Agenda Item
b. DeKalb PATH Academy ~ Charter Contract Extension
Summary: Presented by: Ms. Kina M. Champion; Director, School Innovation; Division of Access & Opportunity
Request: It is requested that the DeKalb Board of Education approve an extension of the charter contract of DeKalb PATH Academy for two years ending June 30, 2027.
Why: The charter petition review committee identified aspects of the petition that benefit students attending the charter school:
The petitioner presents a compelling case for the unmet need in the DeKalb County School District that DeKalb PATH Academy meets. The school maintains a waiting list of approximately 500 students. The school administration and educators have an understanding of the unique characteristics of DeKalb County’s educational landscape.
The Governing Board, staff, and stakeholders demonstrate a deep, realistic, or authentic understanding of the targeted population. The petitioner demonstrates an understanding of the economic, political, historical, and social contexts of the community it serves.
Financial policies/protocols are comprehensive. DeKalb PATH Academy has adequate levels of cash on hand, including cash reserves and/or contingencies for unexpected shortfalls.
Concerns:
DeKalb PATH Academy has agreed with its current leaser to a two-year lease extension ending June 30, 2027. However, the Governing Board did not provide a plan for leasing or purchasing a facility beyond June 30, 2027.
In 2019, PATH’s current charter was renewed with the condition that “the petitioner will consistently adhere to Georgia’s Open Records and Open Meetings laws by making all required documentation and information available on its Governing Board web page in a timely and organized manner.” This condition has not been met. The petition review committee recommends a corrective action plan to address persistent non-compliance with Georgia’s open meetings/records requirements.
As acknowledged in the petition, DeKalb PATH Academy did not meet CCRPI content mastery targets for either of the data reporting years in the current charter term. Additionally, PATH did not meet its 2022-2023 elementary progress score target.
Details: Each year, the district accepts applications from existing charter school Governing Boards to renew their charter contracts. On October 17, 2024, the Governing Board of DeKalb PATH Academy submitted a renewal petition. The charter school’s current charter contract will expire on June 30, 2025. Upon initial review by the School Innovation Department, the application was deemed complete. Per DeKalb Board of Education policy, the petition moved through the formal review and evaluation process. The petition review committee conducted site visits (which included stakeholder focus groups and classroom observations) on October 4, 9, and 10. School Innovation facilitated the Governing Board Capacity Interview for DeKalb PATH Academy on October 30. The Superintendent's site visit was held on November 7. On November 8, DeKalb PATH Academy submitted its response to the Initial Clarification Memo and its final revised petition.
The recommendation of the petition review committee is based on an evaluation of the written petition (narrative and exhibits), the petitioner’s response to the Initial Clarification Memo, the Governing Board Capacity Interview, governing board observations, site visits, classroom observations, data analysis, and independent due diligence.
Financial impact: The two-year financial impact on the general fund is estimated to be $10,207,740.50.
Contact: Dr. Triscilla Weaver; Chief of Access & Opportunity, Division of Access & Opportunity, 678-676-0485
Ms. Kina M. Champion; Director, School Innovation; Division of Access & Opportunity, 678-676-0718
Effective: July 1, 2025 - June 30, 2027
Status: Approved by General Counsel
CHARTER AMENDMENT FOR DEKALB PATH ACADEMY
AMENDMENT NUMBER _#2_
The State Board of Education (“State Board”), DEKALB COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION (“Local
Board”), and DEKALB PATH ACADEMY, INC. (“Petitioner”) (collectively referred to as “the parties”)
agree to amend the Charter School Contract for DEKALB PATH ACADEMY (“Charter Contract”). This
amendment, which shall become effective upon the last signature, shall be referred to as “Amendment
#_2_.”
WHEREAS, the aforementioned parties entered into the Charter Contract for the operation of DEKALB
PATH ACADEMY beginning on or about July 1, 2020; and
WHEREAS, the Charter Contract was previously amended on or about May 9, 2022; and
WHEREAS, the Local Board approved by a majority vote to amend the Charter Contract to extend the
current charter term for two years.
.
NOW THEREFORE, in consideration for the promises made herein, the parties mutually agree to
amend the Charter Contract as follows:
Paragraph 2 of the Charter Contract is hereby amended as follows:
Charter Term. The State Board grants this Charter to Petitioner to operate the Charter School for a seven-
year term beginning on July 1, 2020 and expiring on June 30, 2027.
Except as amended herein, the Charter Contract and all previous amendments are unaffected and shall
continue in full force and effect in accordance with its terms. If there is a conflict between this amendment
and the Charter Contract or any earlier amendment, the terms of this amendment will prevail.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties state and affirm that they are duly authorized to bind the
respected entities designated below as of the day and year indicated.
_________________________________________ _________________
Chairperson, STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION (Date)
_________________________________________ _________________
Diijon B. DaCosta, Sr., Chairperson, (Date)
DEKALB COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION
_________________________________________ _________________
Governing Board Chair, (Date)
DEKALB PATH ACADEMY, INC.
DEKALB PATH ACADEMY Amendment #_2_