the July 8, 2024,
meeting adjourned to executive session at 3:49 pm.
ADJOURN THE EXECUTIVE SESSION
DeKalb Board of Education
July 8, 2024
Page 8 of 11
Mr. DaCosta, Sr. called to adjourn the July 8, 2024, executive session to convene the business
meeting.
On a motion by Mrs. Hill, seconded by Mrs. Turner and with a vote of (6/0), the July 8, 2024,
executive session adjourned to the work session.
PERSONNEL RECOMMENDATIONS FROM EXECUTIVE SESSION
G.2.a.
Mrs. Tasha Davis, Chief of Human Resources, Division of Human Resources, requested that the
Board of Education approve the hiring recommendation of Mr. Chuck Nwagwu to the position
of Director of Total Rewards in the Division of Human Resources.
G.2.b.
Mrs. Tasha Davis, Chief of Human Resources, Division of Human Resources, requested that the
Board of Education approve the hiring recommendation of Ms. Carina R. Harrigan to the
position of Director IGNITE Teacher Residency in the Division of Human Resources.
G.2.c.
Mrs. Tasha Davis, Chief of Human Resources, Division of Human Resources, requested that the
Board of Education approve the hiring recommendation of Mrs. Janitrea R. Sebree-Kelly to the
position of Director of Human Resources Human Resource Information Systems in the Division
of Human Resources.
G.2.d.
Mrs. Tasha Davis, Chief of Human Resources, Division of Human Resources, requested that the
Board of Education approve the hiring recommendation of Mr. Jason E. Kennedy to the position
of Deputy Chief Human Resource Officer in the Division of Human Resources.
G.2.e.
Mrs. Tasha Davis, Chief of Human Resources, Division of Human Resources, requested that the
Board of Education approve the hiring recommendation of Ms. Torry A. Ivey to the position of
Executive Administrator of Schools in the Division of Schools & Leadership.
G.2.f.
Mrs. Tasha Davis, Chief of Human Resources, Division of Human Resources, requested that the
Board of Education approve the hiring recommendation of Dr. Monique Kimbell to the position
of Director of MTSS in the Division of Curriculum & Instruction.
G.2.g.
Mrs. Tasha Davis, Chief of Human Resources, Division of Human Resources, requested that the
Board of Education approve the hiring recommendation of Dr. Lynn Angus Ramos to the
position of Director of Literacy in the Division of Curriculum & Instruction.
G.2.h.
DeKalb Board of Education
July 8, 2024
Page 9 of 11
Mrs. Tasha Davis, Chief of Human Resources, Division of Human Resources, requested that the
Board of Education approve the hiring recommendation of Dr. Penny Mosley to the position of
Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum & Instruction (P-5) in the Division of Curriculum &
Instruction.
G.2.i.
Mrs. Tasha Davis, Chief of Human Resources, Division of Human Resources, requested that the
Board of Education approve the hiring recommendation of Dr. Candace Y. Alexander to the
position of Chief of Accountability & Continuous Improvement in the Division of
Accountability & Continuous Improvement.
G.2.j.
Mrs. Tasha Davis, Chief of Human Resources, Division of Human Resources, requested that the
Board of Education approve the hiring recommendation of Mrs. Myss T. Johnson-Jelks to the
position of Executive Director of Athletics in the Division of Equity. Relative Disclosure: Mrs.
Johnson-Jelks is the wife of a Teacher and Head Football Coach at Stephenson High School.
G.2.k.
Mrs. Tasha Davis, Chief of Human Resources, Division of Human Resources, requested that the
Board of Education approve the hiring recommendation of Mr. Tracey Whatley to the position
of Executive Director of Public Safety in the Chief of Staff Division.
G.2.l.
Mrs. Tasha Davis, Chief of Human Resources, Division of Human Resources, requested that the
Board of Education approve the hiring recommendation of Ms. Terri D. Brown to the position
of Area Superintendent of Elementary in the Division of Schools & Leadership.
G.2.m.
Mrs. Tasha Davis, Chief of Human Resources, Division of Human Resources, requested that the
Board of Education approve the hiring recommendation of Ms. Emma Oakley to the position of
Director of Information Technology Support Services in the Division of Information &
Instructional Technology.
G.2.n.
Mrs. Tasha Davis, Chief of Human Resources, Division of Human Resources, requested that the
Board of Education approve the hiring recommendation of Mr. Brandan Lane to the position of
Director of Athletics in the Division of Equity & Inclusion.
G.2.o.
Mrs. Tasha Davis, Chief of Human Resources, Division of Human Resources, requested that the
Board of Education approve the hiring recommendation of Ms. Rose Prejean Harris to the
position of Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum & Instruction (6-12) in the Division of
Curriculum & Instruction.
DeKalb Board of Education
July 8, 2024
Page 10 of 11
G.2.p.
Mrs. Tasha Davis, Chief of Human Resources, Division of Human Resources, requested that the
Board of Education approve the hiring recommendation of Mr. David Mitchell to the position of
Assistant Principal. Relative Disclosure: Mr. David Mitchell is the brother of an Area
Superintendent in the Division of Schools & Leadership.
G.2.q.
Mrs. Tasha Davis, Chief of Human Resources, Division of Human Resources, requested that the
Board of Education approve the hiring recommendation of Mr. Carlos Preston to the position of
Interrelated Special Education Teacher. Relative Disclosure: Mr. Preston is the brother of the
Chief of Community Engagement and Innovative Partnerships.
G.2.r.
Mrs. Tasha Davis, Chief of Human Resources, Division of Human Resources, requested that the
Board of Education approve the hiring recommendation of Mr. Anderson Spince to the position
of Director of Early Learning Center in the Division of Student Services.
G.2.s.
Mrs. Tasha Davis, Chief of Human Resources, Division of Human Resources, requested that the
Board of Education approve the hiring recommendation of Mr. Trenton Arnold to the position
of Executive Administrator of Schools in the Division of Schools & Leadership.
With no objections, the personnel recommendations from executive session were approved.
The community input session began at 5:45 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. Eric Naindouba
2. Danielle Nichols
3. Parrish Brown
4. Jeannette Fusia
5. Phaylicia Murphy
CONVENE THE BUSINESS MEETING
Mr. DaCosta, Sr. called for a motion to convene the July 8, 2024 business meeting.
On a motion by Mrs. Turner. Seconded by Mrs. Gevertz, and a vote of 6/0, the business meeting
convened.
DeKalb Board of Education
July 8, 2024
Page 11 of 11
CONSENT AGENDA
Mr. DaCosta, Sr. called for a motion to approve the July 8, 2024, consent agenda items.
On a motion by Mrs. Turner, seconded by Mrs. Pierce and with a vote of 6/0 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 #24-19
Motion by Mrs. Hill. Seconded by Ms. McGinniss
All in favor – 5. 1 Opposition by Mr. DaCosta. Motion passed 5/1.
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: E.5.a. HB 147 School Safety Plan
This item was removed from the agenda. It would be discussed at another meeting.
b. Agenda Item: E.5.b. Evolv Weapons
Motion by Mrs. Turner. Seconded by Ms. Gevertz.
All in favor – 5. 1 – Abstention by Ms. McGinniss. Motion passed 5/1.
c. Agenda Item: E.9.a. MOA between ChanceLight and DCSD
Motion by Mrs. Pierce. Seconded by Mrs. Hill.
All in favor – 5. 1- Abstention by Mr. DaCosta, Sr. Motion passed 5/1.
ADJOURN
Mr. DaCosta, Sr. asked if there were any objections to adjourn the July 8, 2024, work session
and business meeting.
With no objections, the work session and business meeting adjourned at 6:07 pm.
_______________________ ____________________________
Secretary Ex-Officio Chair