EXECUTIVE SESSION, WORK SESSION, COMMUNITY INPUT SESSION &
BUSINESS MEETING
OF THE
DEKALB COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION
September 9, 2024
The DeKalb County Board of Education held its Executive Session, Work Session, Community
Input Session and Business Meeting on Monday, September 9, 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 11:32 am and noted the following were in
attendance; himself, 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 September 9, 2024 work session and
business meeting.
Ms. Gevertz made a motion to approve the agenda. Ms. McGinniss seconded the motion. With a
vote of 5-0, the September 9, 2024, work session and business meeting agenda was approved.
RECOGNITIONS
STUDENT BOARD REPRESENTATIVE ~ Miss Andrea James, Arabia Mountain, HS, 12 th
Grade.
Dr. Morley and Mrs. Pierce joined the meeting after Dr. Horton introduced the Student Board
Representative, Miss. Andrea James.
RECOGNITIONS ~ No Recognition This Month
GROUP / EXTERNAL PRESENTATION ~ No Group Presentation This Month
SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT and COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
1. Superintendent’s Report
a. Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) Data
Presented by: Dr. Candace Alexander, Chief of Accountability & Continuous
Improvement, Division of Accountability & Continuous Improvement
DeKalb Board of Education
September 9, 2024
Page 2 of 13
2. Committee of the Whole Presentation
a. E-SPLOST IV/V Executive Summary Report
Presented by: Plante Moran
REVIEW OF AGENDA ITEMS FOR THE SEPTEMBER 9, 2024, BUSINESS
MEETING
03.01.
BOARD OF EDUCATION ~ No Agenda Item This Month
03.02.a
Mr. DaCosta, Sr. requested that the Board of Education approve the minutes of the following
meetings: August 12, 2024 board meeting which includes the executive session, work session,
community input session and business meeting, the August 20, 2024 virtual board b-policy
review committee meeting, and the August 28, 2024 virtual board retreat and executive session.
Dr. Morley objected to this item. It would be voted on separately.
03.03.a.i.
Mr. Antwyn Brown, Deputy Chief Operating Officer, Division of Operations, requested that the
Board of Education approve an easement to Georgia Power to secure distribution and
communication lines which service Panola Way Elementary School and surrounding area.
03.03.b.i.
Mr. Antwyn Brown, Deputy Chief Operating Officer, Division of Operations, requested that the
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.
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.
Dr. Morley objected to this item. It would be voted on separately.
03.03.c.i.
Mr. Antwyn Brown, Deputy Chief Operating Officer, Division of Operations, requested that the
Board of Education 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.
03.03.d.
SCHOOL NUTRITION ~ No Agenda Item This Month
DeKalb Board of Education
September 9, 2024
Page 3 of 13
03.03.e.i.
Mr. Antwyn Brown, Deputy Chief Operating Officer, Division of Operations, requested that the
Board of Education 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.
Ms. McGinniss objected to this item. It would be voted on separately.
03.03.e. ii.
Mr. Antwyn Brown, Deputy Chief Operating Officer, Division of Operations, requested that the
Board of Education 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.
Dr. Morley objected to this item. It would be voted on separately.
03.03.e.iii.
Mr. Antwyn Brown, Deputy Chief Operating Officer, Division of Operations, requested that the
Board of Education 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.
Dr. Morley objected to this item. It would be voted on separately.
DeKalb Board of Education
September 9, 2024
Page 4 of 13
03.04.a.
Ms. Monika Davis, Chief Information Officer, Division of Information and Instructional
Technology, 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.
Ms. McGinniss objected to this item. It would be voted on separately.
03.04.b.
Ms. Monika Davis, Chief Information Officer, Division of Information and Instructional
Technology, requested that 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.
03.04.c.
Ms. Monika Davis, Chief Information Officer, Division of Information and Instructional
Technology, requested that the Board of Education approve the purchase of information and
network security services and associated infrastructure components from Dell EMC, Layer3,
Blue Ally, Vivacity Tech, and Microsoft at a cost not to exceed $2,126,660.84.
Ms. McGinniss objected to this item. It would be voted on separately.
03.04.d.
Ms. Monika Davis, Chief Information Officer, Division of Information and Instructional
Technology, 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.
Ms. McGinniss objected to this item. It would be voted on separately.
03.05.a.
Mr. Elijah Palmer, Chief of Staff, Chief of Staff Division requested that the Board of Education
approve the Annual HB147 Safe Schools Act Plan for SY 2024-2025.
Dr. Morley objected to this item. It would be voted on separately.
03.05.b.
Mr. Elijah Palmer, Chief of Staff, Chief of Staff Division requested that the Board of Education
approve the contract for Leadership Transformation Training. This training will be provided and
facilitated by the Initiative One Leadership Institute.
Dr. Morley objected to this item. It would be voted on separately.
03.05.c.
Mr. Elijah Palmer, Chief of Staff, Chief of Staff Division 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.
DeKalb Board of Education
September 9, 2024
Page 5 of 13
Dr. Morley objected to this item. It would be voted on separately.
03.06.a.
Mr. Byron Schueneman, Chief Financial Officer, Division of Finance, requested that the Board
of Education accept the July 2024 Monthly Financial Report.
03.07.a.
Mrs. Tasha Davis Mills, Chief Human Resource Officer, Division of Human Resources,
requested that the Board of Education approve the September 2024 Human Resources Report.
Dr. Morley objected to this item. It would be voted on separately.
03.08.
SCHOOLS & LEADERSHIP ~ No Agenda Item This Month
03.09.a.
Ms. Stacy E. Stepney, Chief Academic Officer, Division of Curriculum & Instruction,
requested that 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
03.09.b.
Ms. Stacy E. Stepney, Chief Academic Officer, Division of Curriculum & Instruction,
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.
03.09.c.
Ms. Stacy E. Stepney, Chief Academic Officer, Division of Curriculum & Instruction,
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.
03.09.d.
Ms. Stacy E. Stepney, Chief Academic Officer, Division of Curriculum & Instruction,
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.
03.09.e.
Ms. Stacy E. Stepney, Chief Academic Officer, Division of Curriculum & Instruction,
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.
DeKalb Board of Education
September 9, 2024
Page 6 of 13
Dr. Morley objected to this item. It would be voted on separately.
03.10.a
Dr. Kisha K. Towns, Chief of Wrap Around Services, Division of Wrap Around Services,
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.
Dr. Morley objected to this item.
Dr. Horton requested that this item be tabled. It was removed from the agenda.
03.11.
STUDENT SERVICES ~ No Agenda Items This Month
03.12.a.i.
Dr. Triscilla Weaver, Chief Equity Officer, Division of Equity & Inclusion, 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 oversite, supplies, staff development, and quality assurance at each of
the traditional nineteen high schools for a period of one year.
Dr. Morley objected to this item. It would be voted on separately.
03.13.a.
Dr. Candace Alexander, Chief of Accountability & Continuous Improvement, Division of
Accountability & Continuous Improvement, requested that the Board of Education approve the
purchase of 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).
03.13.b.
Dr. Candace Alexander, Chief of Accountability & Continuous Improvement, Division of
Accountability & Continuous Improvement, 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.
Dr. Morley objected to this item.
Dr. Horton requested that this item be tabled. It was removed from the agenda.
DeKalb Board of Education
September 9, 2024
Page 7 of 13
03.13.c.
Dr. Candace Alexander, Chief of Accountability & Continuous Improvement, Division of
Accountability & Continuous Improvement, 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.
Dr. Morley objected to this item. It would be voted on separately.
03.14.a.i.
Mrs. Jennifer Caracciolo, Deputy Chief Communications Officer, Division of Community
Engagement & Innovative Partnerships, 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.
03.14.a.ii.
Mrs. Jennifer Caracciolo, Deputy Chief Communications Officer, Division of Community
Engagement & Innovative Partnerships, 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.
03.14.b.
Mrs. Jennifer Caracciolo, Deputy Chief Communications Officer, Division of Community
Engagement & Innovative Partnerships, 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.
03.15.
LEGAL SERVICES ~ No Agenda Items This Month
AMENDMENT TO THE BYLAWS AND POLICIES ~ No Agenda Item This Month
ADJOURN TO AN EXECUTIVE SESSION
Mr. DaCosta, Sr. called for a motion to adjourn September 9, 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. Turner and with a vote of (6/0), the September 9,
2024, meeting adjourned to executive session.
ADJOURN THE EXECUTIVE SESSION
Mr. DaCosta, Sr. called to adjourn the September 9, 2024, executive session to convene the
business meeting.
On a motion by Mrs. Pierce, seconded by Mrs. Hill and with a vote of (7/0), the September 9,
2024, executive session adjourned to the convene the business session.
DeKalb Board of Education
September 9, 2024
Page 8 of 13
PERSONNEL RECOMMENDATIONS FROM EXECUTIVE SESSION
a. Mrs. Tasha Davis Mills 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.
b. Mrs. Tasha Davis Mills 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.
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. Miriam Martin
CONSENT AGENDA
Mr. DaCosta, Sr. called for a motion to approve the September 9, 2024, consent agenda items.
On a motion by Mrs. Hill, seconded by Mrs. Turner and with a vote of 7/0 the motion passed to
approve the consent agenda.
ACTION ITEM(S)
K.1. APPROVAL OF AN ITEM(S) FROM EXECUTIVE SESSION
a. Agenda Item: Personnel Recommendation of Kristen Jones for position of Substitute
Teacher. Ms. K. Jones is the daughter of Dr. Michelle Jones, Area Superintendent in
the Division of School Leadership.
Motion: Mrs. Pierce
Second: Mrs. Turner
All in favor: 7
DeKalb Board of Education
September 9, 2024
Page 9 of 13
Motion passed: _7_to _0_.
b. Agenda Item: Personnel Recommendation of Kendalle Smith for position of Library
Media Assistant. Ms. K. Smith is the daughter of Ms. Carla Smith, Executive
Director of Vendor Service in the Division of Finance
Motion: Mrs. Turner
Second: Ms. Gevertz
All in favor: 6
Opposed: Dr. Morley
Motion passed: _6_to _1_.
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: Mrs. Pierce
Second: Mrs. Hill
All in favor: 6
Abstained: Dr. Morley
Motion passed: _6_to _1_.
b. Agenda Item: E.3.b.i. Contract Cooperative Agreement The National Public Seating
Agreement through The Interlocking Purchasing System (TIPS).
Motion: Ms. McGinniss
Second: Mrs. Turner
All in favor: 6
Oppose: Dr. Morley
DeKalb Board of Education
September 9, 2024
Page 10 of 13
Motion passed: _6_to _1_.
c. Agenda Item: E.3.e.i. ESPLOST VI Contract Renewal ~ ACERM Program.
Motion by: Ms. Gevertz
Second: NONE
Motion DIED ~ Item not approved.
d. Agenda Item: E.3.e. ii. ESPLOST V – Contract Award CM Risk -Stoneview ES.
Motion: Mrs. Turner
Second: Mrs. Pierce
All in favor: 4
Opposed: Mrs. Hill & Ms. McGinniss
Abstained: Dr. Morley
Motion passed: _4_to _2_ to 1.
e. Agenda Item: E.3.e.iii. Contract Renewal Annual License Use Kahua Software.
Motion: Mrs. Hill
Second: Mrs. Pierce
All in favor: 6
Abstained: Dr. Morley
Motion passed: _6_to _1_.
f. Agenda Item: E.4.a. Blue Mantis Professional Services.
Motion: Mrs. Pierce
Second: Mrs. Hill
All in favor: 7
DeKalb Board of Education
September 9, 2024
Page 11 of 13
Motion passed: _7_to _0 .
g. Agenda Item: E.4.c. SecureIT Initiative.
Motion: Ms. McGinniss
Second: Mrs. Pierce
All in favor: 7
Motion passed: _7_to _0_.
h. Agenda Item: E.4.d. Technology Device Purchase Approval.
Motion: Mrs. Hill
Second: Mrs. Turner
All in favor: 7
Motion passed: _7_to _0_.
i. Agenda Item: E.5.a. HB 147 Safe Schools Act Plan.
Motion by: Mrs. Turner
Second: Ms. Gevertz
All in favor: 5
Opposed: Mrs. Hill
Abstained: Dr. Morley
Motion passed: _5_to 1 to 1.
j. Agenda Item: E.5.b. Initiative One Professional Learning for Senior Cabinet.
Motion: Mrs. Turner
Second: Ms. Gevertz
DeKalb Board of Education
September 9, 2024
Page 12 of 13
All in favor: 6
Opposed: Dr. Morley
Motion passed: _6_to _1_.
k. Agenda Item: E.5.c. RFP 24-594 Operations and IT Division Assessment.
Motion: Mrs. Hill
Second: Mrs. Turner
All in favor: 6
Opposed: Dr. Morley
Motion passed: _6_to _1_.
l. Agenda Item: E.7.a.Approval of the Human Resources Monthly Report for
September.
Motion: Mrs. Hill
Second: Ms. McGinniss
All in favor: 5
Abstained: Dr. Morley & Mr. DaCosta, Sr.
Motion passed: _5_to _2_.
m. Agenda Item: E.9.e. DCSD PLC @ Work and Coaching Academy– Solution Tree.
Motion by: Mrs. Turner
Seconded by: Mrs. Hill
All in favor: 5
Opposed: Dr. Morley
Abstained: Mr. DaCosta, Sr.
Motion passed: _5_to _1_ to 1.
DeKalb Board of Education
September 9, 2024
Page 13 of 13
n. Agenda Item: E.12.a. Amendment to Spend Limit for RFQ 24-565 Athletic Trainers
for Traditional High Schools in DCSD by Northside Hospital.
Motion: Mrs. Hill
Second: Mrs. Pierce
All in favor: 5
Opposed: Dr. Morley & Ms. McGinniss
Motion passed: _5_to _2_.
o. Agenda Item: E.13.c. Princeton Review SAT Test Prep.
Motion: Mrs. Hill
Second: Ms. McGinniss
All in favor: 6
Opposed: Dr. Morley
Motion passed: _6_to _1_.
Dr. Horton called for a moment of silence for the lives that were lost most recently in Georgia
due to the senseless shooting.
Ms. McGinniss wanted to provide the public with an explanation on why the board policies
were removed from the agenda. General Counsel, Ms. Slaton explained that the policies needed
more time for consideration and assured the public that the policies were still in First Read in
case someone wanted to submit comments.
ADJOURN
Mr. DaCosta, Sr. asked if there were any objections to adjourn the September 9, 2024, work
session and business meeting.
With a motion by Mrs. Turner. Second by Mrs. Pierce and a vote of 7/0, the work session and
business meeting adjourned at 7:34 pm.
_______________________ ____________________________
Secretary Ex-Officio Chair