EXECUTIVE SESSION, WORK SESSION, COMMUNITY INPUT SESSION &
BUSINESS MEETING
OF THE
DEKALB COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION
August 12, 2024
The DeKalb County Board of Education held its Executive Session, Work Session, Community
Input Session and Business Meeting on Monday, August 12, 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 11:35 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. noted for the record that 2 donations under the Division of Community
Engagement & Innovative Partnerships were removed from the August 12, 2024 agenda.
Mr. DaCosta, Sr. called to adopt the agenda for the August 12, 2024 work session and business
meeting.
Mrs. Turner made a motion to approve the agenda. Ms. Gevertz seconded the motion. With a
vote of 6-0, the August 12, 2024, work session and business meeting agenda was approved.
Dr. Morley joined the meeting during the Student Recognition portion of the meeting.
RECOGNITIONS
STUDENT BOARD REPRESENTATIVE ~ No Student Representative This Month.
RECOGNITIONS
1. Student Recognition: 2024 Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair
Award Winner
Presented by: Mrs. Anna Hill, Board Member, District 1
2. Student Recognition: 2024 National History Day National Competition at the University
of Maryland
Presented by: Ms. Whitney McGinniss, Board Member, District 2
GROUP / EXTERNAL PRESENTATION ~ No Presentation This Month
DeKalb Board of Education
August 12, 2024
Page 2 of 13
SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT and COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
1. Superintendent’s Reports
a. Update on School Opening
Presented by Mr. Elijah Palmer, Chief of Staff, Chief of Staff Division
b. Foundation Report
Presented by: Mrs. Patricia Smith, Board Chair, DeKalb Schools Educational
Foundation, Inc.
2. Committee of the Whole Presentations ~ No Presentations This Month
Board Chair, Mr. Diijon DaCosta, Sr. took a moment to welcome and congratulate the
newly elected board members, Mrs. Deirdre P. Pierce, Mr. Andrew Ziffer, Mr. Awet
Eyasu and Dr. Tiffany Hogan. Mr. Eyasu was not present.
REVIEW OF AGENDA ITEMS FOR THE AUGUST 12, 2024, BUSINESS MEETING
02.01.
BOARD OF EDUCATION ~ No Agenda Item This Month
02.02.a
Mr. DaCosta, Sr. requested that the Board of Education approve the minutes of the following
meetings: July 8, 2024 board meeting which includes the executive session, work session,
community input session and business meeting, the July 11, 2024 virtual board b-policy review
committee meeting, July 11, 2024 audit committee meeting, July 25, 2024 board b-policy
review committee meeting, August 1, 2024 virtual board b-policy review committee meeting,
and the August 8, 2024 audit committee meeting. Dr. Morley objected to this item. It would be
voted on separately.
02.03.a.i.
Mr. Erick Hofstetter, Chief Operating Officer, Division of Operations, requested that the
Board of Education approve an amendment to the existing easement with the City of Dunwoody
to allow for the maintenance of utilities serving the City of Dunwoody property.
02.03.a. ii.
Mr. Erick Hofstetter, Chief Operating Officer, Division of Operations, requested that the
Board of Education approve an easement to Georgia Power to allow for to upgrade electric
distribution facilities to improve electric service reliability to the New Elementary School at
Dresden.
02.03.a.iii.
Mr. Erick Hofstetter, Chief Operating Officer, Division of Operations, requested that the
Board of Education authorize Dekalb County School District (“DCSD”) to use the Cooperative
Agreement between Omnia Partners and Carahsoft Technology Corporation to purchase the
two-year license for the Inframappa software and services. Inframappa database software will
manage DCSD’s building information. The services provided will include field verification of
DeKalb Board of Education
August 12, 2024
Page 3 of 13
capital assets and scanning of all building documents for an amount not to exceed $251,612.90
for the initial contract period. Dr. Morley objected to this agenda item. It would be voted on
separately.
02.03.b.
BUSINESS SERVICES ~ No Agenda Item This Month
02.03.c.i.
Mr. Erick Hofstetter, Chief Operating Officer, Division of Operations, requested that the
Board of Education approve the purchase of gasoline and diesel fuel from James River
Solutions, LLC as the primary supplier, Sunoco, LP as the secondary supplier, and Boswell
Oil Company as the tertiary supplier through the North Georgia Fuel Cooperative
("NGFC") (BL051-23) in an amount not-to-exceed $8,100,000 for the dates September 1,
2024, through August 31, 2025.
02.03.d.i.
Mr. Erick Hofstetter, Chief Operating Officer, Division of Operations, requested that the
Board of Education approve the agreement between the DeKalb County School District
("DCSD") and DeKalb County Government to serve as the vendor for SY24-25 After School
Snack program. Mrs. Hill objected to this agenda item. It would be voted on separately.
02.03.e.i.
Mr. Erick Hofstetter, Chief Operating Officer, Division of Operations, requested that the
Board of Education approve a budget reallocation in the amount of $2,091,200 from Program
Contingency which will allow the proper funds to be allocated to the necessary project cost
code for the capital improvement at Clarkston High School.
Additionally, it is requested that the Board of Education approve the award of RFP No. 24-752-
022 to Centennial Contractors Enterprises, Inc., the most responsive and responsible offeror
whose proposal is the most advantageous to the Board based on the evaluation factors, for
general contractor services for Clarkston High School for the lump sum amount of $2,091,200.
Dr. Morley objected to this agenda item. It would be voted on separately. Dr. Morley objected
to this agenda item. It would be voted on separately.
02.03.e. ii.
Mr. Erick Hofstetter, Chief Operating Officer, Division of Operations, requested that the
Board of Education approve the award of RFQu No. 24-752-023 for Professional Architectural
and Engineering Continuing Contract Services to ECS Southeast, LLC, Goodwyn, Mills, and
Cawood LLC, Matrix Engineering Group, Inc., Nova Engineering & Environmental,
LLC, Oasis Consulting Services, S&ME, Inc. and United Consulting the most responsive
and responsible firms whose proposal best meets the requirements set forth in the Proposal
Documents and contract obligations identified herein.
02.03.e.iii.
Mr. Erick Hofstetter, Chief Operating Officer, Division of Operations, requested that the
Board of Education approve the award of RFQu No. 24-752-029 for construction management
services for Group 1 Security Vestibules to Lefko Development, Inc./dba Lefko Construction
the most responsive and responsible Offeror whose proposal is the most advantageous to the
DeKalb Board of Education
August 12, 2024
Page 4 of 13
Board based on the evaluation factors set forth in the Request for Qualifications solicitation
document.
In addition, it is requested that the Board of Education approve a not-to-exceed amount of
$100,000, for the Pre-Construction Phase Fee associated with this contract agreement. The Final
GMP will be presented to the Board of Education for approval as indicated below:
The Final Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) will be presented in January 2025. Dr. Morley
objected to this agenda item. It would be voted on separately.
02.03.e. iv.
Mr. Erick Hofstetter, Chief Operating Officer, Division of Operations, requested that the
Board of Education approve the award of RFQu 24-752-030 for Architectural and Engineering
Services for Group 2 Security Vestibules to SSOE, Inc., 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 $896,250. Dr. Morley objected to this agenda item. It would be
voted on separately. Dr. Morley objected to this agenda item. It would be voted on separately.
02.03.e.v.
Mr. Erick Hofstetter, Chief Operating Officer, Division of Operations, requested that the
Board of Education approve an E-SPLOST V budget reallocation in the amount of $178,235.81
from Project Contingency, which will allow the proper funds to be allocated to the necessary
project cost code for the Centennial Contractors Change Order No. 1 at Briar Vista Elementary
School.
Additionally, it is requested that the Board of Education approve Change Order No. 1 to
Centennial Contractors Enterprises, Inc. for a not-to-exceed amount of $178,235.81 for
DeKalb County School District ("DCSD") requested items as outlined in the Change Order No.
1 documents. Dr. Morley objected to this agenda item. It would be voted on separately.
02.03.e.vi.
Mr. Erick Hofstetter, Chief Operating Officer, Division of Operations, requested that the
Board of Education approve a budget reallocation from Program Contingency to the necessary
project cost code (SP5FACCON.35435.PRECONST) in the amount of $160,883.96. The
reallocation will allow funds to be placed in the ESPLOST project budget to pay Mobile
Modular Management Corporation, for the removal of the portable classroom units and the
monthly lease payments. Dr. Morley objected to this agenda item. It would be voted on
separately.
02.04.
INFORMATION & INSTRUCTIONAL TECHNOLOGY ~ No Agenda Item This Month
02.05.a.
Mr. Elijah Palmer, Chief of Staff, Chief of Staff Division requested that the Board of Education
approve the professional services contract with Gartner, Inc. for the provision of flat-fee,
subscription based advisory and consulting services to the Office of Internal Audits &
Compliance for an amount not to exceed $96,900. Dr. Morley objected to this agenda item. It
would be voted on separately.
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August 12, 2024
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02.06.a.
Ms. Lauren Scott, Deputy Chief Financial Officer, Division of Finance, requested that the
Board of Education accept the June 2024 Monthly Financial Report. Mrs. Hill objected to this
agenda item. It would be voted on separately.
02.06.b.
Ms. Lauren Scott, Deputy Chief Financial Officer, Division of Finance, requested that the
Board of Education approve the non-resident student annual tuition fee of $6,263.36 for the
2024-2025 school year, as calculated using State provided formula in the attached spreadsheet.
02.06.c.
Ms. Lauren Scott, Deputy Chief Financial Officer, Division of Finance, requested that the
Board of Education authorize the fifth of five-settlement funding payment in the amount of
$22.5 million in accordance with the provisions of the Final Approval of the Settlement
Agreement and Order. American Legal Claims, LLC is appointed as the Settlement
Administrator.
02.07.a.
Mrs. Tasha Davis Mills, Chief Human Resource Officer, Division of Human Resources,
requested that the Board of Education approve the August 2024 Human Resources Report.
Dr. Morley objected to this agenda item. It would be voted on separately.
02.08.
SCHOOLS & LEADERSHIP ~ No Agenda Item This Month
02.09.
CURRICULUM & INSTRUCTION ~ No Agenda Item This Month
02.10.a
Dr. Kisha K. Towns, Chief of Wrap Around Services, Division of Wrap Around Services,
requested that the Board of Education approve the Letter of Agreement between College AIM,
INC., and the DeKalb County School District (DCSD), for an additional year for an amount
not to exceed $140,000. The contract renewal is through June 30, 2025, and will be in
accordance with the existing fee structure provided in the vendor’s service agreement. This
request supports Strategic Goal Area 1 Student Academic Success with Equity and Access. Dr.
Morley objected to this agenda item. It would be voted on separately.
02.11.a.
Dr. Norman Sauce III, Chief of Student Services, Division of Student Services requested that
the Board of Education approve the award for RFP 24-589 for the English Learners Program
Evaluation and Master Planning to RMC Research Corporation as the most responsive and
responsible bidder to perform a comprehensive program evaluation, and master development of
the DCSD English Learners Department for an amount not to exceed $183,136.97. Dr. Morley
objected to this agenda item. It would be voted on separately.
DeKalb Board of Education
August 12, 2024
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02.11.b.
Dr. Norman Sauce III, Chief of Student Services, Division of Student Services requested that
the Board of Education approve the purchase of supplemental instructional resources for the
Division of Student Services in an amount not to exceed $4,000,000. Ms. McGinniss objected to
this agenda item. It would be voted on separately.
02.12.
EQUITY & INCLUSION ~ No Agenda Items This Month
02.12.a
ATHLETICS ~ No Agenda Item This Month
02.13.a.
Dr. Candace Alexander, Chief of Accountability & Continuous Improvement, Division of
Accountability & Continuous Improvement, requested that the Board of Education approve the
purchase of SAT Exams from College Board for the SY24-25 test administration in an amount
not to exceed $375,000.
The requested purchase is a testing expenditure that does not require bid per the District’s
Purchasing Board Policy (DJE). Ms. McGinniss objected to this agenda item. It would be voted
on separately.
02.14.a.i.
Dr. Yolanda Williamson, Chief of Community Engagement & Innovative Partnerships,
Division of Community Engagement & Innovative Partnerships, requested that the Board of
Education accept the donation of $41,765.06 from the Dunwoody Elementary School’s
Parent Teacher Organization as a one-time donation per Board Policy DFK “Gifts and
Bequests Guidelines”.
02.15.a.i.
Mr. H. Eric Hilton, Chief of Legal Services, Division of Legal Services, requested that the
Board of Education approve the renewal of the Insurance Producer Services for Property and
Casualty Insurance Agreement with Edgewood Partners Insurance Center d/b/a EPIC
Insurance Brokers and Consultants (“Epic”) for an annual fee not to exceed $150,000.
AMENDMENT TO THE BYLAWS AND POLICIES
F.1.
Ms. Noga Baruch, Legal Counsel, Hall Booth Smith, PC Attorneys at Law requested that the
Board of Education suspend consideration of proposed revision of Board Policy GAEB: Sexual
Harassment of Employees until the courts make their final decision on the Title IX regulation.
F.2.
Ms. Noga Baruch, Legal Counsel, Hall Booth Smith, PC Attorneys at Law requested that the
Board of Education suspend consideration of proposed revision of Board Policy JCAC: Sexual
Harassment of Students until the courts make their final decision on the Title IX regulation.
DeKalb Board of Education
August 12, 2024
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Mr. DaCosta called for a motion to remove F1. and F2. from the agenda.
With a motion by Ms. Gevertz. Seconded by Mrs. Pierce. Motion passed with a vote of 7/0.
Both policies were removed from the agenda.
F.3.
Ms. Noga Baruch, Legal Counsel, Hall Booth Smith, PC Attorneys at Law requested that the
Board of Education postpone consideration of proposed amendments to Board Policy IFBG:
Internet Acceptable Use and bring it back to the September board meeting as a first read.
F.4.
Ms. Noga Baruch, Legal Counsel, Hall Booth Smith, PC Attorneys at Law requested that the
Board of Education accept amendments to Board Policy BBA: Board Officers. The board did
not agree with all of the amendments. This policy would be tabled and brought back at a later
meeting as a first read.
Mr. DaCosta called for a motion to remove F3. and F4. from the agenda.
With a motion by Mrs. Turner. Seconded by Ms. Gevertz. Motion passed with a vote of 7/0.
Both policies were removed from the agenda.
F.5.
Ms. Noga Baruch, Legal Counsel, Hall Booth Smith, PC Attorneys at Law requested that the
Board of Education accept an amendment to Board Policy BBE: School Board Attorney as a
first read to lay on the table for review and public comment.
F.6.
Mrs. Marissa Key, Executive Director of Legal Affairs, Division of Legal Services requested
that the Board of Education accept a recommendation to delete Board Policy BBF: Advisory
Committees for First Read. The proposed recommendation is to delete this policy and combine
it with Board Policy BBC: Board Committees. This policy has been reviewed and analyzed by
the Board Policy Committee. The Committee agrees on the recommendation. This policy would
be a first read and will lay on the table for review and public comment.
F.7.
Mrs. Marissa Key, Executive Director of Legal Affairs, Division of Legal Services requested
that the Board of Education accept an amendment to Board Policy BBC: Board Committees for
First Read. The proposed revisions are requested to update the policy, to clarify the current
language to include language from Board Policy BBF: Advisory Committees. This policy has
been reviewed and analyzed by the Board Policy Committee. The Committee agrees on the
recommended revisions. This policy would be a first read and will lay on the table for review
and public comment.
F.8.
Ms. Noga Baruch, Legal Counsel, Hall Booth Smith, PC Attorneys at Law requested that the
Board of Education amend Board Policy BBBE: Board Member Compensation and Expenses.
This policy would be a first read and will lay on the table for review and public comment.
DeKalb Board of Education
August 12, 2024
Page 8 of 13
F.9.
Mrs. Marissa Key, Executive Director of Legal Services, Division of Legal Services requested
that the Board of Education amend Board Policy GBRI: Professional Personnel Personal Leaves
and Absences. This policy would be a first read and will lay on the table for review and public
comment.
ADJOURN TO AN EXECUTIVE SESSION
Mr. DaCosta, Sr. called for a motion to adjourn August 12, 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 (7/0), the August 12,
2024, meeting adjourned to executive session.
ADJOURN THE EXECUTIVE SESSION
Mr. DaCosta, Sr. called to adjourn the August 12, 2024, executive session to convene the
business meeting.
On a motion by Ms. McGinniss, seconded by Mrs. Pierce and with a vote of (7/0), the August
12, 2024, executive session adjourned to the convene the business session.
PERSONNEL RECOMMENDATIONS FROM EXECUTIVE SESSION ~ No Personnel
Recommendations This Month
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. Deborah Jones
2. Daniel Sobczak
3. Violet Pelletier
4. Willie Pringle
5. Ricardo Francis – No Show
CONSENT AGENDA
Mr. DaCosta, Sr. called for a motion to approve the August 12, 2024, consent agenda items.
On a motion by Mrs. Pierce, seconded by Mrs. Hill and with a vote of 6/0 the motion passed to
approve the consent agenda.
DeKalb Board of Education
August 12, 2024
Page 9 of 13
ACTION ITEM(S)
K.1. APPROVAL OF AN ITEM(S) FROM EXECUTIVE SESSION ~ There were no items
from executive session.
K.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.2.a. Approval of Minutes.
Motion by: Mrs. Pierce
Seconded by: Ms. Gevertz
All in favor: 6
Opposed by: Dr. Morley
Motion passed: _6_to _1_.
b. Agenda Item: E.3.a.iii. Approval of Purchase of a Two-Year License for the Use of
Inframappa Software Solutions and Professional Services through Cooperative
Agreement to Omnia Partners Contract No. 191902 .
Motion by: Ms. McGinniss
Seconded by: Ms. Gevertz
All in favor: 6
Abstention from: Dr. Morley
Motion passed: _6_to _1_.
c. Agenda Item: E.3.d.i. DeKalb Parks and Recreation SY24-25 After School Snack
Agreement Approval.
Motion by: Mrs. Turner
Seconded by: Ms. Gevertz
All in favor: 4
Opposed by: Mrs. Hill and Ms. McGinniss
DeKalb Board of Education
August 12, 2024
Page 10 of 13
Abstention from: Dr. Morley
Motion passed: _4_to 2_ to 1.
d. Agenda Item: E.3.e.i. E-SPLOST V Project 24-752-022 for General Contractor
Services Clarkston High School Capital Improvement Centennial Contractors
Enterprises, Inc.
Motion by: Ms. Gevertz
Seconded by: Mrs. Turner
All in favor: 4
Opposed by: Mrs. Hill and Ms. McGinniss
Abstention from: Dr. Morley
Motion passed: _4_to _2_ to 1.
e. Agenda Item: E.3.e.iii. E-SPLOST VI Project RFQu No. 24-752-029 Group I
Security Vestibules Project Award Approval (Lefko Development, Inc./dba Lefko
Construction) Pre-Construction Phase Fee.
Motion by: Ms. McGinniss
Seconded by: Mrs. Turner
All in favor: 6
Abstention from: Dr. Morley
Motion passed: _6_to _1_.
f. Agenda Item: E.3.e.iv ESPLOST Project 24-752-030 Professional Architectural and
Engineering Services for Group 2 Security Vestibules ~ SSOE, Inc.
Motion by: Mrs. Hill
Seconded by: Mrs. Turner
All in favor: 6
Abstention from: Dr. Morley
Motion passed: _6_to _1_.
DeKalb Board of Education
August 12, 2024
Page 11 of 13
g. Agenda Item: E.3.e.v. ESPLOST V Project: Briar Vista Elementary Change Order
No. 1. DeKalb County School District Requested Items.
Motion by: Mrs. Hill
Seconded by: Mrs. Turner
All in favor: 6
Opposed by: Dr. Morley
Motion passed: _6_to _1_.
h. Agenda Item: E.3.e.vi. Modification to a Previously Approved Budget Reallocation
for the Modular Classroom Installation at E.L. Miller Elementary.
Motion by: Mrs. Turner
Seconded by: Ms. Gevertz
All in favor: 4
Opposed by: Mrs. Hill and Ms. McGinniss
Abstention from: Dr. Morley
Motion passed: _4_to _2_ to 1.
i. Agenda Item: E.5.a. Gartner, Inc. Approval of Professional Services Agreement.
Motion by: Mrs. Pierce
Seconded by: Mrs. Turner
All in favor: 5
Opposed by: Ms. McGinniss and Dr. Morley
Motion passed: _5_to _2_
j. Agenda Item: E.6.a. Acceptance of the June 2024 Monthly Financial Report
Motion by: Mrs. Turner
Seconded by: Ms. Gevertz
All in favor: 5
DeKalb Board of Education
August 12, 2024
Page 12 of 13
Opposed by: Mrs. Hill
Abstention from: Dr. Morley
Motion passed: _5_to _1_ to 1.
k. Agenda Item: E.7.a. Approval of the Human Resources Monthly Report for August
2024
Motion by: Mrs. Hill
Seconded by: Mrs. Pierce
All in favor: 6
Abstention from: Dr. Morley
Motion passed: _6_to _1_.
l. Agenda Item: E.10.a. Renewal: College AIM, INC.
Motion by: Mrs. Turner
Seconded by: Mrs. Pierce
All in favor: 6
Abstention from: Dr. Morley
Motion passed: _6_to _1_.
m. Agenda Item: E.11.a. English Learners Program Evaluation and Master Planning.
Motion by: Ms. Gevertz
Seconded by: Mrs. Hill
All in favor: 6
Abstention from: Dr. Morley
Motion passed: _6_to _1_.
DeKalb Board of Education
August 12, 2024
Page 13 of 13
n. Agenda Item: E.11.b. Division of Student Services-Instructional Resources.
Motion by: Ms. Gevertz
Seconded by: Mrs. Hill
All in favor: 7/0
Motion passed: _7_to _0_.
o. Agenda Item: E.13.a. College Board SAT Exams
Motion by: Mrs. Pierce
Seconded by: Mrs. Hill
All in favor: 7
Motion passed: _7_to _0_.
ADJOURN
Mr. DaCosta, Sr. asked if there were any objections to adjourn the August 12, 2024, work
session and business meeting.
With no objections, the work session and business meeting adjourned at 8.12 pm.
_______________________ ____________________________
Secretary Ex-Officio Chair