EXECUTIVE SESSION, WORK SESSION, COMMUNITY INPUT SESSION &
BUSINESS MEETING
OF THE
DEKALB COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION
November 11, 2024
The DeKalb County Board of Education held its Executive Session, Work Session, Community
Input Session and Business Meeting on Monday, November 11, 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. 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.
GROUP / EXTERNAL PRESENTATION / PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mr. DaCosta, Sr. introduced the Tucker HS JROTC to present the colors. Cadet Soriano led the
pledge of allegiance.
ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA
Mr. DaCosta, Sr. called to adopt the agenda for the November 11, 2024, work session and
business meeting.
Mrs. Hill made a motion to approve the agenda. Mrs. Turner seconded the motion. With a vote
of 6-0, the November 11, 2024, work session and business meeting agenda was approved.
STUDENT BOARD REPRESENTATIVE
Dr. Horton introduced Student Board Representative Miss Serenity Brister, Stone Mountain
High School, 12th Grade
RECOGNITIONS / PROCLAMATIONS / MIRACLE MAKER AWARDS
a. Proclamation: National School Psychology Week (November 11~15, 2024)
Presented by: Ms. Allyson Gevertz, Board Member, District 4
b. Proclamation: National Apply to College Month
Presented by: Ms. Whitney McGinniss, Board Member, District 2
c. Proclamation: Parent & Family Engagement Month
Presented by: Mrs. Deirdre P. Pierce, Board Vice-Chair
d. Recognition: Miller Grove High School Softball Team
Presented by: Mrs. Vickie B. Turner, Board Member, District 5
e. Recognition: Najee Smother, DeKalb Silver Streaks
Presented by: Mr. Diijon DaCosta, Sr., Board Chair
DeKalb Board of Education
November 11, 2024
Page 2 of 15
SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT and COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
1. Superintendent’s Report
a. Strategic Plan Update
Presented by: Dr. Amelia Jefferson, Administrator, Chief of Staff Division
Mr. Elijah Palmer, Chief of Staff, Chief of Staff Division
2. Committee of the Whole Presentation
a. E-SPLOST / Finance Reporting
Presented by: Mr. Erick Hofstetter, Chief Operating Officer, Division of Operations
Mr. Byron Schueneman, Chief Financial Officer, Division of Finance
ADJOURN TO AN EXECUTIVE SESSION
Mr. DaCosta, Sr. called for a motion to adjourn November 11, 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 Ms. Gevertz, a second by Mrs. Hill and with a vote of (6/0), the November 11,
2024, meeting adjourned to executive session.
ADJOURN THE EXECUTIVE SESSION
Mr. DaCosta, Sr. called to adjourn the November 11, 2024, executive session to convene the
work session.
On a motion by Mrs. Hill, second by Ms. McGinniss and with a vote of (6/0), the November 11,
2024, executive session adjourned to the convene the business meeting.
REVIEW OF AGENDA ITEMS FOR THE NOVEMBER 11, 2024, BUSINESS
MEETING
05.01.a.
Ms. Melanie Slaton, General Counsel, Hall Booth Smith, P.C. requested that the Board of
Education approve the consent agenda from the October 7, 2024, business meeting.
05.01.b.
Mr. Diijon DaCosta, Sr., Board Chair requested that the Board of Education approve the
Superintendent’s Goals and Artifacts.
05.01.c.
Mr. Diijon DaCosta, Sr., Board Chair requested that the Board of Education approve the District
to engage Dentons for Professional Services in an amount not to exceed $144,000 within the
period from January 1, 2025 through December 31, 2025 at a rate of no more than $12,000 per
month for strategic support and lobbying services. This item was pulled from the agenda and
moved to the December 9, 2024 meeting.
DeKalb Board of Education
November 11, 2024
Page 3 of 15
05.02.a
Mr. DaCosta, Sr. requested that the Board of Education approve the minutes of the following
meetings: October 7, 2024, board meeting which includes the executive session, work session,
community input session and business meeting, October 10, 2024, audit committee meeting,
October 23, 2024, virtual board b-policy review committee meeting, the November 1, 2024,
virtual board b-policy review committee meeting, November 1, 2024 virtual called meeting and
the November 7, 2024, audit committee meeting.
05.03.a.i.
Mr. Erick Hofstetter, Chief Operating Officer, Division of Operations, requested that the
Board of Education approve a grant of an easement to the City of Doraville for the construction
of a trail along Stewart Road on the Sequoyah Middle School site.
05.03.a. ii.
Mr. Erick Hofstetter, Chief Operating Officer, Division of Operations, requested that the
Board of Education approve DeKalb County School District (“DCSD”) use of Sourcewell
Request for Proposal (“RFP”) #031622 for Artificial Turf and Tracks with Installation,
Related Equipment, Materials, and Supplies for FY2024-2025.
The award is for a Cooperative Agreement with Hellas Construction to provide General
Contractor Services for the William “Buck” Godfrey Stadium athletic field and track renovation
project in a not to exceed amount of $399,000.
Hellas Construction, Inc. will perform general contractor services to renovate the track and
athletic field to meet the Georgia High School Association (GHSA) standards.
Mrs. Hill opposed this item. The item was removed from the consent agenda and would be
voted on separately.
05.03.b.i.
Mr. Erick Hofstetter, Chief Operating Officer, Division of Operations, requested that the
Board of Education approve the contract renewal #1 of 4 for RFP 24-556 for District- Wide
Moving services in the amount not to exceed $600,000 to:
Leslie Regis, Inc. dba Atlanta Cargo Transportation Co.
Beltmann Relocation Group
ALS Lines Services Inc.
The Armstrong Group
05.03.b. ii.
Mr. Erick Hofstetter, Chief Operating Officer, Division of Operations, requested that the
Board of Education approve the use of the cooperative agreement - OMNIA Partners
Cooperative contract No. 152610 Contract between DeKalb County School District (“DCSD”)
and Southeastern Paper Group (a distributor/affiliate of ENVOY Solutions) for goods in
accordance with the terms and conditions contained therein not to exceed $1,500,000.
05.03.c.i.
Mr. Erick Hofstetter, Chief Operating Officer, Division of Operations, requested that the
Board of Education approve contract renewal #3 of 4 of the IBS Contract between DeKalb County
School District (“DCSD”) and Genuine Parts Company (NAPA) for services in accordance with
DeKalb Board of Education
November 11, 2024
Page 4 of 15
the Georgia Statewide Contract #SWC 99999-SPD-SWL20201105 for January 1,
2025, through December 29, 2025, for a not to exceed amount of $8,000,000.
05.03.d.i.
Mr. Erick Hofstetter, Chief Operating Officer, Division of Operations, requested that the
Board of Education ratify and extend Bid 20-22 School Nutrition Ice Cream Products,
to Hershey Creamery Company, in the amount not to exceed $342,448.00 for SY24-25. This
request extends the agreement from October 1, 2024, through March 31, 2025.
Ms. McGinniss requested this item be pulled from the consent agenda. The item was removed
from the consent agenda and would be voted on separately.
05.03.d. ii.
Mr. Erick Hofstetter, Chief Operating Officer, Division of Operations, requested that the
Board of Education approve the award of RFP 25-20 School Nutrition Sanitation Training
Services & Materials to Sanitech Systems Inc., in the amount not to exceed the amount of
$223,770 for SY 24-25.
05.03.e. i.
Mr. Erick Hofstetter, Chief Operating Officer, Division of Operations, requested that the
Board of Education approve the award of RFQu 24-752-035 for Architectural and Engineering
Services for Group 3 Security Vestibules to Chapman Griffin Lanier Sussenbach Architects,
Inc. (“CGLS”) for the lump sum amount of $990,000.
Mr. DaCosta, Sr. pulled this item from the consent agenda. It would be voted on separately.
05.03.e. ii.
Mr. Erick Hofstetter, Chief Operating Officer, Division of Operations, requested that the
Board of Education approve the award of RFQu 24-752-038 for Architectural and Engineering
Services for Allgood Elementary School HVAC Replacement and Renovations to Goodwyn,
Mills, Cawood, LLC., for the lump sum amount of $1,200,000.
Mr. DaCosta, Sr. pulled this item from the consent agenda. It would be voted on separately.
05.03.e. iii.
Mr. Erick Hofstetter, Chief Operating Officer, Division of Operations, requested that the
Board of Education approve Ratification / Change Order No. 4 to Centennial Contractors
Inc. for the Henderson Mill Elementary School Major System Replacements project to
install a new Security Vestibule in the amount of $332,193.58.
Mr. DaCosta, Sr. pulled this item from the consent agenda. It would be voted on separately.
05.03.e. iv.
Mr. Erick Hofstetter, Chief Operating Officer, Division of Operations, requested that the
Board of Education approve a Ratification / budget reallocation in the amount of $793,276.23
from Program Contingency to the Contractor cost code.
It is also requested that the DeKalb County Board of Education approve Change Order No. 4
DeKalb Board of Education
November 11, 2024
Page 5 of 15
to Centennial Contractors Inc. for the Briar Vista ES Major System Replacements project
in the amount of $793,276.23 which will be partially funded by the budget reallocation.
Mr. DaCosta, Sr. stated that this item would be pulled from the consent agenda and voted on
separately.
05.03.e.v.
Mr. Erick Hofstetter, Chief Operating Officer, Division of Operations, requested that the
Board of Education approve a Ratification / E-SPLOST V budget reallocation in the amount
of $1,185,031 from Program Contingency to the Contractor cost code.
It is also requested that the DeKalb County Board of Education approve Change Order No. 4
to Evergreen Construction for the Midvale Elementary School Major Systems
Replacement project in the amount of $1,185,031 which will be funded by the budget
reallocation.
Mr. DaCosta, Sr. stated that this item would be pulled from the consent agenda and voted on
separately.
05.03.e.vi.
Mr. Erick Hofstetter, Chief Operating Officer, Division of Operations, requested that the
Board of Education approve a Ratification / budget reallocation in the amount of
$344,416 from Local Capital Projects Fund to the Contractor cost code.
It is also requested that the DeKalb County Board of Education approve Change Order No. 1
to Evergreen Construction for the Early Learning Center HVAC and Controls
Replacement project that will be funded by the budget reallocation.
Mr. DaCosta, Sr. stated that this item would be pulled from the consent agenda and voted on
separately.
05.03.e. vii.
Mr. Erick Hofstetter, Chief Operating Officer, Division of Operations, requested that the
Board of Education approve a Ratification / E-SPLOST V budget reallocation in the amount
of $684,789 from Program Contingency to the Contractor cost code.
It is also requested that the DeKalb County Board of Education approve Change Order No. 3
to Evergreen Construction for the DeKalb High School of Technology-South Major
Systems Replacement project in the amount of $684,789 that will be funded by the budget
reallocation.
Mr. DaCosta, Sr. stated that this item would be pulled from the consent agenda and voted on
separately.
05.03.e. viii.
Mr. Erick Hofstetter, Chief Operating Officer, Division of Operations, requested that the
Board of Education approve a Ratification / E-SPLOST V budget reallocation in the amount
of $391,176.00 from Program Contingency to the Contractor cost code.
DeKalb Board of Education
November 11, 2024
Page 6 of 15
It is also requested that the DeKalb County Board of Education approve Change Order No. 2
to Evergreen Construction for the Laurel Ridge Elementary School Major Systems
Replacement project in the amount of $1,372,374.00 which will be partially funded by the
budget reallocation.
Mr. DaCosta, Sr. stated that this item would be pulled from the consent agenda and voted on
separately.
05.03.e. ix.
Mr. Erick Hofstetter, Chief Operating Officer, Division of Operations, requested that the
Board of Education approve a Ratification / E-SPLOST V budget reallocation in the amount
of $303,313 from Program Contingency to the Contractor cost code.
It is also requested that the DeKalb County Board of Education approve Change Order No. 2
to Evergreen Construction for the Woodridge Elementary School Major Systems
Replacement project in the amount of $1,277,481 which will be partially funded by the
budget reallocation.
Mr. DaCosta, Sr. stated that this item would be pulled from the consent agenda and voted on
separately.
05.03.e. x.
Mr. Erick Hofstetter, Chief Operating Officer, Division of Operations, requested that the
Board of Education approve a Ratification / Change Order No. 2 to Evergreen Construction
for a not-to-exceed amount of $806,264 for unforeseen conditions and Owner -DeKalb County
School District (“DCSD”) requested items as outlined in the Change Order No. 2 documents.
Mr. DaCosta, Sr. stated that this item would be pulled from the consent agenda and voted on
separately.
05.03.e. xi.
Mr. Erick Hofstetter, Chief Operating Officer, Division of Operations, requested that the
Board of Education approve Amendment No. 2 to SSOE│Stevens & Wilkinson, for Kingsley
Elementary School Major System Renovations and Replacements project for an additional
design and engineering fee of $268,389.
Mr. DaCosta, Sr. stated that this item would be pulled from the consent agenda and voted on
separately.
05.03.e. xii.
Mr. Erick Hofstetter, Chief Operating Officer, Division of Operations, requested that the
Board of Education approve Amendment No. 4 to SSOE│Stevens & Wilkinson, for Nancy
Creek Elementary School Major System Renovations and Replacements project for an
additional design and engineering fee of $335,365.
Mr. DaCosta, Sr. stated that this item would be pulled from the consent agenda and voted on
separately.
DeKalb Board of Education
November 11, 2024
Page 7 of 15
05.03.e. xiii.
Mr. Erick Hofstetter, Chief Operating Officer, Division of Operations, requested that the
Board of Education approve Amendment No. 1 to BRPH Architects Engineers Inc., for the
New Elementary School at Dresden project for an additional design and engineering fee in the
amount of $1,825,000.
Mr. DaCosta, Sr. stated that this item would be pulled from the consent agenda and voted on
separately.
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. Tameka Williams
2. Kerry-Ann Givans – No Show
3. Terrica Reid
4. Jawanna Lewis – No Show
5. Deborah Jones
6. Cathea Simelton-Treminio
7. Maria Guadalupe Martinez
8. Nancy Kelly – Request withdrawn
9. Carla Weston-Brown
10. Sandy Purkett
11. Lance Coachman
12. Alvenio Treminio – Did not speak
05.04.a.
Ms. Monika Davis, Chief Information Officer, Division of Information & Instructional
Technology, requested that the Board of Education approve the contract renewal for RFP# 22-
475 Physical Security Services – Access Control, Intrusion Detection and Video Surveillance to
Convergint Technologies, LLC in an amount not to exceed $500,000.
This is year 4 of a five-year agreement.
05.05.
CHIEF OF STAFF ~ No Agenda Item This Month
05.06.a.
Mr. Byron Schueneman, Chief Financial Officer, Division of Finance, requested that the Board
of Education accept the September 2024 Monthly Financial Report.
DeKalb Board of Education
November 11, 2024
Page 8 of 15
05.06.b.
Mr. Byron Schueneman, Chief Financial Officer, Division of Finance, requested that the Board
of Education approve a budget amendment, increasing the FY2026 general fund budget by
$42,683,136.97.
Ms. McGinniss requested this item be pulled from the consent agenda. The item was removed
from the consent agenda and would be voted on separately.
05.06.c.
Mr. Byron Schueneman, Chief Financial Officer, Division of Finance, requested that the Board
of Education approve the renewal of RFP 22-533 to Dudley Thomas Spade SPE, LLC dba
DTSpade to provide real estate advisory services for a period of one year effective
from November 18, 2024, through November 17, 2025, for an amount not to
exceed $300,000.
05.06.d.
Mr. Byron Schueneman, Chief Financial Officer, Division of Finance, requested that the Board
of Education approve the renewal of RFQ 22-534 to 22nd Century Technologies, Inc., Abacus
Corporation, COGENT Infotech Corporation, Corporate Temps, Inc., Howroyd-Wright
Employment Agencies, Inc. dba AppleOne Employment Services, Robert Half, Tryfacta,
Inc., US Tech Solutions, Inc. to provide temporary staffing services on an as-needed basis for
the DCSD Finance Department for a period of one year effective from December 17,
2024 through December 16, 2025 for an amount not to exceed $750,000.
This is the third renewal option of four.
05.06.e.
Mr. Byron Schueneman, Chief Financial Officer, Division of Finance, requested that the Board
of Education tentatively approve a resolution to opt-out of HB-581, known as the “Save our
Homes Act”.
Mrs. Hill requested this item be pulled from the consent agenda. The item was removed from
the consent agenda and would be voted on separately.
05.07.a.
Mrs. Tasha Davis Mills, Chief Human Resource Officer, Division of Human Resources,
requested that the Board of Education approve the November Human Resources Report.
05.08.
SCHOOLS & LEADERSHIP ~ No Agenda Item This Month
05.09.
CURRICULUM & INSTRUCTION ~ No Agenda Item This Month
05.10.
WRAP AROUND SERVICES ~ No Agenda Item This Month
05.11.
STUDENT SERVICES ~ No Agenda Item This Month
DeKalb Board of Education
November 11, 2024
Page 9 of 15
05.12.
DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION ~ No Agenda Item This Month
05.13.
ACCOUNTABILITY & CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT ~ No Agenda Item This Month
05.14.a.i.
Mrs. Jennifer Caracciolo, Deputy Chief Communications Officer, Division of Community
Engagement & Innovative Partnerships, requested that the Board of Education accept the
donation for Fernbank Science Center's share of the bequest from Truist Bank, Executor for the
Gloria H. Waltemeyer Revocable Trust, and Robert V. Waltemeyer Trust for $21,333.33.
Mrs. Hill requested this item be pulled from the consent agenda. The item was removed from
the consent agenda and would be voted on separately.
05.14.a. ii.
Mrs. Jennifer Caracciolo, Deputy Chief Communications Officer, Division of Community
Engagement & Innovative Partnerships, requested that the Board of Education approve the
allocated funds by DeKalb County Commissioner Mereda Davis-Johnson in the amount of
$25,000, to go to (5) specific schools in District 5. Arabia Mountain High School, Lithonia
High School, Miller Grove High School, Martin Luther King, Jr. High School, and Redan High
School, at $5,000 per marching band.
05.14.b.
Mrs. Jennifer Caracciolo, Deputy Chief Communications Officer, Division of Community
Engagement & Innovative Partnerships, requested that the Board of Education approve the
District to purchase the Leader in Me program from FranklinCovey for use at 22 schools using
$759,930 in funding provided by the Georgia Department of Education .
Mrs. Hill requested this item be pulled from the consent agenda. The item was removed from
the consent agenda and would be voted on separately.
05.15.a.
LEGAL SERVICES ~ No Agenda Item This Month
AMENDMENT TO THE BYLAWS AND POLICIES
F.1.
Ms. Melanie Slaton, General Counsel, Hall Booth Smith, PC Attorneys at Law requested that
the Board of Education accept an amendment to Board Policy BBFA: Local School Councils
for First Read. The proposed revisions are requested to update the policy and to clarify the
current language. This policy has been reviewed and analyzed by the Board Policy Committee.
The Committee agrees on the recommended revisions.
DeKalb Board of Education
November 11, 2024
Page 10 of 15
F.2.
Ms. Melanie Slaton, General Counsel, Hall Booth Smith, PC Attorneys at Law requested that
the Board of Education amend Board Policy BC: Board Meetings.
F.3.
Ms. Melanie Slaton, General Counsel, Hall Booth Smith, PC Attorneys at Law requested that
the Board of Education amend Board Policy BBI: Board Staff Relations.
CONVENE THE BUSINESS MEETING
Mr. DaCosta, Sr. called to adjourn the November 11, 2024, executive session to convene the
business meeting.
On a motion by Ms. McGinniss, second by Mrs. Turner and with a vote of (6/0), the November
11, 2024, the business meeting was convened.
ACTION ITEM(S)
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.
Agenda Item: E.3.a.ii. Contract ~ Cooperative Agreement ~ Hellas
Construction, Inc. ~ RFP No. 031622 ~ Artificial Turf and Track
Maintenance, Installation, Related Equipment, Materials, Supplies and
Supplemental Services ~ William “Buck” Godfrey Stadium Athletic and
Track Renovations Project (Not to exceed $399,000)
On a motion by Ms. McGinniss, second by Mrs. Turner, and with a vote of 6/0, the
motion passed.
Agenda Item: E.3.d.i. Contract Ratification and Extension ~ Ice Cream
Products ~ Bid No. 20-22 to Hershey Creamery Company (Not to exceed
$342,448 for SY24-25)
On a motion by Ms. Gevertz, second by Mrs. Turner, opposition by Ms. McGinnis
and Mrs. Hill, and with a vote of 4/2, the motion passed.
Agenda Item: E.3.e.i. E-SPLOST VI ~ Contract Award ~ Professional
Architectural and Engineering Services ~ RFQu. No. 24-752-035 for
Group 3 Security Vestibules Project Award Approval ~ Chapman Griffin
Lanier Sussenbach Architects, Inc. (Not to exceed $990,000)
On a motion by Mrs. Turner, second by Ms. Gevertz, opposition by Ms. McGinniss
and Mrs. Hill, and with a vote of 4/2, the motion passed.
DeKalb Board of Education
November 11, 2024
Page 11 of 15
Agenda Item: E.3.e.ii. E-SPLOST VI Project ~ Contract Award ~ RFQu
No. 24-752-038 ~ Professional Architectural and Engineering Services ~
Goodwyn, Mills, Cawood, LLC. ~ Allgood Elementary School ~ HVAC
Systems Replacement
On a motion by Ms. Gevertz, second by Mrs. Pierce, opposition by Ms. McGinniss
and Mrs. Hill, and with a vote of 4/2, the motion passed.
Agenda Item: E.3.e.iii. E-SPLOST V Project ~ Ratification ~ Centennial
Contractors Enterprises, Inc. ~ Henderson Mill Elementary School Major
System Replacements ~ Change Order No. 4, New Security Vestibule
(Not to exceed $332,193.58)
On a motion by Mrs. Turner, second by Mrs. Pierce, opposition by Ms. McGinniss
and Mrs. Hill, and with a vote of 4/2, the motion passed.
Agenda Item: E.3.e. iv. E-SPLOST V ~ Ratification ~ Centennial
Contractors Enterprises, Inc. ~ Briar Vista Elementary School Major
System Replacements ~ Change Order No. 4, New Security Vestibule
and Added Roof Insulation Taper System (Not to exceed $793,276.23)
On a motion by Mrs. Pierce, second by Ms. Gevertz, opposition by Ms. McGinniss
and Mrs. Hill, and with a vote of 4/2, the motion passed.
Agenda Item: E.3.e.v. E-SPLOST V Project ~ Ratification ~ Evergreen
Construction #344-35 for Midvale Elementary Major Systems
Replacement ~ Change Order No. 4 for Owner Requested Items and
Unforeseen Conditions (Not to exceed $1,185,031)
On a motion by Ms. Gevertz, second by Mrs. Turner, opposition by Ms. McGinniss
and Mrs. Hill, and with a vote of 4/2, the motion passed.
Agenda Item: E.3.e.vi. Project ~ Ratification ~ Evergreen Construction
~ Early Learning Center HVAC and Controls Replacement ~ Change Order
No. 01 ~ Owner Requested Items and Unforeseen Conditions (Not to exceed
$344,416).
On a motion by Mrs. Pierce, second by Ms. Gevertz, opposition by Ms. McGinniss
and Mrs. Hill, and with a vote of 4/2, the motion passed.
DeKalb Board of Education
November 11, 2024
Page 12 of 15
Agenda Item: E.3.e.vii. E-SPLOST V Project ~ Ratification ~ Evergreen
Construction #360-35 for DeKalb High School of Technology South
Major Systems Replacement ~ Change Order No. 3 for Owner quested
Items and Unforeseen Conditions (Not to exceed $684,789).
On a motion by Mrs. Pierce, second by Mrs. Turner, opposition by Ms. McGinniss
and Mrs. Hill, and with a vote of 4/2, the motion passed.
Agenda Item: E.3.e. viii. E-SPLOST V Project ~ Ratification ~
Evergreen Construction #368-35 Laurel Ridge Elementary School Major
Systems Replacement ~ Change Order No. 2 for Owner Requested Items
and Unforeseen Conditions (Not to exceed $1,372,374).
On a motion by Mrs. Turner, second by Ms. Gevertz, opposition by Ms. McGinniss
and Mrs. Hill, and with a vote of 4/2, the motion passed.
Agenda Item: E.3.e. ix. E-SPLOST V Project ~ Ratification ~ Evergreen
Construction #369-35 for Woodridge Elementary School Major Building
Systems Replacement ~ Change Order No. 2 for Owner Requested Items
and Unforeseen Conditions (Not to exceed $1,277,481).
On a motion by Mrs. Turner, second by Ms. Gevertz, opposition by Ms. McGinniss
and Mrs. Hill, and with a vote of 4/2, the motion passed.
Agenda Item: E.3.e.x. E-SPLOST V Project ~ Ratification ~ Evergreen
Construction-#370-35 for Chesnut Elementary School Major Building
Systems Replacement ~ Change Order No. 2 for Owner Requested Items
and Unforeseen Conditions (Not to exceed $806,624).
On a motion by Ms. Gevertz, second by Mrs. Turner, opposition by Ms. McGinniss
and Mrs. Hill, and with a vote of 4/2, the motion passed.
Agenda Item: E.3.e.xi. E-SPLOST V Project ~ Amendment Request ~
SSOE|Stevens & Wilkinson ~ Kingsley Elementary School Major System
Renovations and Replacements ~ Amendment No. 2, Additional Design Fee
Approval (Not to exceed $268,389)
On a motion by Mrs. Turner, second by Mrs. Pierce, opposition by Ms. McGinniss
and Mrs. Hill, and with a vote of 4/2, the motion passed.
Agenda Item: E.3.e. xii. E-SPLOST V Project ~ Amendment Request ~
SSOE|Stevens & Wilkinson ~ Nancy Creek Elementary School Major System
Renovations and Replacements ~ Amendment No. 4, Additional Design Fee
Approval (Not to exceed $335,365)
DeKalb Board of Education
November 11, 2024
Page 13 of 15
On a motion by Mrs. Pierce, second by Ms. Gevertz, opposition by Ms. McGinniss
and Mrs. Hill, and with a vote of 4/2, the motion passed.
Agenda Item: E.3.e.xiii. E-SPLOST V Project ~ Amendment Request ~ New
Elementary School at Dresden ~ Amendment No. 1, Additional Design Fee (Not
to exceed $1,825,000)
On a motion by Mrs. Turner, second by Ms. Gevertz, opposition by Ms. McGinniss
and Mrs. Hill, and with a vote of 4/2, the motion passed.
Agenda Item: E.6.b. FY2025 General Fund Budget Amendment #! (Not to
exceed 42,683,136.97)
On a motion by Ms. Gevertz, second by Mrs. Turner, opposition by Ms. McGinniss
and Mrs. Hill, and with a vote of 4/2, the motion passed.
Agenda Item: E.6.e. Tentative Approval to Opt-Out of HB-581: Save Our Homes
Act
On a motion by Mrs. Pierce, second by Mrs. Turner, abstention by Mrs. Hill, and
with a vote of 5/1, the motion passed.
Agenda Item: E.14.a.i. Donation Acceptance of $21,333.33 in Funding from the
Waltemeyer Estate in Care of Truist Wealth Management
On a motion by Mrs. Turner, second by Ms. Gevertz, opposition by Mrs. Hill, and
with a vote of 5/1, the motion passed.
Agenda Item: E.14.b. Approval to Purchase the Leader in Me Program
from Franklin Covey for Use at 22 Schools (Not to exceed $759,930).
On a motion by Mrs. Pierce, second by Ms. Gevertz, opposition by Ms. McGinniss
and Mrs. Hill, and with a vote of 6/0, the motion passed.
APPROVAL OF AN ITEM(S) FROM EXECUTIVE SESSION
Mr. DaCosta, Sr. called for a motion to adopt the actions as discussed in Executive Session for:
Item: Personnel Recommendation from Executive Session
Mrs. Tasha Davis Mills, Chief Human Resources Officer, Division of Human Resources
requested that the Board of Education approve the hiring recommendation of Mrs.
Ayana S. Smith to the position of Executive Director of Professional Development.
DeKalb Board of Education
November 11, 2024
Page 14 of 15
On a motion by Mrs. Turner, second by Mrs. Pierce, and with a vote of 6/0, the motion
passed.
Item: Personnel Recommendation from Executive Session
Mrs. Tasha Davis Mills, Chief Human Resources Officer, Division of Human Resources
requested that the Board of Education approve the hiring recommendation of Mrs. Tracy
Harris to the position of Director of Employment Services.
On a motion by Ms. Gevertz, second by Mrs. Hill and with a vote of 6/0, the motion
passed.
Item: Rescind the action as discussed in Executive Session for Student Appeal
#25-03
On a motion by Mrs. Hill, second by Mrs. Turner, and with a vote of 6/0, the motion
passed.
Item: Finding of Fact in Case #25-100.
On a motion by Mrs. Hill, second by Mrs. Gevertz, and with a vote of 6/0, the motion
passed.
Item: Litigation Settlement of Hopkins vs. DeKalb County School District
On a motion by Mrs. Pierce, second by Mrs. Turner, and with a vote of 6/0, the motion
passed.
Item: Purchase of the Kroger Building
On a motion by Ms. Gevertz, second by Mrs. Pierce, and with a vote of 6/0, the motion
passed.
Item: Sale of 4242 Eastside Drive
On a motion by Mrs. Hill, second by Mrs. Turner, and with a vote of 6/0, the motion
passed.
Item: Amend Contract of Dr. Devon Q. Horton to include a retention payment of
$35,000 on December 1, 2024.
On a motion by Mrs. Turner, second by Mrs. Hill, with a vote of 6/0, the motion passed.
DeKalb Board of Education
November 11, 2024
Page 15 of 15
CONSENT AGENDA
Mr. DaCosta, Sr. called for a motion to approve the November 11, 2024, consent agenda items.
On a motion by Mrs. Hill, second by Mrs. Turner and with a vote of 6/0, the motion passed to
approve the consent agenda.
ADJOURN
Mr. DaCosta, Sr. called for a motion to adjourn the November 11, 2024, work session and
business meeting.
With no objections, the work session and business meeting adjourned at 8:05 pm.
_______________________ ____________________________
Secretary Ex-Officio Chair