DeKalb County School District
2024/2025 Goal Areas, Goals, Actions and Artifacts
2024/2025 District Goals
Goal Area 1: Student Academic Success with Equity and Access
Increase proficiency rates in literacy on district and state assessments for all students.
Increase proficiency rates in numeracy on district and state assessments for all students.
1.1 Increase the 4- and 5-year cohort graduation rates.
1.2 Ensure all students have equitable access to and support for academic programs and career pathways.
1.3 Improve student academic growth as measured by the College and Career Readiness Performance Index
(CCRPI).
1.4 Enhance student proficiency in digital literacy skills using innovative technology.
Goal Area 2 – School, Family and Community Engagement
2.1 Strengthen family, school, and community engagement to establish clear, accessible, and relevant
communication tailored to meet stakeholders’ preferences.
2.2 Create opportunities for collaboration between the district, families, community partners, and businesses
to foster partnerships to support district-wide initiatives.
2.3 Improve communication processes for stakeholders to ensure the flow of clear, timely, and relevant
information.
2.4 Establish clear communication channels to effectively engage with multilingual families and provide
equitable access to district and school information.
Goal Area 3: Recruit, Develop and Retain Talent
3.1 Recruit and hire a diverse and highly qualified workforce that reflects a world-class, innovative talent
pool.
3.2 Develop high performing staff to ensure quality teaching and learning outcomes, an innovative
workforce, and visionary leaders.
3.3 Retain highly effective staff in critical needs positions to ensure the sustainability and efficiency of
integral district programs and services.
3.4 Develop employee pipelines for key staff positions to ensure the long-term viability of essential programs
and services.
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DeKalb County School District
2024/2025 Goal Areas, Goals, Actions and Artifacts
Goal Area 4: Culture and Climate
4.1 Ensure all schools provide a safe, orderly, and supportive learning environment for all students and staff.
4.2 Implement restorative practice structures in all schools and increase the number of schools using Positive
Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) programs each year.
4.3 Improve student attendance by creating a positive and engaging school experience.
4.4 Ensure all schools have staff trained in de-escalation techniques and Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI)
strategies
Goal Area 5: Mental Health and Wellness
5.1 Create safe and supportive environments that promote positive mental health and wellness.
5.2 Increase awareness of factors that can impact mental health to foster well-managed learning
environments.
5.3 Increase mental health support staff to improve classroom behavior and peer relationships.
5.4 Expand staff participation in mental health professional learning opportunities.
Goal Area 6: Organizational Excellence
6.1 Provide clean, safe, and efficient school facilities for all students.
6.2 Deliver safe and efficient transportation services to all students.
6.3 Deliver efficient school nutrition services and healthy meals to all students.
6.4 Improve and maintain a secure, accessible, and equitable digital learning environment for all students.
6.5 Ensure excellent financial management of district resources.
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DeKalb County School District
2024/2025 Goal Areas, Goals, Actions and Artifacts
Instruction
Superintendent’s 2024/2025 Goals
Under each Strategy/Action for each District Goal, enter the Superintendent’s 2024/2025 Goals that the Superintendent will
adopt to advance the Strategy/Action (Use a purple font color to distinguish)
Goal Area 1: Student Academic Success with Equity and Access
District Goals
SMART Goal by 2029:
1.1 Increase proficiency rates in literacy on district and ELA EOG proficiency rate will be 47% (this represents a
state assessments for all students. minimum 3% annual gain annually over the next 5-years)
ELA EOC proficiency rate will be 46%.
Strategy/Action
Superintendent’s 2024/2025 Goals
Artifact
Students will improve ELA growth scores districtwide by
3%
a. Implement a progress monitoring tool in grades K-3 2024 EOG Data (Baseline Data)
focused on increasing early literacy skills and provide o Grades 3-5- 34.2%
professional learning for teachers on how to use the o Grades 6-8- 33.9%
tool. 2024 EOC Data
o High School- 33.7%
Fall MAP & Spring MAP
MAP Fluency (new reading and dyslexia screener)
ELL Exit Exam
b. Implement district-provided reading interventions for ***Decision will be made upon completion of the instructional
students performing below grade level, using resources inventory***
supplemental instruction, small group support, and
resources to accelerate student learning. Benchmark Data
c. Implement evidenced-based instructional strategies
K-12 Literacy Plan
that have been shown to improve literacy skills such as
structured literacy, academic vocabulary development,
o K-3 Structured Literacy required by 2025
and explicit reading and writing instruction across the
curriculum
o 4-12 Structured Literacy (district mandated)
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DeKalb County School District
2024/2025 Goal Areas, Goals, Actions and Artifacts
Goal Area 1: Student Academic Success with Equity and Access
District Goals
SMART Goal by 2029:
1.2 Increase proficiency rates in numeracy on district
Math EOG proficiency rate will be 40% by 2029.
and state assessments for all students.
Math EOC proficiency rate will be 34% by 2029.
Strategy/Action
Superintendent’s 2024/2025 Goals
Artifact
Students will improve MATH growth scores
districtwide by 3%
a. Implement evidenced-based instructional strategies 2024 EOG and EOC Data
that have been shown to improve numeracy and
Math EOG 2024
problem-solving skills such as number talks, math
talks, three-read protocol, Polya’s problem solving o Grades 3-5- 32.3%
process, 3 Act Math Task, and Newman’s Prompts. o Grades 6-8- 23.7%
Math EOC 2024
o Grade 8- 78.9
o High School- 18.8
Benchmark Data
MAP
ELL Exit Data
b. Teach a comprehensive math curriculum aligned to
MAP
Georgia’s K-12 Mathematics Standards. Ensure the
curriculum includes clear learning targets, success Benchmark Data
criteria, a coherent sequence of instruction, and a
variety of instructional materials and resources. ELL Exit Data
c. Provide ongoing professional development
Math Professional Learning will focus on
opportunities for teachers focused on effective math
Mathematical Modeling
instruction strategies, pedagogy, and content
knowledge. Offer training on problem-solving and
conceptual understanding approaches to meet the
diverse needs of students.
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DeKalb County School District
2024/2025 Goal Areas, Goals, Actions and Artifacts
Goal Area 1: Student Academic Success with Equity and Access
District Goals
SMART Goal by 2029:
1.3 Increase the 4- and 5-year cohort graduation rates. District 4- and 5-year graduation rates will increase by at
least 10% by 2029.
Strategy/Action
Superintendent’s 2024/2025 Goals Artifact
Increase 4-Year Cohort Grad Rate by 2%
a. Implement and monitor consistent standard operating ***4-Year Cohort Grad Rate Data released; 5-Year Cohort Data
procedures (SOPs) across all cohorts. expected release is December 2024
2023 Grad Rate serves as our Baseline: 75.77
2024 Grad Rate: 79.1
2025 Grad Rate Goal: 81.1
b. Offer a variety of targeted academic support programs
Academic Skills Centers
to students, such as tutoring, mentoring, academic
intervention classes, credit recovery opportunities, and SAT Initiative
after-school programs.
c. Increase the number of graduation pathway options by
Innovative Education Opportunities (IEOs)
incorporating alternative opportunities.
o ChanceLight
o Acceleration Academies
d. Implement strategies to increase the number of Operation Graduation (Cohort Data; Freshmen On Track
students meeting the requirements for ninth-grade data; Early Warning System)
promotion.
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DeKalb County School District
2024/2025 Goal Areas, Goals, Actions and Artifacts
Goal Area 1: Student Academic Success with Equity and Access
District Goals
1.4 Ensure all students have equitable access to and SMART Goal by 2029:
support for academic programs and career pathways. CCRPI Pathway Completion rate will be 89%.
Strategy/Action
Superintendent’s 2024/2025 Goals
Increase percentage of Pathway Completers (CTAE; Artifact
Humanities; Academics) and Industry Certified
Programs
a. Implement professional development to ensure
educators are familiar with pathway sequences, course Frontline Learning Management Reports and
standards, and assessment blueprints. survey responses
b. Monitor student progress in pathway courses and
End of Pathway Data (2024 data will be baseline)
provide targeted support for those at risk of not
completing pathways. Increased gifted identification of students from
underrepresented subgroups (African American;
Latino; Students with Disabilities; English Learners)
c. Ensure early exposure to pathway opportunities for
Documentation of PATHWAY advisement sessions
students to make certain they understand the sequence
for ALL 7TH and 8th grade students
of courses within each pathway and the required
assessments for pathway completion. o Naviance Data
o 4-Year Plan Data
d. Offer comprehensive student guidance on pathway
Documentation of Pathway advisement, Industry
offerings, industry credentials, and work-based
Certification and Work-Based Learning
learning opportunities.
Opportunities for students in grades 9-12
o Industry Certification Data
o Work-Based Learning Data
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DeKalb County School District
2024/2025 Goal Areas, Goals, Actions and Artifacts
Goal Area 1: Student Academic Success with Equity and Access
District Goals
SMART Goal by 2029:
75% of students will meet greater than 40th percentile
annual growth on CCRPI ELA Elementary Progress.
74% of students will meet greater than 40th percentile
annual growth on CCRPI ELA Middle Progress.
1.5 Improve student academic growth as measured by 66% of students will meet greater than 40th percentile
the College and Career Readiness Performance Index annual growth on CCRPI ELA High Progress.
(CCRPI). 75% of students will meet greater than 40th percentile
annual growth on CCRPI Math Elementary Progress.
70% of students will meet greater than 40th percentile
annual growth on CCRPI Math Middle Progress.
70% of students will meet greater than 40th percentile
annual growth on CCRPI Math High Progress.
Strategy/Action
Superintendent’s 2024/2025 Goals Artifact
a. Conduct districtwide formative assessments to monitor
Benchmarks
students’ academic progress.
MAP
b. Analyze assessment data to identify trends, patterns,
Reality Checks
and areas where instruction can be improved.
o MAP Data
o Attendance Data
o Discipline Data
o Academic Data
c. Provide teachers with training and tools for data
Collaborative Planning
analysis and interpretation to inform instructional
planning and student support strategies, Professional Learning Communities (PLCs)
Data Assessment Training
MAP Coaches
d. Provide tutoring and academic support for students
Academic Skills Centers
before, during, and after the school day.
AmeriCorp
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DeKalb County School District
2024/2025 Goal Areas, Goals, Actions and Artifacts
Goal Area 1: Student Academic Success with Equity and Access
District Goals
SMART Goal by 2029:
95% of all teachers will complete the district-wide
1.6 Enhance student proficiency in digital literacy skills technology integration performance objectives (IGNITE
using innovative technology. U TICs).
90% of all students will complete the district-wide
student digital literacy module (Digital Dreamer Hub).
Strategy/Action
Superintendent’s 2024/2025 Goals
Artifact
By March 2025, develop AI Policy, Regulations, and
Training Modules
Increase opportunities for students to engage
effectively with technology by providing training and
Technology Audit Report
support for teachers to integrate digital tools and Training Module completion data
technology seamlessly into their lessons.
a. Increase students’ exposure to responsible technology
practices, including artificial intelligence, Documentation of Student completion of digital literacy
cybersecurity, and digital citizenship. modules
b. Expand student learning to include the use of real-
world technologies such as artificial intelligence, Technology Audit Report
augmented reality, and virtual reality. Documentation of Student completion of digital literacy
modules
c. Create opportunities for students to explore and learn
about technology through initiatives like hands-on Documentation of Student completion of digital literacy
exploration and mentorship programs. modules
District Tech Symposium participation data
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DeKalb County School District
2024/2025 Goal Areas, Goals, Actions and Artifacts
Goal Area 2 – School, Family and Community Engagement
District Goals
2.1 Strengthen family, school, and community
SMART Goal by 2029:
engagement to establish clear, accessible, and relevant
Response rates to district Thought Exchange surveys will
communication tailored to meet stakeholders’
increase by 20%.
preferences.
Strategy/Action
Superintendent’s 2024/2025 Goals
Artifact
Increase the number of Townhall engagements and
expand opportunities for input
Documentation of new partnerships formed through
a. Establish partnerships with community organizations the DCSD Foundation
to access resources and support for district initiatives.
Partnerships in support of the Staff Convocation
b. Organize activities that encourage community
involvement and build connections between Conduct 8 Townhall Meetings
stakeholders.
Expand Thought Exchange to include multiple Thought Exchange Engagement Summary Data Report
questions for collecting feedback and evaluating the o Thought Exchange link will be sent via email and/or
effectiveness of engagement efforts text during or following engagement opportunities
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DeKalb County School District
2024/2025 Goal Areas, Goals, Actions and Artifacts
Goal Area 2 – School, Family and Community Engagement
District Goals
2.2 Create opportunities for collaboration between the
SMART Goal by 2029:
district, families, community partners, and businesses
DCSD will increase the number of community partners
to foster partnerships to support district-wide
by 30%.
initiatives.
Strategy/Action
Superintendent’s 2024/2025 Goals
Artifact
Secure at least one community partners for individual
schools
a. Enhance advisory councils and other collaborative
partnerships to address district-wide initiatives and
challenges.
b. Assist schools in securing partnerships with
community organizations. Community Partner Appreciation Day
c. Utilize online engagement platforms to facilitate
communication and collaboration among Communication artifacts (social media screenshots;
stakeholders and the community. virtual meetings…)
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DeKalb County School District
2024/2025 Goal Areas, Goals, Actions and Artifacts
Goal Area 2 – School, Family and Community Engagement
District Goals
2.3 Improve communication processes for stakeholders to SMART Goal by 2029:
ensure the flow of clear, timely, and relevant DCSD will improve communication by 10% based on
information. results from the communications audit.
Strategy/Action
Superintendent’s 2024/2025 Goals
Artifact
Create and publish Standard Operating Procedure
(SOP) for Communication
a. Identify and publicize the various communication Communication Audit Report
channels used throughout the district (e.g., website,
social media, email, newsletters). List of communication channels and platforms
b. Develop and share Standard Operating Procedures
(SOPs) for communication across the district. DCSD Communication SOP
c. Administer a quarterly ThoughtExchange to gauge
the effectiveness of the district’s communication Thought Exchange Summary Report
efforts and gather feedback from stakeholders.
d. Implement communication audits to identify areas
where communication can be improved within the Survey Data from Communication Audit Report
district.
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DeKalb County School District
2024/2025 Goal Areas, Goals, Actions and Artifacts
Goal Area 2 – School, Family and Community Engagement
District Goals
2.4 Establish clear communication channels to effectively SMART Goal by 2029:
engage with multilingual families and provide DCSD will increase communication channels and
equitable access to district and school information. programs supporting multilingual families by 10%.
Strategy/Action
Superintendent’s 2024/2025 Goals
Artifact
Create a repository for translated versions of
commonly used documents
a. Provide interpreters for virtual and in-person events.
b. Translate all standardized documents into the most SharePoint drive, accessible to district and school-
common languages. based leaders
c. Identify user-friendly platforms to assist in
multilingual translations. List of translation services utilized
Create and administer survey
d. Survey stakeholders and community to evaluate the
effectiveness of engagement with multilingual o Compile and share survey results
families.
o Enhance or revise methods of engagement
based on survey results
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DeKalb County School District
2024/2025 Goal Areas, Goals, Actions and Artifacts
Goal Area 3: Recruit, Develop and Retain Talent
District Goals
SMART Goal by 2029:
3.1 Recruit and hire a diverse and highly qualified The fill rate for certified positions will be at 99% by
workforce that reflects a world-class, innovative talent September 1.
pool. The fill rate for classified positions will be at 90% by
September 1.
Strategy/Action
Superintendent’s 2024/2025 Goals
Artifact
The fill rate for certified positions will be 90% by
September 1st
Implement a comprehensive recruitment plan to Recruitment Plan
secure a pool of qualified candidates. This plan should
Three-Year Hiring Data Comparison (2022, 2023, 2024
identify target audiences, utilize various recruitment
fil-rate data)
channels, and streamline the application and on-
boarding process.
a. Increase investment in recruiting pipelines by
marketing and communicating through all social
Social Media Posts/Advertisements
media platforms.
b. Strengthen partnerships with traditional and non-
traditional universities.
c. Offer a competitive compensation structure and Pay Plans
employee incentive program.
Comp and Class
d. Enhance the diversity, stability, and quality of the
teaching workforce through the IGNITE Residency Ignite Completion Rate (data from Cohort 1 will be
Program. available in December 2024/January 2025)
e. Increase the number of bilingual staff members to
support student academic success. HR Hiring Manager Reports
f. Award one hundred scholarships to high school
students or recent graduates pursuing careers in
education who commit to returning to the district.
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DeKalb County School District
2024/2025 Goal Areas, Goals, Actions and Artifacts
Goal Area 3: Recruit, Develop and Retain Talent
g. Develop career pathways for students to transition
into district careers in high-demand areas such as
Career Pathway Data in collaboration with CTAE
paraprofessionals, teaching, and nursing.
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DeKalb County School District
2024/2025 Goal Areas, Goals, Actions and Artifacts
Goal Area 3: Recruit, Develop and Retain Talent
District Goals
SMART Goal by 2029:
3.2 Develop high performing staff to ensure quality
DCSD will increase the percentage of employees scoring
teaching and learning outcomes, an innovative
exemplary on the TKES, LKES, and DKES evaluation
workforce, and visionary leaders.
instruments by 20%.
Strategy/Action
Superintendent’s 2024/2025 Goals
Increase the percentage of employees scoring
exemplary on TKES, LKES, and DKES evaluation Artifact
instruments by 2%
Provide specialized professional learning designed to
enhance special education teacher pedagogy
o Training documentation for each cohort of 15
a. Implement a tiered system of competency-based, teachers
rigorous, data driven professional development.
o Documentation of completion of 5-day training
b. Offer differentiated onboarding programs to provide
customized orientation, induction, and mentoring
support for new teachers, leaders, and
paraprofessionals.
c. Develop a variety of self-paced learning options to
CANVAS Course Catalog
accommodate diverse staff schedules and preferences,
including online courses, peer learning groups,
Frontline Registration Data
learning modules, and evening/weekend workshops.
d. Develop a more robust process to evaluate
professional development programs, measuring
participant satisfStrategy/Action and the effectiveness
of implementation.
e. Ensure all newly hired leaders receive mandatory
training in engagement and performance
management practices.
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DeKalb County School District
2024/2025 Goal Areas, Goals, Actions and Artifacts
Goal Area 3: Recruit, Develop and Retain Talent
District Goals
SMART Goal by 2029:
3.3 Retain highly effective staff in critical needs positions
DCSD will increase the teacher retention rate to 97%.
to ensure the sustainability and efficiency of integral
DCSD will increase Paraprofessional, SRO, Nurse, and
district programs and services.
Bus Driver retention rates to 90%.
Strategy/Action
Superintendent’s 2024/2025 Goals Artifact
o Increase teacher retention rate by 2%
a. Implement a comprehensive employee retention
plan.
b. Develop and implement programs that elevate, o Employee of the Year Celebration
celebrate, and recognize employee experience.
o Staff Convocation
c. Develop and cultivate a responsive staff health and o Documentation of participation in staff wellness
wellness program. activities
o Monthly wellness activities
d. Increase access to confidential mental health and Employee Wellness Initiatives
counseling services for all employees.
Employee Assistance Program
e. Conduct annual employee surveys to gauge employee
perceptions of school climate, culture, and job
satisfactioin.
Use exit survey data to inform and develop retention
strategies, identify areas for improvement, and
enhance systems that impact job satisfication
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DeKalb County School District
2024/2025 Goal Areas, Goals, Actions and Artifacts
Goal Area 3: Recruit, Develop and Retain Talent
District Goals
3.4 Develop employee pipelines for key staff positions to SMART Goal by 2029:
ensure the long-term viability of essential programs The district will develop 8 career pathway programs for
and services. employees.
Strategy/Action
Superintendent’s 2024/2025 Goals
90% completion rate for Teacher Residency Artifact
participants (inclusive of passing required
assessments)
a. Establish clear promotional pathways for staff to Para to Teacher
develop expertise or certifications in specialized areas Ignite
of need.
Aspiring Leaders
b. Develop residency programs to cultivate a strong
pipeline of future administrators. o 90% placement of Teacher Residency participants
Reading Endorsement
c. Expand endorsement programs to better meet the
needs of students. ELL Endorsement
Gifted Endorsement
d. Empower current and future high-quality employees
to design their professional learning aligned with
their career aspirations.
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DeKalb County School District
2024/2025 Goal Areas, Goals, Actions and Artifacts
Goal Area IV: Culture and Climate
District Goals
SMART Goal by 2029:
DCSD will show a reduction in bullying and major
disciplinary incidents by 10% as reported by the GADOE
4.1 Ensure all schools provide a safe, orderly, and School Safety Report.
supportive learning environment for all students and 71% of DCSD schools will receive 4 stars or higher on
staff. the College and Career Ready Performance Index
(CCRPI) School Climate Star Rating.
100% of schools will adhere to the state and local
requirement of executing monthly safety drills
Strategy/Action
Artifact
Superintendent’s 2024/2025 Goals
a. Provide school level training to support consistent
Professional Learning Day Participation Logs
discipline practices.
(July/August 2024)
b. Provide school level training on de-escalation
Training Schedules from Wrap Around Services
practices using Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI)
and Mindset Training.
c. Provide school level training to implement restorative
practices districtwide. Training Completion Logs
d. Implement a “Train the Trainer” model for district
personnel on restorative practices.
Provide Tier 1 PBIS implementation training for new
school cohorts and PBIS overview interest sessions for
school leadership.
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DeKalb County School District
2024/2025 Goal Areas, Goals, Actions and Artifacts
Goal Area IV: Culture and Climate
District Goals
4.2 Implement restorative practice structures in all schools
SMART Goal by 2029:
and increase the number of schools using Positive
100% of DCSD schools will utilize restorative practices.
Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS)
75% of DCSD schools will implement PBIS.
programs each year.
Strategy/Action
Superintendent’s 2024/2025 Goals
o 100% of Senior Cabinet Members will be trained in Artifact
Restorative Practices
o 100% of FACE Advocates will be trained in
Restorative Practices
a. Provide training on Restorative Practice Circles to
o Training Documentation
Family and Community Engagement (FACE)
Advocates and Behavioral Support Specialists.
b. Increase the number of schools implementing the o PBIS Training rosters
PBIS program to promote positive behavioral
expectations and to provide reinforcement for desired o Implementation Training
behavior.
o Implementation Monitoring Visits
c. Use the Tiered Fidelity Inventory (TFI), a validated
assessment tool, to measure PBIS fidelity across
schools to identify areas for improvement and inform
targeted support strategies
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DeKalb County School District
2024/2025 Goal Areas, Goals, Actions and Artifacts
Goal Area IV: Culture and Climate
District Goals
SMART Goal by 2029:
4.3 Improve student attendance by creating a positive and
The chronically absent rate will be reduced by 15% as
engaging school experience.
reported by the GOSA Attendance Report.
Strategy/Action
Superintendent’s 2024/2025 Goals Artifact
o Reduce chronic absentee rate by 2% as reported by
the GOSA Attendance Rate
a. Implement positive reinforcement strategies to o Monthly Attendance Reports from Infinite Campus
acknowledge good attendance, including reward
o Reality Checks
programs, recognition systems, or special privileges
for students with consistent attendance records. o Highlight attendance incentives for students
and parents
b. Build strong relationships with families and
community organizations by offering family
engagement workshops, providing resources, and
support services, and involving community members
in school activities to boost motivation and
attendance.
c. Develop a system for early identification and
o Every Day Labs Reports
intervention for students with chronic absenteeism,
including home visits, personalized support plans, and
addressing underlying causes of absences (such as
health issues or transportation challenges).
d. Frequently analyze attendance data to identify trends
and patterns and use this data to target interventions
and strategies for specific student groups or schools
with higher absenteeism rates.
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DeKalb County School District
2024/2025 Goal Areas, Goals, Actions and Artifacts
Goal Area IV: Culture and Climate
District Goals
SMART Goal by 2029:
4.4 Ensure all schools have staff trained in de-escalation
DCSD will increase the number of schools with staff
techniques and Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI)
trained in de-escalation/Crisis Prevention Intervention
strategies
(CPI) by 50%.
Strategy/Action
Superintendent’s 2024/2025 Goals Artifact
o Increase number of staff trained in Crisis Prevention
Intervention (CPI)
a. Assign CPI trained district staff to train school level
staff in areas/schools across the district.
b. Utilize the Train the Trainer model to train 3 or more o Training Attendance and Completion Records
school staff in Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI)
strategies. o Training Presentations
c. Create a comprehensive training plan and calendar
that outlines the specific de-escalation protocols and
CPI strategies to be taught including a schedule for
training all staff across the district.
d. Implement a system to track staff participation in de-
o Training Attendance and Completion Records
escalation training and CPI certification and use this
data to monitor progress and identify schools or staff
o Training Presentations
members that may require additional support.
e. Regularly evaluate the effectiveness of the district’s
de-escalation training and CPI implementation by
using surveys, focus groups, and analysis of data on
crisis incidents.
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DeKalb County School District
2024/2025 Goal Areas, Goals, Actions and Artifacts
Goal Area 5: Mental Health and Wellness
District Goals
SMART Goal by 2029:
DCSD will increase the number of student safe centers to
5.1 Create safe and supportive environments that promote
twenty by 2029.
positive mental health and wellness.
DCSD will increase the number of staff safe spaces to
fifteen by 2029.
Strategy/Action
Superintendent’s 2024/2025 Goals Artifact
o Increase the number of Safe Centers from 7 to 9
a. Implement a standardized needs assessment for staff
and students to determine the level of support needed Needs Assessment Data
and general awareness.
b. Provide social emotional learning (SEL) training to
o Second Step
create safe, inclusive, and supportive spaces for
students.
c. Implement the SEL curriculum to help students o Utilize Second Step training modules
manage emotions, problem solve, and create positive
relationships with others. o Usage Reports
d. Increase mental health awareness by offering annual
training for staff and students. Participation/ Training Data
e. Develop a communication plan for reporting mental
o Crisis Intervention Manual (DCSD published
health emergencies, outlining how staff will
document)
communicate with students, parents, and first
responders in the event of an emergency.
f. Develop clear and accessible channels for students to
report mental health concerns.
g. Provide resources and opportunities for mindfulness
practices for students and staff. Mindfulness Moments for Staff (produced/ shared
by HR)
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DeKalb County School District
2024/2025 Goal Areas, Goals, Actions and Artifacts
District Goals
SMART Goal by 2029:
5.2 Increase awareness of factors that can impact mental
DCSD will increase awareness of factors that can impact
health to foster well-managed learning environments.
mental health by 20% annually.
Strategy/Action
Superintendent’s 2024/2025 Goals Artifact
o Increase Wellness Activities for Staff by 20%
a. Facilitate an annual mental health awareness Social Media Posts
campaign including email and social media to raise
awareness and to mobilize efforts. Email Blasts
b. Distribute educational resources in schools to
o Mental Health and Stress Management Campaign
specifically address stress management strategies with
students and staff.
c. Promote work-life balance, flexible schedules, and
o Wellness Wednesdays
stress management programs for staff to improve
employee wellness, reduce burnout, encourage
o Employee Wellness Center
personal development, reduce absenteeism, and
increase productivity.
d. Provide resources and opportunities for mindfulness
practices for students and staff.
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DeKalb County School District
2024/2025 Goal Areas, Goals, Actions and Artifacts
District Goals
SMART Goal by 2029:
5.3 Increase mental health support staff to improve
DCSD will increase mental health support staff to
classroom behavior and peer relationships.
twenty-three district wide.
Strategy/Action
Superintendent’s 2024/2025 Goals Artifact
o Increase mental health support staff by four (4)
a. Establish partnerships with recruitment agencies to
increase mental health support staff.
b. Advertise mental health career opportunities in local,
state, and national publications.
c. Increase partnerships with mental health agencies to
recruit potential candidates.
d. Collaborate with colleges and universities to create a
o Partner with Kennesaw State
pipeline of potential candidates.
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DeKalb County School District
2024/2025 Goal Areas, Goals, Actions and Artifacts
District Goals
SMART Goal by 2029:
5.4 Expand staff participation in mental health
100% of DCSD staff will complete a mental health and
professional learning opportunities.
wellness module.
Strategy/Action
Superintendent’s 2024/2025 Goals Artifact
o Develop 3- Mental Health and Wellness Modules by
January 2025
a. Create a mandatory mental health and wellness
o Module completion documentation
support module for teachers.
b. Foster partnerships with external health and wellness
o Continue Partnership with Emory University
agencies to expand staff knowledge of external mental
Hospital (Dr. Johnson and team)
health and wellness providers.
c. Incorporate mental health activities during staff
meetings and teacher workdays. Meeting agendas
d. Publish visible signage and electronic information
throughout the district to improve staff awareness of Emails, Pictures of signage
mental health services.
e. Expand access to Employee Assistance Programs
(EAPs).
f. Offer workshops and resources on mindfulness Frontline Learning Management Reports and survey
practices, stress management techniques, and self- responses
care strategies.
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DeKalb County School District
2024/2025 Goal Areas, Goals, Actions and Artifacts
Goal Area 6: Organizational Excellence
District Goals
SMART Goal by 2029:
100% of school facilities will be in good condition and
repaired as measured by the School Facility Assessment.
6.1 Provide clean, safe, and efficient school facilities for all
DCSD will decrease construction
students.
overhead/administrative costs by 10%.
DCSD will decrease work order completion times (days)
by 10%.
Strategy/Action
Superintendent’s 2024/2025 Goals
o Decrease work order completion times (days) by 10% Artifact
o Implement quality and timely ESPLOST Reporting
System
a. Strengthen coordination between divisions to ensure
alignment between procurement and program Participate in TregoED to streamline processes for
management. This will facilitate smoother project procurement and project completion timelines
execution by reconciling timelines, budgets, and
spending rates for E-SPLOST and other identified
capital improvement funds, ensuring efficient use and
reporting of these resources.
b. Implement standard practices for developing project
scope, sequence, and design costs. Enforce adherence Monthly ESPLOST reports
to internal cost controls, project plans, and financial
review processes. This standardization will ensure
consistency and efficiency in managing capital
improvement projects.
c. Establish a quality assurance process for custodial
services. This process should include frequent Setting the Standard Building Cleanliness Checklist
assessments of cleanliness, inventory control,
resource allocation, and training plans to support Daily duties and responsibilities for members of the
school-based custodial teams. Regular evaluations will facilities management team
help identify areas for improvement and ensure a
high standard of cleanliness and maintenance in
schools.
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DeKalb County School District
2024/2025 Goal Areas, Goals, Actions and Artifacts
Goal Area 6: Organizational Excellence
d. Conduct regular safety assessments of all school
o Schedule of School Safety Visits and Inspections
facilities to identify potential hazards and
vulnerabilities. This assessment is inclusive of, but not
limited to: fire safety, structural integrity, security
systems, and accessibility for students with
disabilities.
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DeKalb County School District
2024/2025 Goal Areas, Goals, Actions and Artifacts
Goal Area 6: Organizational Excellence
District Goals
6.2 Deliver safe and efficient transportation services to all SMART Goal by 2029:
students. All bus routes will average 95% for on time performance.
Strategy/Action
Superintendent’s 2024/2025 Goals
Artifact
o All bus routes will average 95% on-time
performance
a. Optimize bus routes, improve on-time performance,
o Daily arrival and departure logs
and potentially reduce costs associated with
transportation.
o Safety Drills Documentation
b. Develop and implement comprehensive bus safety
programs for students including o Safe School Plans
boarding/disembarking procedures, behavior
expectations, and emergency drills. Severe Weather Drills
Bus Evacuation Drills
c. Provide ongoing training for bus drivers to ensure o School Bus Safety Training
they are current on safe driving practices, use of
recent technologies, and student management o School Bus and Driver Certification
strategies.
o Annual certification
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DeKalb County School District
2024/2025 Goal Areas, Goals, Actions and Artifacts
Goal Area 6: Organizational Excellence
District Goals
SMART Goal by 2029:
6.3 Deliver efficient school nutrition services and healthy
DCSD will increase the overall rate of school lunch
meals to all students.
participation by 10%.
Strategy/Action
Superintendent’s 2024/2025 Goals Artifact
o Increase school lunch participation by 10%
a. Streamline operations, reduce waste, and enhance the Increase the number of CEP schools
dining experience for students.
Meal participation reports
Implement taste testing, diverse menu options, and
appealing meal presentations to improve overall
Monthly Meal Menu
customer satisfaction
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DeKalb County School District
2024/2025 Goal Areas, Goals, Actions and Artifacts
Goal Area 6: Organizational Excellence
District Goals
SMART Goal by 2029:
6.4 Improve and maintain a secure, accessible, and DCSD will increase the uptime of critical technology
equitable digital learning environment for all students. infrastructure to 95%.
DCSD will replace 100% of student and staff devices.
Strategy/Action
Superintendent’s 2024/2025 Goals
Artifact
Procure devices for all students in grades 9-12
a. Ensure all students and identified staff receive new
devices according to the established district refresh Reports
cycle.
b. Implement a comprehensive preventative
maintenance program to minimize technology issues Help Desk Tickets
and improve response times for addressing
infrastructure incidents to maintain reliable
technology access for all users.
c. Establish a system to monitor adherence to
cybersecurity policies across the district, including log files, system logs, network traffic captures,
enforcing password complexity requirements, timestamps, registry entries
educating users on proper data handling procedures,
and encouraging the reporting of suspicious activity.
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DeKalb County School District
2024/2025 Goal Areas, Goals, Actions and Artifacts
Goal Area 6: Organizational Excellence
District Goals
SMART Goal by 2029:
DCSD will achieve a low-risk designation by the Georgia
6.5 Ensure excellent financial management of district Department of Audits and Accounts.
resources. DCSD will maintain an undesignated fund balance
reserve of at least 15% of annual budgeted expenditures
throughout the year.
Strategy/Action
Superintendent’s 2024/2025 Goals
Maintain 15% fund balance throughout the year Artifact
Submit a quality set of financial statements for
FY2024 by November 15, 2024
Quarterly and annual financial reports to include the
fund balance
a. Obtain clean DCSD audit reports annually. Audit documentation with no recurring significant
deficiencies or material weaknesses
b. Maintain a general fund balance of at least 15% Monthly, Quarterly and annual financial reports to
throughout the year to ensure financial stability include the fund balance
c. Improve relationships with vendors by streamlining Monthly spend reports- Documentation of timely vendor
payment processing. payments (30 days)
d. Implement a robust planning and monitoring process
to ensure efficient use of resources and track progress
towards district goals.
e. Allocate human and fiscal resources strategically to
maximize their impact on student achievement and
growth.
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