Executive Session, Work Session, Community Input Session & Business Meeting

Summary: BOARD MEMBERS:
Mr. Diijon DaCosta, Sr., Board Chair
Mrs. Deirdre P. Pierce, Vice Chair
Mrs. Anna Hill
Ms. Whitney McGinniss
Ms. Allyson Gevertz
Mrs. Vickie B. Turner
Dr. Joyce Morley

Dr. Devon Q. Horton, Superintendent

Summary: It is requested that the DeKalb County Board of Education adopt the September 9, 2024 work session and business meeting agenda.

Motion by: ________________
Seconded by: _____________
Vote: ______________

Summary: Presented by: Dr. Devon Q. Horton, Superintendent

Summary: Presented by: Dr. Candace Alexander, Chief of Accountability & Continuous Improvement, Division of Accountability & Continuous Improvement

Summary: Presented by: Plante Moran

Summary: Presented by: Mr. Diijon DaCosta, Sr., Board Chair

Summary: Presented by: Dr. Devon Q. Horton, Superintendent

Status: Attorney Approval Not Required

Summary: Presented by: Erick Hofstetter, Chief Operating Officer, Division of Operations

Request: It is requested that the DeKalb County Board of Education ("the Board") approve an easement to Georgia Power to secure distribution and communication lines which service Panola Way Elementary School and surrounding area.

Details: The easement request allows Georgia Power to trim and clear trees and other obstructions in the requested area. The purpose of this project is to secure the electric transmission and/or distribution lines and/or communication lines which service Panola Way ES. Any timber cut on the Easement Area by or for the Company shall remain the property of the owner of said timber.

Financial impact: As this easement will directly benefit DeKalb County School District ("DCSD"), the financial impact of this easement will be $300.00 paid by Georgia Power to DCSD.

Contact: Mr. Erick Hofstetter, Chief Operating Officer, Division of Operations, 678.676.1447
Mr. Richard Boyd, Director of Design and Construction, Division of Operations, 678.676.1483
Mr. Hans G, Williams, Director of Planning & Capital Improvement, Division of Operations, 678.676.1588

Effective: Upon Board Approval

Status: Approved by the Office of Legal Affairs

Summary: Presented by : Mr. Erick Hofstetter, Chief Operating Officer, Division of Operations

Request: It is requested that the DeKalb County Board of Education approve the use of the National Public Seating Agreement issued through The Interlocking Purchasing System (TIPS) Contract No. 230301, for the purchase of cafeteria tables for a not to exceed amount of $3,000,000.

Pursuant to Contract No. 230301, the subject purchase shall be through National Public Seating's authorized distributor, Nesewonger Audio Visuals.

DCSD requests use of the cooperative agreement for one (1) year (9/9/2024- 8/31/2025) with the option to renew on an annual basis with Board of Education approval.

Details: On March 2, 2023, The Interlocking Purchasing System (TIPS) issued a solicitation for Furniture, Furnishings, and Services. National Public Seating was one of multiple vendors awarded Contract No. 230301 through The Interlocking Purchasing System (TIPS). effective May 31, 2023, through May 31, 2028, with the option to renew for one (1) additional year through May 31, 2029.

Financial impact: Cafeteria table purchases will be charged from General Operations funds code 100.2600.561500.00011.7620.9990.8010.040.0000, for a not to exceed amount of $3,000,000.

Contact: Mr. Erick Hofstetter, Chief Operating Officer, Division of Operations, 678.676.1447
Mr. Keith Singleton, Director of Business Services, Division of Operations, 678.676.1422

Effective: Upon Board Approval

Status: Approved by the Office of Legal Affairs

Summary: Presented by: Mr. Erick Hofstetter, Chief Operating Officer, Division of Operations

Request: It is requested that the DeKalb County Board of Education (“the Board”) approve the contract award of RFP #24-581 for Fleet Garage Doors Replacement to King Overhead Door Systems, not to exceed $680,000 the most responsive and responsible vendor whose proposal best meets the requirements set forth in the proposal documents and contract obligations identified herein.

Details: The Request for Proposal (“RFP”) #24-581 was issued by the Purchasing department on February 15, 2024, for Fleet Garage Doors Replacement. Two (2) bids were reviewed, and both were deemed responsive to the requirements of the solicitation and evaluated by a selection committee. The successful bidder, King Overhead Door Systems, was selected as the most responsive and responsible offeror and this recommendation is based on the evaluations.

Services shall include all labor, materials, tools, specialized equipment, supplies, electricity utilized, venue security cost of specialized equipment and supplies/ equipment belonging to the vendor, trained personnel, insurance, travel per diem, direct and indirect administrative cost, overhead, tolls, parking, fuel, lodging, food, all other cost and charges, and all things and services necessary to provide services in accordance with the requirements in RFP #24-581.

Financial impact: It is anticipated that the cost for these services may not exceed $680,000 within a fiscal year and will be allocated from charge code 100.2600.543012.00011.7520.9990.8013.040.0000.

Contact: Mr. Erick Hofstetter, Chief Operating Officer, Division of Operations, 678.676.1447
Mr. Cedric A. Burse, Director of Fleet Services, Division of Operations, 678.676.1384

Effective: Upon Board Approval and a fully executed contract.

Status: Approved by the Office of Legal Affairs

Summary: Presented by: Mr. Erick Hofstetter, Chief Operating Officer, Division of Operations

Request: It is requested that the DeKalb County Board of Education ("the Board") approve contract renewal #2 for RFP No. 22-752-025 for Program Management Services to ACERM - (AECOM Technical Services, Inc. (AECOM) and Corporate Environmental Risk Management (CERM)) in the amount not to exceed $3,089,040.05.

Additionally, it is requested that the Board approve an increase of $980,832 to the contract renewal #2 amount to incorporate additional program staff requested by DeKalb County School District ("DCSD"). The cost for the additional staff will be based on rate tables approved as part of the original contract, but modified to include the additional positions.

The total Not-to-Exceed amount for contract renewal#2 of the ACERM Program Management Services Contract is $4,069,872.05.

Details: On November 14, 2022, the Board approved ACERM - (AECOM in partnership with CERM) as the most advantageous vendor for program management services. As required by applicable law, an annual approval for extension of services under the Master Agreement for Program Management Services contract shall be presented to the Board for each succeeding year. This contract was executed on November 14, 2022. AECOM is located at 1360 Peachtree Street, Suite 500, Atlanta, GA 30309. This recommendation is for contract renewal #2 of 4, one (1) year contract renewal options.

Financial impact: The total contract extension will be allocated from the E-SPLOST VI cost code 306.8013.90236.MGTADMIN for a total not to exceed amount of $4,069,872.05 for Program Management Services.

Contact: Mr. Erick Hofstetter, Chief Operating Officer, Division of Operations, 678.676.1447
Mr. Richard Boyd, Director of Design and Construction, Division of Operations, 678.676.1483

Effective: Upon Board Approval and October 1, 2024, renewal date.

Status: Approved by Office of Legal Affairs

Summary: Presented by: Mr. Erick Hofstetter, Chief Operating Officer, Division of Operations

Request: It is requested that the DeKalb County Board of Education (“the Board”) approve the award of RFQu No. 24-752-033 for CM@Risk (“Construction Management Services”) for the Stoneview Elementary School HVAC System Replacement and Renovations project to Skanska USA Building Inc.

Skanska USA Building Inc. is selected as the most responsive and responsible Offeror whose proposal is the most advantageous based on the evaluation factors set forth in the Request for Qualifications (RFQu.) solicitation document.

Additionally, it is requested that the Board approve a not-to-exceed amount of $100,000, for the Pre-Construction Phase Fee associated with this contract agreement. Additional packages will be presented to the Board for approval as indicated below:


Early release package tentatively scheduled for presentation - Fall 2024
Final Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) will be presented Winter 2024-2025.

Additional sub packages may be presented to the Board for approval as needed.

Details: Specific details related to the scope of work for this Request for Qualifications can be found on the DCSD solicitation website at http://www.dekalbschoolsga.org/solicitations/.

The RFQu was issued on May 23, 2024, and notification of the upcoming solicitation was sent via email to 50 vendors from the DCSD vendor list and 766 vendors through the State of GA Procurement Registry. The solicitation was advertised in the Champion newspaper and posted on the DCSD website. Seventeen (17) representatives attended the mandatory pre-proposal meeting on June 6, 2024, representing ten (10) construction managers. Four (4) statements of qualifications were received on June 27, 2024, for the Stoneview Elementary School HVAC System Replacement and Renovations project. All four (4) were deemed responsive and evaluated by a selection committee. This recommendation is based on the evaluations.

Skanska USA Building USA will be responsible for the construction management services as set forth in the proposal documents. The DCSD Standard Form of Construction Management Contract will be used. The award of this contract will allow for the commencement of the pre-construction phase of the construction management services for this project. Skanska USA Building USA is located at 245 Peachtree Center Ave NE, Suite 2500, Atlanta, Georgia 30303.

Financial impact: The total budget of $100,000 for the Pre-Construction fee and reimbursable expenses associated with the contract agreement for the Stoneview Elementary School HVAC System Replacement and Renovations project will be allocated from cost code SP5FACCON.35535.GENCONTR under the DCSD voter-approved E-SPLOST V program.

Contact: Mr. Erick Hofstetter, Chief Operating Officer, Division of Operations, 678-676-1447
Mr. Richard Boyd, Director of Design and Construction, Division of Operations, 678-676-1483

Effective: Upon Board Approval and a fully executed contract.

Status: Approved by the Office of Legal Affairs

Summary: Presented by: Mr. Erick Hofstetter, Chief Operating Officer, Division of Operations

Request: It is requested that the Board of Education ("the Board") approve a contract renewal for an Annual License for the use of the Kahua Project Management Information System (PMIS) software to Kahua for a not-to-exceed amount of $376,000. This request is for the second of four (2 of 4) one-year contract renewals and will extend the contract with Kahua from October 15, 2024, to October 14, 2025.

Details: In anticipation of the end of E-SPLOST V and the start of E-SPLOST VI, Operations’ staff started investigating PMIS software systems in late 2021/early 2022 that would be DCSD owned and used by both DCSD and E-SPLOST Program Manager staff. DCSD staff evaluated PMIS software products from multiple vendors and selected Kahua due to its capabilities and ease of use.

At its May 8, 2023, meeting, the Board approved the initial one-year annual subscription with four (4) one-year renewal options. At its February 12, 2024 meeting, the Board approved the first of four one-year contract renewal options. The current request is for the second of four (#2 of 4) one-year renewal options for a not-to-exceed amount of $376,000 and will allow for the continued use of the annual subscription for the Kahua Project Management Information System (PMIS) software by an unlimited number of users for DCSD E-SPLOST and non-E-SPLOST Capital Improvement Projects.

Financial impact: The total contract amount for these services in the not-to-exceed amount of $376,000 will be allocated from the General Fund 300 Budget, Project #00230

GL Code: 306.8013.90136.

Contact: Mr. Erick Hofstetter, Chief  Operating Officer, Division of Operations, 678.676.1447
Mr. Richard Boyd, Director of Design and Construction, Division of Operations, 678.676.1483

Effective: Upon Board Approval

Status: Approved by Office of Legal Affairs

Summary: Presented by: Monika Davis, Chief Information Officer, Division of Information and Instructional Technology

Request: It is requested that the Board of Education approve the purchase of professional services to provide staffing augmentation, maintenance, and monitoring services for network, data center, and cloud services with Blue Mantis for an amount not to exceed $3,718,039.

Details: The DeKalb County School District is committed to providing equitable access to an empowered learning and work environment supported by innovative technology and a robust, secure, and constantly accessible network. As a result, the transformation and sustainability of the district’s technology infrastructure are mission-critical. Implementation of current and future technology projects outlined by the MIRACLES (www.dekalbschoolsga.org/miracles) initiative are key to realizing the district’s commitment to digital equity, empowered learning environments, as well as business continuity.

Due to continued and ongoing staffing challenges in DIIT coupled with technology infrastructure change management, critical staffing gaps and capacity that are necessary to complete key projects and milestones within identified timelines continue to surface. As with most industries hiring for IT-related positions, the district is experiencing challenges with hiring IT-related staff. It has been determined that the district must secure complementary professional technology services and support to fill these gaps to ensure these projects are completed with fidelity.

In March 2023, the Board of Education approved the contract renewal for Blue Mantis (formerly, GreenPages Technology Solutions) to provide engineering and strategic planning services along with necessary hardware purchases. With the approval of the SPLOST VI network enhancement projects and the continued loss of skilled staff, there remains a need to add full-time staffing support with the technical experience and knowledge to ensure all infrastructure transformation projects are completed with fidelity. This agenda item requests additional funding for an additional year to cover these costs.

It is important to note that this is an intermittent staffing solution that will ensure key digital transformation and modernization projects are completed according to scope, timeline, and within budget. The ultimate goal is to continue to develop, invest in, and enhance the district’s existing information technology workforce. However, immediate assistance is necessary to fill the gaps in knowledge, skill, and capacity.

In accordance with Board of Education Purchasing Policy DJE III.D.3.d., the Purchasing Department shall be authorized to make purchases through inter-governmental and educational cooperatives, alliances, and consortiums to achieve cost savings and administrative efficiencies based on economies of scale. Therefore, this purchase will utilize the National Cooperative Purchasing Alliance cooperative purchasing agreement 01-96.

Financial impact: $3,718,039

SPLOST VI- $2,552,975 -306.2210.530000.80336.7600.9990.8010.070.0000
General Fund - $1,165,064 - 100.2800.530000.00011.7600.9990.0308.070.0000

Contact: Ms. Monika Davis, Chief Information Officer, Division of Information & Instructional Technology, 678-676-1274

Effective: Upon Board Approval

Status: Approved by Office of Legal Affairs

Summary: Present by: Monika T. Davis, Chief Information Officer, Division of Information and Instructional Technology

Request: It is requested the Board of Education approve the purchase of internet connectivity options and associated infrastructure components from T-Mobile in an amount not to exceed $360,000. The district will utilize the State of Georgia contract for T-Mobile.

Details: The district is committed to providing necessary support for every student participating in remote learning experiences. This request specifically addresses the need to purchase internet connectivity options to assist students in households without connectivity to the internet.







All requests for assistance will be vetted and reviewed by the district. In addition, utilization will be monitored to ensure return on investment.







Board Policy DJE allows purchases to be made through contracts formally solicited and obtained by the State of Georgia to achieve cost savings and administrative efficiencies. As a result, the internet connectivity options purchases will utilize:









Georgia Technology Authority No. 9800-GTA794-T for T-Mobile

Financial impact: FINANCIAL IMPACT:



$360,000




General Funds 



100.2800.553000.00011.7600.9990.0308.070.0000

Contact: Monika T. Davis, Chief Information Officer, Division of Information and Instructional Technology, 678-676-1274

Effective: Upon Board Approval

Status: Approved by the Office of Legal Affairs

Summary: Presented by: Ms. Monika Davis, Chief Information Officer, Division of Information & Instructional Technology

Request: It is requested that the Board of Education approve the purchase of information and network security services and associated infrastructure components from Dell EMC, Layer 3, Blue Ally, Vivacity Tech, and Microsoft at a cost not to exceed $2,126,660.84.

Details: The SecureIT Initiative is a comprehensive ongoing program designed to bolster the district's information, cyber, and network security. This agenda item seeks funding to continue support that protects sensitive district data and technology assets. By implementing a proactive security posture and mitigating potential risks, the initiative aims to safeguard the district's operations and maintain public trust.

Below are the key strategies for the SecureIT Initiative:


Revise and develop policies, standards and procedures required for the protection of confidential information  
Increase student, faculty, staff, and community awareness of information security through training and communication  
Identify risks to the security of information and systems. Mitigate these risks to levels  acceptable to the district’s leadership  
Refine security requirements, establish baselines and measure compliance, based on applicable laws, regulations, and leveraging industry best practices  
Consult with the district’s users and departments to investigate security issues and evaluate products and processes  
Collaborate with key stakeholders/leadership, utilize external resources and leverage technical staff to develop Dekalb County School District’s information security strategy and architecture  
Ensure incident response and disaster recovery plans are implemented, routinely tested and continuously refined  
Respond to and recover from disruptive and destructive information security events  

Please note that this agenda item provides a high-level overview and is purposely written with limitations to protect the district's security posture.

The vendors associated with the SecureIT Initiative will utilize existing Board approved RFP awards, state contracts, and government cooperative agreements.


Board Policy DJE allows purchases to be made through contracts formally solicited and obtained by the State of Georgia to achieve cost savings and administrative efficiencies. As a result, the SecureIT Initiative will utilize the state of Georgia contract #99999-001-SPD0000139-0004 for Dell EMC.
The vendors associated with the SecureIT Initiative will utilize existing Board approved RFP awards, state contracts, and government cooperative agreements.
Board Policy DJE III.D.3.d. allows purchases to be made through contracts formally solicited and obtained by the State of Georgia to achieve cost savings and administrative efficiencies. As a result, the SecureIT Initiative will utilize:

Gergia contract #99999-001-SPD0000139-0004 for Dell EMC
Gergia contract #99999-SPD-NVPUT3229-0001 for Layer 3
Gergia Department of Administrative Services contract U#7752567 for Microsoft


Board Policy DJE III.D.3.d., authorizes the Purchasing Department to make purchases through inter-governmental and educational cooperatives, alliances, and consortiums to achieve cost savings and administrative efficiencies based on economies of scale. As a result, the SecureIT Initiative will utilize the National Cooperative Purchasing Alliance cooperative purchasing agreement #01-170 for Vivacity Tech.
Board Policy DJE III.D.3.c., authorizes the Purchasing Department to make purchases as a single source if the required goods or services can only be obtained from one source among others in a competitive marketplace for a substantial reason such as compatibility or standardization which is applicable to Blue Ally for this purchase.

Financial impact: $2,126,880.84

Professional Services - 100.2800.530000.0001.7600.9990.0308.070.0000
Computer Software - 100.1000.561200.00011.7600.9990.0308.070.0000
Expendable Equipment - 100.2210.561500.00011.7600.9990.0308.070.0000

Contact: Ms. Monika T. Davis, Chief Information Officer, Division of Information & Instructional Technology, 678.676.1274

Effective: Upon Board approval

Status: Approved by Office of Legal Affairs

Summary: Presented by: Ms. Monika Davis, Chief Information Officer, Division of Information & Instructional Technology

Request: It is requested that the Board of Education approve the purchase of laptop and desktop devices, installation, support services, and associated components from Virtucom, CDW-G, and Apple Inc. in an amount not to exceed $3,381,087.04.

Details: The district is committed to providing the necessary technology tools for schools and teachers to facilitate a learning environment and departments to conduct the operating business of the district. The purchase of technology devices are necessary to support equitable access to hybrid and virtual learning applications and digital content and connect with teachers. This purchase aims to establish a systematic and uniform system for procuring technology device purchases, accessories, and components.

In accordance with Board of Education Purchasing Policy DJE III.D.3.d. The Purchasing Department shall be authorized to make purchases through inter-governmental and educational cooperatives, alliances, and consortiums to achieve cost savings and administrative efficiencies based on economies of scale. Therefore, this purchase will utilize the Sourcewell cooperative purchasing agreement #081419-CDW-G, Virtucom (state contract), and Apple (sole source). For this school year, all district purchases for devices (computers, laptops, Chromebooks, tablets, networked printers) will utilize approved contracts from these approved vendors because support services are already set up. In addition, only devices from these approved vendors will be allowed to access the DCSD secured network, which provides access to network printing and other specialized network-related services.

Financial impact: $3,381,087.04
$ 261,626 from 100.1000.561600.00011.7940.3011.8010.035.0000 - General Fund
$2,674,450 from 306.1000.561600.80236.7600.9990.0000.070.0000 - SPLOST VI

Contact: Monika T. Davis, Chief Information Officer, Division of Information & Instructional Technology, 678-676-1274

Effective: Upon Board approval

Status: Approved by Office of Legal Affairs

Summary: Presented by:
Mr. Elijah Palmer, Chief of Staff/ Superintendent Division

Request: It is requested that the Board of Education approve the Annual HB147 Safe Schools Act Plan for SY 2024-2025.

Details: Every public school shall conduct drills with students, school administrators, teachers, and other school personnel on the execution of school safety plans in such form and at such intervals based upon guidance from the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency. This will include training in multidisciplinary best practices for promoting and preserving safe schools and for identifying and deterring youth gangs in such programs.

Financial impact: No Financial Impact

Contact: Mr. Elijah Palmer, Chief of Staff, Chief of Staff Division 678.457.3254
Mr. Kenneth Gilstrap, Safe Schools Specialist III/ Chief of Staff Division/404.436.7080
Chief Tracey Whaley, Chief of Public Safety, Chief of Staff Division / 678.873.8921

Effective: Upon Board Approval

Status: Attorney approval not required

Summary: Presented by: Mr. Elijah Palmer, Chief of Staff, Chief of Staff Division

Request: It is requested that the Board of Education approve the contract for Leadership Transformation Training. This training will be provided /facilitated by the Initiative One Leadership Institute.

Details: This recommendation is for a one-time contract/agreement to provide face-to-face training sessions focused on transformational leadership. This training is designed for leaders who supervise school-based leaders and other leaders across the district.

Financial impact: The cost of $97,500 will be covered by funds allocated within the leadership development budget.

GL Code: 100.1000.530000.00011.7250.9990.8010.020.0000

Contact: Mr. Elijah Palmer, Chief of Staff, Chief of Staff Division, 678.676.0791
Ms. Jackie Simmons, Office of the Superintendent, 678.676.0524
Dr. Bernetta Jones, Administrator, Office of the Superintendent, 678.676.0788
Mrs. Michelle Dillard, Chief of Schools, Division of Schools & Leadership, 678.676.0542

Effective: October 2024 ~ April 2025

Status: Approved for Legal Sufficiency

Summary: Presented by: Mr. Joel Thibodeaux, Director of Internal Audits & Compliance, Chief of Staff Division

Request: It is requested that the Board of Education approve the contract for RFP No. 24-594 for the Operations and IT Assessment in an amount not to exceed $264,900 to the Center for Effective School Operations (CESO), the most responsive and responsible vendor.

Details: This request is for contracted services from CESO to conduct an Organizational assessment of the Operations and IT Divisions. The assessment will include an in-depth review and assessment of Operations, including work order processing, facilities maintenance, Transportation safety & training, school nutrition services, and business services. The IT portion of the review will include assessments of helpdesk operations, resource management and allocation, security & infrastructure, staffing, IT business operations and other functions as identified by DCSD.

Financial impact: The total budget for these services is allocated from the cost code: 100.2300.530000.00011.7000.9990.8010.010.0000

Contact: Mr. Joel Thibodeaux, Director of Internal Audits & Compliance, Chief of Staff Division, 678-676-0740

Effective: November 2024

Status: Approved by Office of Legal Affairs

Summary: Presented by: Mr. Byron Schueneman, Chief Financial Officer, Division of Finance

Request: It is requested that the Board of Education accept the July 2024 Monthly Financial Report.

Contact: Mr. Byron Schueneman, Chief Financial Officer, Division of Finance, 678.676.0278

Status: General Counsel approval not required

Summary: Presented by: Mrs. Tasha Davis Mills, Chief Human Resources Officer, Division of Human Resources.

Request: It is requested that the Board of Education approve the September Human Resources Report.

Contact: Mrs. Tasha Davis Mills, Chief Human Resources Officer, Division of Human Resources, 678.676.1200.

Status: Attorney approval not required.

Summary: Presented by: Mrs. Michelle Dillard, Chief of Schools, Division of Schools & Leadership

Summary: Presented by: Ms. Stacy E. Stepney, Chief Academic Officer, Division of Curriculum & Instruction

Request: It is requested the Board of Education approve the 2024 Carl Perkins V Improvement Grant Application that provides funding to improve Career, Technical, and Agricultural Education (CTAE) programs throughout the DeKalb County School District.

Details: The following are CTAE improvement strategies to enhance instruction during the 2024-25 school year.

Mandated Grant Activities


Strengthen academic and technical skills of students in career pathways
Provide Work-Based Learning (WBL) opportunities for students
Make available student industry credentials and certifications as well as employer connections
Provide professional development for teachers, counselors, and administrators
Initiate, improve, and expand CTAE programs and pathways
Provide career pathway services and activities
Coordinate postsecondary transition
Serve special populations with career pathway instruction
Evaluate CTAE programs and pathways using the following core indicators:

(Note: DeKalb’s performance levels for the indicators are included in the chart.)




Perkins Core Indicators
2023 District Performance Levels
State Determined Target Performance Levels (Mandated 90%)


1S1- Four Year Graduation Cohort Rate
95%
90%


1S2 - Extended Graduation Rate
96%
90%


2S1 - Academic Proficiency - Reading/Language Arts


73%
70%


2S2 - Academic Proficiency - Mathematics
31%
70%


2S3 - Academic Proficiency - Science
47%
70%


3S1 - Post-Program Placement
94%
95%


4S1 - Nontraditional Program Concentration
15%
6%


5S3 - Participation in Work-Based Learning
33%
30%


5S4 - CTAE Pathway Completion
43%
35%


5S5 - Credentials of Value
51%
50%

Financial impact: The Perkins V Grant will be available upon Board approval, to improve CTAE instruction within the DeKalb County School District. The grant allocation for 2024-25 is $1,390,462. The Perkins V Grant requires matching funds from the local district.




School Year
Allocation Amounts


2021-2022 (FY22)
$1,000,002


2022-2023 (FY23)
$1,437,254


2023-2024 (FY24)
$1,390,462


2024-2025 (FY25)
$1,362,329 (awarded)




The charge code is:
406.1000.445200.38321.7940.3324.8010.035.2024

Contact: Ms. Stacy E. Stepney, Chief Academic Officer, Division of Curriculum & Instruction, 678.676.0731

Dr. Sean R. Tartt, Deputy Chief Academic Officer, Division of Curriculum & Instruction, 678-676-0731

Dr. Rose Prejean-Harris, Assistant Superintendent (6-12), Division of Curriculum & Instruction, 678-676-0137

Mrs. Doryiane Gunter, Director, CTAE & STEM/STEAM Programs, Division of Curriculum & Instruction, 678.676.0451

Effective: September 10, 2024 - June 30, 2025

Status: Approved by the Office of Legal Affairs

Summary: Presented by: Ms. Stacy E. Stepney, Chief Academic Officer, Division of Curriculum and Instruction

Request: It is requested that the Board of Education authorize the District to secure transportation services from the approved carriers for all sixth and seventh grade students to participate in Junior Achievement of Georgia’s programs focusing on financial literacy, career readiness, and entrepreneurship in an amount not to exceed $348,450.

Details: Coast-To-Coast Tours LLC and Harmon Brothers Charter Service, Inc. have provided quotes to ensure that services are provided until May 2025 based upon availability. Service for a 56-passenger bus costs approximately between $1,150 - $1,200. The total number of buses needed to transport all sixth and seventh grade students is approximately 303 buses between October 1, 2024 and May 2025.

Financial impact: The total budget will not exceed the amount of $348,450 and will be allocated from charge code 100.2700.551900.63311.7480.9990.8010.035.0000. Student Transportation.

Contact: Ms. Stacy E. Stepney, Chief Academic Officer, Division of Curriculum and Instruction, 678-676-0731
Dr. Sean R. Tartt, Deputy Chief Academic Officer, Division of Curriculum and Instruction, 678-676-0323
Dr. Rose Prejean-Harris, Assistant Superintendent (6-12), Division of Curriculum and Instruction, 678-676-0137
Mrs. Stephanie Brown-Bryant, Director, Department of K-12 Curriculum and Instruction, 678-676-0161

Effective: September 10, 2024 - May 29, 2025

Status: Attorney Approval Not Required

Summary: Presented by: Ms. Stacy E. Stepney, Chief Academic Officer, Division of Curriculum & Instruction

Request: It is requested that the Board of Education authorize the District to secure transportation services from Harmon Brothers Charter Service, Coast to Coast Tours, LLC, and Samson Tours, Inc through May 29, 2025 in an amount not to exceed $300,000.

Details: Harmon Brothers Charter Service, Coast-to-Coast Tours, LLC, and Samson Tours, Inc. are current approved carriers that provided quotes to ensure that services are provided until May 2025 based upon availability.

Financial impact: The total budget will not exceed the amount of $300,000 and will be allocated from charge code 100.2700.551900.00011.6600.9990.6010.035.0000.

Contact: Ms. Stacy E. Stepney, Chief Academic Officer, Division of Curriculum & Instruction, 678-676-0731
Dr. Sean R. Tartt, Deputy Chief Academic Officer, Division of Curriculum & Instruction, 678-676-0323
Mrs. Janetta Greenwood, Director, Fernbank Science Center, 678-874-7119

Effective: September 10, 2024 - May 29, 2025

Status: Attorney approval not required

Summary: Presented by: Ms. Stacy E. Stepney, Chief Academic Officer, Division of Curriculum and Instruction

Request: It is requested that the Board of Education approve the purchase of previously adopted textbooks, supplemental resources, textbook management systems, and instructional materials, including print and digital resources, from the Bedford Freeman and Worth, Capstone, Cengage, Clairmont Press, Follett, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, McGraw-Hill, Pasco, and Savvas, in an amount not to exceed $4,593,530.39.

Details: During the 2024-2025 school year, the District may purchase previously adopted instructional resources from the following vendors that may exceed $100,000.00:





VENDOR
CONTENT AREA
YEAR ADOPTED
FORMAT
AMOUNT


Bedford Freeman and Worth
Social Studies
2018
Print
$329,368.50


Clairmont Press
Social Studies
2018
Digital
$135,000.00


Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Science
2018
Print
$2,294,293.34


McGraw-Hill
Social Studies
2018
Digital
$815,355.00


Pasco
Science
2018
Digital
$47,180.00


Savvas/ Pearson
Science
2018
Print
$416,460.00


TOTAL
$4,037,656.84




Pursuant to Board Policy DJE III.D.3.g. 1-2, the textbook management systems and supplemental resources for schools have been evaluated annually and selected by qualified, professional personnel based on sound pedagogical judgement and in the District’s best interest.




VENDOR
CONTENT AREA
FORMAT
AMOUNT


Capstone
K-12
Digital
$161,207.76


Cengage
K-12
Digital
$145,941.79


Follett
K-12
Resource Management System
$102,725.12


Follett
K-12
Library Management System
$145,998.88


Total
$555,873.55

Financial impact: The total financial impact is not to exceed $4,593,530.39.











VENDOR
CONTENT AREA
FORMAT
AMOUNT
CHARGE CODE


Bedford Freeman and Worth
Social Studies
Print
$329.368.50
100.1000.564100.00011.7580.9990.8010.035.0000


Capstone
K-12
Digital
$161,207.76
100.1000.553200.00911.7410.1310.8010.035.0000


Cengage
K-12
Digital
$145,941.79
100.1000.553200.00911.7410.1310.8010.035.0000


Clairmont Press
Social Studies
Digital
$135,000.00
100.1000.564000.00011.7580.9990.8010.035.0000


Follett
K-12
Library Management System
$145,998.88
100.2220.530000.00911.7410.1310.8010.035.0000


Follett
K-12
Resource Management System
$102,725.12
100.2220.530000.00911.7410.1310.8010.035.0000


Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Science
Print
$2,294,293.34
100.1000.564100.00011.7580.9990.8010.035.0000


McGraw-Hill
Social Studies
Digital
$815,355.00
100.1000.564000.00011.7580.9990.8010.035.0000


Pasco
Science
Digital
$47,180.00
100.1000.564000.00011.7580.9990.8010.035.0000


Savvas/Pearson
Science ___________
Print
$416,460.00
100.1000.564100.00011.7580.9990.8010.035.0000


TOTAL
$4,593,530.39

Contact: Ms. Stacy E. Stepney, Chief Academic Officer, Division of Curriculum and Instruction, 678-676-0731
Dr. Sean R. Tartt, Deputy Chief Academic Officer, Division of Curriculum and Instruction, 678-676-0731
Ms. Lummie Baker, Director, Educational Media and Instructional Materials, Division of Curriculum and Instruction, 678-676-2421
Dr. Ron Adams, Coordinator, Educational Media and Instructional Materials, Division of Curriculum and Instruction, 678-676-1471

Effective: September 10, 2024

Status: Attorney Approval Not Required

Summary: Presented by: Ms. Stacy E. Stepney, Chief Academic Officer, Division of Curriculum & Instruction

Request: It is requested that the Board of Education approve the DCSD PLC @ Work for principals, assistant principals, teachers, academic coaches, professional learning facilitators, leadership coaches, and district instructional support leaders from Solution Tree, Inc. Services Agreement in an amount not to exceed $218,660.

Details: The DCSD PLC @ Work and Coaching Academy w/Solution Tree, Inc. initiative is designed to equip principals, assistant principals, central office leaders, support staff, professional learning facilitators, and coordinators with a comprehensive understanding of Professional Learning Communities (PLCs), focusing on their purpose, structure, and function. These learning opportunities will move our district toward a deeper implementation of the PLC process at all schools. The purpose of training the principals, assistant principals, professional learning facilitators, teachers and additional district instructional support staff is to ensure that we have a knowledgeable team supporting the schools’ efforts toward fidelity.

PLC Coaching Academy
(Will occur across 3 (2-day) sessions for a total of six days of in-depth learning)

The PLC at Work Coaching Academy provides the following:
• Training for School Leadership Teams: Clear guidance and strategies are provided for implementation and ongoing support.
• Learn/Practice/Reflect Cycle: The Academy is three, two-day sessions with “implementation time” built in between sessions.
• Supporting Resources: Each building is provided with a “PLC Library” of books, videos, discussion guides, and reproducibles.
Note: Each participant also receives a Coaching Academy Binder

PLCs@ Work Customized Leadership Development
This learning will happen during four of the District’s Principals’ Learning Opportunities and during the scheduled Assistant Principals’ Academy (4-6 sessions).

The content will follow the design below for the coaching academy and be customized to the goals for the Principals’ Learning Opportunity and Assistant Principals’ Academy.

Training: The Coaching Academy is led by a master coach who presents information, leads roundtable discussions and tabletop exercises, guides the groups in reflection activities at the end of each session, and serves as the Solution Tree liaison during the Academy training period. The training is designed to provide each participant with a working knowledge of PLC implementation and sustainability practices as well as foster basic facilitation skills within individual participants’ group-leading styles.

A PLC master coach will engage administrators and staff members in a highly interactive curriculum. Participants will leave each session with a new skill set, activities, and an action plan for sharing their knowledge. Individual participants and school teams will also receive a robust selection of PLC resources. The ultimate goal of the Coaching Academy is to develop the capacity for implementing and sustaining PLCs within every school in the district.

Quality of Learning: Solution Tree chooses master coaches from a cadre of qualified associates who have succeeded in deep PLC implementation. Their experiences enable them to impart the essential facilitative and leadership skills that teams need to build capacity for creating and sustaining a PLC, which ensures high levels of student learning. Each master coach has unique strengths, and every Coaching Academy is guaranteed to be of the highest caliber.

Resources: To equip participants for their schools’ PLC transformation, each person will receive a selection of PLC resources to use as they lead others through the PLC implementation process. During the Academy training period, participants will be instructed in the use of each resource, with specific attention given to using the resource as a tool to teach others. Each participating team will be allowed to keep the complete set of resources to use at specific school sites.

The PLC at Work Coaching Academy Curriculum and Agenda

Session One, Day One: The Four Pillars
Goals for the Day
➢ Introductions
➢ Define the Professional Learning Communities at Work process
➢ Understand the Shared Foundation of PLCs
➢ Review the Academy Materials

Guiding Questions
➢ Why are we here?
➢ What is a Professional Learning Community?
➢ Why do we exist?
➢ What must our school become to accomplish this purpose?
➢ How must we behave to achieve our purpose?
➢ What are our timelines and targets?
➢ What resources are available to me?

Session One, Day Two: Three Big Ideas
Goals for the Day
➢ Introduce a Focus on Learning
➢ Understand Collaborative Culture
➢ Define Results Orientation
➢ Create SMART Goals
➢ Facilitate the Work

Guiding Questions
➢ What has come clear since last we met?
➢ How do we create a focus on learning?
➢ What is collaboration, and what makes it different from teams?
➢ How should we organize teams?
➢ What does it mean to be results-oriented?
➢ How do we create SMART goals?
➢ What is my role in this process?

Session Two, Day Three: Assessment
Goals for the Day
➢ Define the PLC at Work Vocabulary
➢ Make Time for Team Collaboration
➢ Create Essential Learnings
➢ Understand Common Formative Assessments

Guiding Questions
➢ What has become clear since we last met?
➢ How do we create common vocabulary?
➢ How do we find time for teams?
➢ How do we define what we want students to learn?
➢What is the importance of common formative assessments?

Session Two: Day Four: Intervention
Goals for the Day
➢ Use Formative Assessment to Inform and Improve Practice
➢ Analyze Data to Identify Students Who Have and Have Not Learned
➢ Make Time and Support for Intervention and Extension
➢ Allocate Existing Resources Differently

Guiding Questions
➢ What has come clear since last we met?
➢ What is the importance of Assessment?
➢ How do we know if students are learning?
➢ What does it look like to be results-oriented?
➢ How do we monitor and celebrate our progress?
➢ What have we learned, and what will we do about it?

Session Three: Day Five: Leadership
Goals for the Day
➢ Map Progress
➢ Revisit Critical Issues for Teams
➢ Understand Shared Leadership
➢ Define Loose-Tight Leadership
➢ Rethink Hiring, Orienting, and Retaining New Staff
➢ Identify Practices
➢ Learn to Build Consensus

Guiding Questions
➢ What has become clear since we last met?
➢ What is the work of collaborative teams?
➢ What does our leadership structure look like?
➢ How do we hold everyone accountable?
➢ How do we make decisions in our school?

Session Three: Day Six: Celebration
Goals for the Day
➢ Learn Strategies to Have Crucial Conversations and Respond to Resistance
➢ Understand Importance of Doing the Work Now
➢ Identify Celebrations
➢ Sustaining the Effort

Guiding Questions
➢ What has come clear since last we met?
➢ How do we have crucial conversations?
➢ How do we respond to resistance?
➢ How do we monitor and celebrate our progress?
➢ Why is it important to do this work?

PLCs@ Work Customized Teacher Development
Over 400+ teachers will participate in professional development on supporting the Guiding Coalition work of the PLC across our district schools. Teachers will receive customized training during the districts November 5 and March 7 Professional Development Days.

Financial impact: The total budget for these services is allocated from the cost code 100.1000.53000.00011.7250.9990.8010.020.0000
Purchased Prof/Tech Services in the amount of $218, 660.

Contact: Ms. Stacy E. Stepney, Chief Academic Officer, Division of Curriculum & Instruction, 678.676.0731

Effective: September 10, 2024 - April 30, 2025

Status: Approved by Office of Legal Affairs

Summary: Presented by: Dr. Kishia K. Towns, Chief of Wrap Around Services, Division of Wrap Around Services

Request: It is requested that the Board of Education approve the agreement between Goodr, Inc grocery stores and the DeKalb County School District for an amount not to exceed $960,000.

Details: Families are being impacted by the high cost of food, which directly affects a student’s ability to obtain healthy meals to fuel their brain for learning. According to Johns Hopkins Medical Center, poor nutrition may lead to increased body mass, vitamin deficiencies and chronic illnesses, in addition to anxiety and mood changes. Considering that the district is focused on meeting the needs of the whole child, a partnership with Goodr would expand the scope of services to meet the needs of families impacted by the high price of food.

Families eligible to obtain free groceries will be identified through the free and reduced meals program or extenuating circumstances and asked to register for groceries before distribution. Participating schools will be outfitted with appropriate storage, including shelving and refrigeration as needed.

Financial impact: The total cost of operating the Goodr grocery stores in all the 12 selected schools will be funded by a grant from the City of Stonecrest for an amount not to exceed $960,000.

Each of the following schools can select either basic (125 families) or standard (200 families) services to meet their communities' needs. They will also be able to identify if they would like to include household goods (detergent, napkins, etc.) in the monthly orders. Below are the GL Codes and allocated fund amounts associated with each school.




ARABIA MOUNTAIN HIGH SCHOOL
580.2100.561000.19111.5030.9990.0610.125.2025
$70,000


ARABIA MOUNTAIN HIGH SCHOOL
580.2100.561500.19111.5030.9990.0610.125.2025
$30,000


BROWNS MILL ELEMENTARY
580.2100.561000.19111.1380.9990.0191.126.2025
$40,000


BROWNS MILL ELEMENTARY
580.2100.561500.19111.1380.9990.0191.126.2025
$30,000


E.L. BOUIE, SR. ELEMENTARY
580.2100.561000.19111.3420.9990.0297.127.2025
$70,000


E.L. BOUIE, SR. ELEMENTARY
580.2100.561500.19111.3420.9990.0297.127.2025
$2,998


FAIRINGTON ELEMENTARY
580.2100.561000.19111.1870.9990.0375.126.2025
$70,000


FAIRINGTON ELEMENTARY
580.2100.561500.19111.1870.9990.0375.126.2025
$30,000


FLAT ROCK ELEMENTARY
580.2100.561000.19111.1860.9990.0107.126.2025
$70,000


FLAT ROCK ELEMENTARY
580.2100.561500.19111.1860.9990.0107.126.2025
$30,000


LITHONIA HIGH
580.2100.561000.19111.5570.9990.0202.125.2025
$70,000


LITHONIA HIGH
580.2100.561500.19111.5570.9990.0202.125.2025
$30,000


MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. H.S.
580.2100.561000.19111.5740.9990.0103.125.2025
$70,000


MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. H.S.
580.2100.561500.19111.5740.9990.0103.125.2025
$30,000


MILLER GROVE HIGH SCHOOL
580.2100.561000.19111.5640.9990.0105.125.2025
$70,000


MILLER GROVE HIGH SCHOOL
580.2100.561500.19111.5640.9990.0105.125.2025
$30,000


MURPHEY CANDLER ELEMENTARY
580.2100.561000.19111.1460.9990.4052.123.2025
$70,000


MURPHEY CANDLER ELEMENTARY
580.2100.561500.19111.1460.9990.4052.123.2025
$30,000


PANOLA WAY ELEMENTARY
580.2100.561000.19111.3090.9990.0188.126.2025
$70,000


PANOLA WAY ELEMENTARY
580.2100.561500.19111.3090.9990.0188.126.2025
$30,000


SALEM MIDDLE
580.2100.561000.19111.5690.9990.0291.126.2025
$70,000


SALEM MIDDLE
580.2100.561500.19111.5690.9990.0291.126.2025
$30,000


STONEVIEW ELEMENTARY
580.2100.561000.19111.4250.9990.4068.126.2025
$70,000


STONEVIEW ELEMENTARY
580.2100.561500.19111.4250.9990.4068.126.2025
$30,000

Contact: Dr. Kishia K. Towns, Chief of Wrap Around Services, Division of Wrap Around Services, 678-676-1913

Mrs. Denise Revels, Director of Wrap Around and Student Support Division of Wrap Around Services, 678-676-2011

Effective: October 1, 2024

Status: Pending approval by General Counsel

Summary: Presented by: Dr. Norman Sauce III, Chief of Student Services, Division of Student Services

Summary: Presented by: Triscilla Weaver, Ph.D. Chief Equity Officer, Division of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Request: It is requested that the Board of Education approve an amendment to the spend limit of previously approved RFQ 24-565 (Athletic Trainers for the Traditional High Schools in the DeKalb County School District by Northside Hospital) in an amount not to exceed $1,900,000.00. With this amendment, the total spend limit for the RFQ will be increased by $700,000.00.

This request is based upon a subsequent review of the bid amount and scope of work submitted during the RFQ process. During the review, it was determined that the original spend limit requested was insufficient to allow for full-time athletic trainers, trainer supervision/management oversight, supplies, staff development, and quality assurance at each of the traditional nineteen high schools for a period of one year.

Details: The amendment is being requested to align with the bid amount and the scope of work submitted with the original RFQ. The original approval was for a spend amount not to exceed $1,200,000.00. The amended request is for a spend amount not to exceed $1,900,000.00, which is a difference of $700,000.00.

In accordance with the formal procurement procedures published by the Georgia Department of Education, the Request for Qualification (RFQ) was issued on March 7, 2024. Electronic notification was sent to 41 vendors from the DCSD vendor list, 194 vendors through the State of Georgia Procurement Registry (GPR), and 175 vendors through IonWave (DCSD solicitation portal). Two bids were reviewed and deemed responsive to the requirements of the solicitation. The two bids were evaluated by an evaluation committee, consisting of four staff members from the Athletics Department. Northside Hospital met all of the requirements and was considered to be the most responsive bid for RFQ 24-565.

Financial impact: There is an additional $700,000 impact to the budget associated with the amendment.
The total budget for the RFQ 24-565 is allocated from General Funds the cost code (100.2500.530000.0011.7090.9990.8010.020.000)

Contact: Triscilla Weaver, Ph.D., Chief Equity Officer, Division of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Mrs. Myss Johnson-Jelks, Executive Director of Athletics, Division of Schools & Leadership, 678-676-1824

Effective: Upon Board Approval

Status: Approved by the Office of Legal Affairs

Summary: Presented by: Dr. Candace Alexander, Chief of Accountability & Continuous Improvement, Division of Accountability & Continuous Improvement

Request: It is requested that the Board of Education approve the purchase of Advanced Placement Exams from College Board for the SY24-25 test administration in an amount not to exceed $530,000.

The requested purchase is a testing expenditure that does not require bid per the District’s Purchasing Board Policy (DJE).

Details: Advanced Placement courses are college-level courses offered in high school. Students can earn college credit from scoring a level 3, 4, or 5 on the exam.
In the past, the Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE) has paid the cost for one Advanced Placement exam for students who qualify for the Free and Reduced Lunch program and one Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) focused Advanced Placement exam for all non-free and reduced lunch students. Per GaDOE, the 2024-2025 funding confirmation will be shared at the end of August.

The list of eligible STEM-focused AP courses are as follows:
1. AP Calculus AB
2. AP Calculus BC
3. AP Pre-Calculus
4. AP Computer Science A
5. AP Computer Science Principles
6. AP Statistics
7. AP Biology
8. AP Chemistry
9. AP Environmental Science
10. AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism
11. AP Physics C: Mechanics
12. AP Physics 1: Algebra Based
13. AP Physics 2: Algebra Based

Financial impact: The estimated cost is calculated as the number of students who are currently registered for an Advanced Placement course multiplied by the cost of the exam.

Exam costs are determined by the College Board and vary based on the economic status of the child. Exams fees are as follows: $99 (non-free and reduced lunch students) and $62 (free and reduced lunch students).

The purchase amount not to exceed $530,000 will be paid using general funds budgeted by the Division of Accountability and Continuous Improvement. The charge code is 100.2210.553200.00011.7540.9990.8010.030.0000.

Contact: Dr. Candace Alexander, Chief of Accountability & Continuous Improvement, Division of Accountability & Continuous Improvement , 678.676.0300

Ms. Stacy E. Stepney, Chief Academic Officer, Division of Curriculum & Instruction, 678.676.0731

Dr. Felicia G. Rhone, Director, Assessment Administration, Division of Accountability & Continuous Improvement, 678.676.0300

Effective: SY 2024-2025

Status: Attorney Approval Not Required

Summary: Presented by: Dr. Candace Alexander, Chief of Accountability & Continuous Improvement, Division of Accountability & Continuous Improvement

Request: It is requested that the Board of Education approve the purchase of take-home backpacks from Scholastic, Inc. for all Title I students (approximately 76,027) in the amount of $4,200,000.

Details: DCSD SY24 Milestone data reflects a high number of scholars not reading on grade level. This initiative is to assist with the Early Literacy Campaign with our scholars to improve their reading/literacy skills, therefore, increasing proficiency. The rationale is to increase high interest in reading and prevent slides during student breaks.

SY24 Miletone Data:



Grade Level/Course
Below Grade Level


Third Grade
48%


Fourth Grade
41%


Fifth Grade
32%


Sixth Grade
41%


Seventh Grade
41%


Eighth Grade
31%




High-interest books interest the student and hold their attention. These books are a motivation for students to increase how often and long they read (Williams, 2023). Studies show a positive correlation between intrinsically motivated readers and reading achievement across grade levels, and by high school, extrinsic motivations for reading are negatively correlated to reading achievement. When creating or selecting strategies for reluctant readers, it is important to keep this in mind. We not only need to motivate reluctant students to read, but we also need to take the more difficult path of helping them become intrinsically motivated to do so (Lexia 2024). High-interest reading materials help to motivate students, particularly struggling readers.

The goal for most educators is that their students find practical, real-world applications for their learning and can apply them as life-long learners, not just rote memorizers. If the objective is teaching reading strategies and creating confident readers, which were two main components that struggling readers lacked, and the text is only a vehicle, then it might be a good practice to find materials for teachers that can both motivate and teach skills (Hoover, 2007). Martin-Chang and colleagues (2021) “found significant differences between students who read for pleasure outside of class, immersing themselves in fantasy novels or spy thrillers, for example-and those who primarily read books to satisfy school assignments. Not only was there a powerful link between reading for fun and stronger language skills, but students who disliked reading frequently attributed their negative outlook to experiences they had in classrooms.” Struggling readers should not be limited to hi/lo books in all their reading. Most of us can read material well beyond our measured instructional level if we are interested in the topic and motivated to read. Similarly, even the weakest reader will struggle through a book that is “hot” or “cool”.

For boys especially, non-fiction has considerable appeal, particularly when titles can be found that match their interests and hobbies. The key is linking reading material to the things that interest the students, from extreme sports to World War II fighter jets to NHL hockey. Non-fiction text, especially, provides a number of supports for the struggling reader: headings and subheadings, graphics and illustrations, introductions, and summaries. These provide structures that help the reader access information even if the measured readability is beyond his capacity. A further advantage to non-fiction text is that the reader does not need to read the entire book in order to get benefit from it; the reader can gain information and pleasure from reading short segments (Williams, 2023).

Providing high interest books will help boost reading/literacy scores.

Financial impact: The purchase amount not to exceed $4,200,000 will be paid using Title I funds.
402.1000.564200.00024.7590.1750.8010.030.2024

Contact: Dr. Candace Alexander, Chief, Accountability & Continuous Improvement, 678-676-0733

Effective: September 2024

Summary: Presented by: Dr. Candace Alexander, Chief Accountability & Continuous Improvement, Division of Accountability & Continuous Improvement

Request: It is requested that the Board of Education approve the contract for the Princeton Review SAT Test Prep Initiative in an amount not to exceed $378,000.00.

Details: This period of service is the 2024-2025 school year.

Financial impact: The purchase amount not to exceed $378,000 will be paid using funds budgeted by Title IV & Curriculum and Instruction:

$150,000 from 462.1000.530000.03221.7020.1779.8010.090.2025
$ 100,000 from 100.1000.530000.09511.7480.9990.8010.035.0000
$128,000 from 100.2100.530000.02011.7020.9990.8010.090.0000

Contact: Dr. Thomas Glanton, Area Superintendent of High Schools, Division of Schools & Leadership
Dr. Candace Alexander, Chief of Accountability & Continuous Improvement, Division of Accountability & Continuous Improvement
Mr. Damian Bounds, Executive Administrator, Division of Schools & Leadership
Mr. Ennis Harvey, Executive Administrator, Division of Schools & Leadership
Mrs. Michelle Dillard, Chief of Schools & Leadership, Division of Schools & Leadership

Effective: Implementation begins September 2024

Status: Approved for Legal Sufficiency

Summary: Presented by: Mrs. Jennifer Caraccicolo, Deputy Chief Communications Officer, Division of Community Engagement & Innovative Partnerships

Request: It is requested that the Board of Education accept a donation of $50,000 from DeKalb County Commissioner Michelle Long Spears for Margaret Harris Comprehensive School per Board Policy DFK, Gifts and Bequests. The funds will be used to purchase supplies, technology, equipment, services to support students and staff.

Details: DeKalb County Commissioner Michelle Long Spears will donate $50,000 to Margaret Harris Comprehensive School to purchase supplies, technology, equipment, and services to support students and staff. These funds are set aside $50,000 from the American Rescue Plan (ARP): State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund to donate to Margaret Harris Comprehensive School.

Financial impact: There is no financial impact to the district or Margaret Harris Comprehensive School to accept the donation of $50,000. The funds must be expended by December 31, 2026.

Contact: Mrs. Jennifer Caraccicolo, Deputy Chief Communications Officer, Division of Community Engagement & Innovative Partnerships, 678.676.0425

Dr. Marcia Oglesby, Director, Grants and Partnerships, Division of Community Engagement, and Innovative Partnerships, 678-676-0375.

Effective: October 28, 2024

Status: Approved by Legal Affairs

Summary: Presented by: Mrs. Jennifer Caracciolo, Deputy Chief Communications Officer, Division of Community Engagement & Innovative Partnerships

Request: In accordance with Board Policy DFK, it is requested that the Board of Education accept a donation from the Lambda Epsilon Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. in the amount of $6,194.10 to cover the cost of outstanding meal balances.

Details: The donation of $6,194.10 will cover the outstanding student meal balances at Sequoyah Middle School, Chamblee Middle School, and Tucker Middle School.

Financial impact: This is a donation. There is no impact to the general budget.

Contact: Mrs. Jennifer Caracciolo, Deputy Chief Communications Officer, Division of Community Engagement & Innovative Partnerships, 678.676.0425

Effective: September 10, 2024

Status: Approval Not Required by Legal Affairs

Summary: Presented by: Mrs. Jennifer Caraccicolo, Deputy Chief Communications Officer, Division of Community Engagement & Innovative Partnerships

Request: It is requested that the Board of Education approve the rental lease with Georgia International Convention Center to host the Employee of the Year Gala in an amount not to exceed $67,758.

Details: This recommendation is for a one-time rental for the purpose of hosting our Employee of the Year celebration at the GICC located at 2000 Convention Center Concourse, College Park, GA 30337.

Financial impact: There is no impact to the general budget. The event costs are covered through sponsorship, ticket sales, and grant funds.

Contact: Mrs. Jennifer Caraccicolo, Deputy Chief Communications Officer, Division of Community Engagement & Innovative Partnerships, 678.676.0425
Mr. Erick Hofstetter, Chief Operating Officer, Division of Operations, 678.676.1447
Ms. Jackie Simmons, Office of the Superintendent, 678.676.0524
Mr. Elijah Palmer, Chief of Staff, Chief of Staff Division, 678.676.0791
Dr. Bernetta Jones, Administrator, Office of the Superintendent

Effective: November 1-2, 2024

Status: Approved by Legal Affairs

Summary: It is requested that the DeKalb County Board of Education adjourn the September 9, 2024 executive session and convene the work session and business meeting.

Motion by: ___________
Seconded by: __________
Vote: ________

Request: It is requested that the Board of Education approve the hiring recommendation of Kristen Jones to the position of Substitute Teacher.

Relative Disclosure:
In accordance with BOE Policy, GAGD-Section G, Mandatory Disclosure by the Superintendent, Kristen Jones is a candidate recommended for Substitute Teacher. Ms. Kristen Jones is the daughter of Dr. Michelle Jones, Area Superintendent in the Division of School Leadership.

Request: It is requested that the Board of Education approve the hiring recommendation of Kendalle Smith to the position of Assistant, Library Media.

Relative Disclosure:
In accordance with BOE Policy, GAGD-Section G, Mandatory Disclosure by the Superintendent, Kendalle Smith is a candidate recommended for Assistant, Library Media. Kendalle Smith is the daughter of Carla Smith, Executive Director of Vendor Service in the Finance Division.

Summary: Convened by: Mr. Diijon DaCosta, Sr., Board Chair

It is requested that the DeKalb County Board of Education convene the September 9, 2024, business meeting.

Motion by: _________________
Seconded by: ________________
Vote: ____________

Summary: Convened by: Mr. Diijon DaCosta, Sr., Board Chair

*Speakers
1. Deborah Jones
2. Miriam Martin

Summary: Presented by: Mr. Diijon DaCosta, Board Chair

Summary: Presented by: Mr. Diijon DaCosta, Board Chair

Summary: It is requested that the DeKalb County Board of Education adjourn the September 9, 2024, work session and business meeting.
Motion by: ____________
Seconded by: __________
Vote: _____