EXECUTIVE SESSION, WORK SESSION, COMMUNITY INPUT SESSION &
BUSINESS MEETING
OF THE
DEKALB COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION
February 10, 2025
The DeKalb County Board of Education held its Executive Session, Work Session, Community
Input Session and Business Meeting on Monday, February 10, 2025, 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.
Mrs. Deirdre P. Pierce, Chair convened the meeting at 12:31 pm and noted the following were
in attendance; herself, Vice Chair, Ms. Allyson Gevertz, Mr. Andrew B. Ziffer, Ms. Whitney
McGinniss, Tiffany Hogan, Ph.D., Mr. Diijon DaCosta, Sr., Mr. Awet Eyasu 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.
Mrs. Pierce led the pledge of allegiance.
ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA
Mrs. Pierce asked if there were any objections to adopt the agenda for the February 10, 2025,
work session and business meeting.
With no objections, the agenda was adopted.
RECOGNITIONS
STUDENT BOARD REPRESENTATIVE ~ Dr. Devon Horton introduced this month’s
Student Board Representative, Miss Dajia Johnson, Stephenson High School, 12 th Grade.
RECOGNITIONS / PROCLAMATIONS / MIRACLE MAKER AWARDS
a. Proclamation: Career, Technical, and Agricultural Education Month
Presented by: Mrs. Deirdre P. Pierce, Board Chair
b. Proclamation: National School Counseling Week: February 3-7, 2025
Presented by: Ms. Allyson Gevertz, Vice Chair
GROUP / EXTERNAL PRESENTATION ~ No Agenda Item This Month
SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT and COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
1. Superintendent’s Report
a. Strategic Plan Update ~ Goal Area #3: Recruit, Develop, and Retain Talent
DeKalb Board of Education
February 10, 2025
Page 2 of 11
Presented by: Mr. Jason Kennedy, Deputy Chief Human Resources Officer,
Division of Human Resources, and Mr. H. Eric Hilton, Chief of Legal Services,
Division of Legal Services
b. Driving Educational Excellence: Insights from State Testing, Strategic
Approaches, and Future Plans
Presented by: Champion Michelle Dillard, Chief of School, Division of Schools &
Leadership
Ms. Stacy Stepney, Chief Academic Officer, Division of Curriculum & Instruction,
Dr. Norman Sauce III, Chief of Student Services, Division of Student Services,
Dr. Candace Alexander, Chief of Accountability & Continuous Improvement,
Division of Accountability & Continuous Improvement
2. Committee of the Whole Presentations
FY23 Audit Presentation
Presented by: Mauldin & Jenkins, CPA Advisors
REVIEW OF AGENDA ITEMS FOR THE FEBRUARY 10, 2025, BUSINESS MEETING
08.01.
BOARD OF EDUCATION ~ No Agenda Item This Month
08.02.a.
Mrs. Deirdre P. Pierce, Board Chair, requested that the Board of Education approve the minutes
of the following meeting; January 13, 2025, board meeting which includes the executive
session, work session, community input session and business meeting, January 22, 2025 virtual
called meeting, January 22, 2025 virtual 1st public hearing on HB 581, January 24, 2024 virtual
called meeting, February 5, 2025 public hearing on HB 581, and February 6, 2025 public
hearing on HB 581, and February 10, 2025 public hearing on HB 581.
08.03.a.i.
Mr. Erick Hofstetter, Chief Operating Officer, Division of Operations, requested that the
Board of Education approve the fourth of four (#4 of 4) contract renewals for ITB 20-752-
037 for Plumbing Contractor Services in the amount not to exceed $5,000,000 to:
K.E.G. Plumbing & Mechanical, Inc.
MAXAIR Mechanical, LLC
Sid’s Sewer and Drain, Inc.
The Elite Plumber, LLC
08.03.a.ii.
Mr. Erick Hofstetter, Chief Operating Officer, Division of Operations, requested that the
Board of Education approve the ratification and contract renewal for RFP 20-752-029 for Fire
Safety Services to Cliff’s Fire Extinguisher Co., Inc., for an additional year in an amount not
to exceed $375,000. This is the fourth of four (#4 of 4) contract renewals. Ratification is
required from November 2024.
DeKalb Board of Education
February 10, 2025
Page 3 of 11
08.03.a.iii.
Mr. Erick Hofstetter, Chief Operating Officer, Division of Operations, requested that the
Board of Education approve the fourth of four (#4 of 4) contract renewals for ITB 20-752-
036 for Electrical Contractor Services in the amount not to exceed $5,000,000 to:
Capital City Electrical Services
MWI Electrical Contractors, Inc.
Donald Camp, Inc.
08.03.a.iv.
Mr. Erick Hofstetter, Chief Operating Officer, Division of Operations, requested that the
Board of Education approve the use of the cooperative agreement - Sourcewell Cooperative
Contract # 041123-CPL between DeKalb County School District (“DCSD”) and Georgia
Power Company (an authorized dealer for Cooper Lighting) for the Sports Lighting
Program which shall be performed in accordance with the terms and conditions contained
therein not to exceed $1,341,198.
Mr. Eyasu objected to this item. It was pulled from the consent agenda and would be voted on
separately.
08.03.a.v.
Mr. Erick Hofstetter, Chief Operating Officer, Division of Operations, requested that the
Board of Education approve one of four (#1 of 4) contract renewals for RFP 24-550 Floor
Covering Installation Services in the amount not to exceed $3,500,000 to:
Brad Construction
Kidd & Associates
Tiffany Hogan, Ph.D. objected to this item. It was pulled from the consent agenda and would be
voted on separately.
08.03.a.vi.
Mr. Erick Hofstetter, Chief Operating Officer, Division of Operations, requested that the
Board of Education approve the use of the Cooperative Agreement with Daikin Applied through
Region 4 ESC (Education Service Center) and Omnia Partners Contract number R200401, for
an amount not to exceed $1,500,000 through September 30, 2025.
08.03.a.vii.
Mr. Erick Hofstetter, Chief Operating Officer, Division of Operations, requested that the
Board of Education approve the third of four (#3 of 4) contract renewals for RFP 22-752-003
for Swimming Pool Maintenance Services to StandGuard Aquatics in the amount not to
exceed $500,000.
Tiffany Hogan, Ph.D. objected to this item. It was pulled from the consent agenda and would be
voted on separately.
DeKalb Board of Education
February 10, 2025
Page 4 of 11
08.03.a.viii.
Mr. Erick Hofstetter, Chief Operating Officer, Division of Operations, requested that the
Board of Education approve contract renewal one of four (#1 of 4) for RFP 24-564 HVAC
Repair and Installation Services in the amount not to exceed $7,000,000 collectively to:
5 Seasons Mechanical
ARS Mechanical LLC
HVAC Allies LLC
Mann Mechanical Company, Inc.
MAXAIR Mechanical
Mechanical Services, Inc.
Smith Mechanical Heating & Air
Trane U.S. Inc.
08.03.a.ix.
Mr. Erick Hofstetter, Chief Operating Officer, Division of Operations, requested that the
Board of Education approve the following ICA for Fire Alarm System Maintenance Services,
which exceeds $50,000, with a contract amount not-to-exceed $90,000:
BaseSix Systems, LLC
08.03.b.
BUSINESS SERVICES ~ No Agenda Item This Month
08.03.c.i.
Mr. Erick Hofstetter, Chief Operating Officer, Division of Operations, requested that the
Board of Education approve the award of ITB 25-549, Automotive and Bus Repair Services
Award to Georgia Truck & Trailer Repair, LLC., Yancey Brothers, Cummins, Inc.,
Associated Fuel, Clark Truck Repair, First Services and Stivers Ford South in an amount
not to exceed $1,800,000.
08.03.c.ii.
Mr. Erick Hofstetter, Chief Operating Officer, Division of Operations, requested that the
Board of Education approve the use of Georgia Statewide Contract-99999-001-SPD000183002
(Hardy Chevrolet.) and 99999-SPD-ES40199373-009S (Wade Ford) for the purchase of support
vehicles for the Chief of Staff Division in an amount not to exceed $1,421,414.58.
08.03.d.
SCHOOL NUTRITION ~ No Agenda Item This Month
08.03.e. i.
Mr. Erick Hofstetter, Chief Operating Officer, Division of Operations, requested that the
Board of Education
Approve a budget reallocation in the amount of $493,491.00 from Local
Capital Projects Fund to the General Contractor cost code.
Approve Change Order No. 1 to The Beck Group for the Student Service
Center Renovation at Hatton Drive Facility project in the amount of
$493,491 that will be funded by the budget reallocation.
DeKalb Board of Education
February 10, 2025
Page 5 of 11
Tiffany Hogan, Ph.D. objected to this item. It was pulled from the consent agenda and would be
voted on separately.
08.03.e. ii.
Mr. Erick Hofstetter, Chief Operating Officer, Division of Operations, requested that the
Board of Education
Establish a Phase I Guaranteed Maximum Price (“Phase I -GMP”) of
$3,377,033 per the terms set forth in the Construction Manager at Risk (“CMAR”)
contract previously awarded to Balfour Beatty via EXHIBIT M – GMP
Amendment to Agreement.
Approve a Budget Reallocation from Program Contingency to the necessary
project cost code (SP6CIP. 24736.GENCONTR.4052) for Phase I of the SPLOST
VI Murphey Candler ES HVAC Replacement and Renovations project in the
amount not to exceed $3,377,033.
Mr. Eyasu objected to this item. It was pulled from the consent agenda and would be voted on
separately.
08.04.a.
Dr. Kermit Belcher, Chief Technology Officer, Division of Information & Instructional
Technology requested that the Board of Education approve the second year of DraaS expenses
pursuant to RFP 24-577 Disaster Recovery as a Service (DRaaS) awarded to MGT (Formally
Layer 3) as the lowest responsible, responsive bid and the purchase of Disaster Recovery as a
Service (DRaaS), in an amount not to exceed $400,000.
This is year 2 of a 5-year agreement.
08.04.b.
Dr. Kermit Belcher, Chief Technology Officer, Division of Information & Instructional
Technology requested that the Board of Education approve the contract renewal for
the Incident IQ Ticketing System (Not to exceed $522,300.75). This represents a spending
increase of $370,474.76 and covers the licensing of additional modules, including a one-time
implementation cost. This is a one-year agreement.
High-Level Breakdown of Cost
Existing
Product Description Cost
IIQ Ticketing with current Current Functionality with $151,825.99
add-on Asset Management and
additional advanced features
New
Product Description Cost
IIQ IT Enterprise Asset Management and $187,174.01
Advance Feature to support
DCSD's growing needs
IIQ Facilities Work Order – Supports all $135,803.04
DeKalb Board of Education
February 10, 2025
Page 6 of 11
aspects of Facilities
On-Boarding (one-time cost) Implementing the new $47,497.71
functionality/modules
08.05.a.
Mr. Tracey Whaley, Chief of Public Safety, Chief of Staff Division requested that the Board of
Education approve the installation of the Centegix CrisisAlert System in the amount of
$117,000 as a safety and security enhancement to be installed in five (5) additional
locations. (1) Silver Hill Building: 1991 Silver Hill Road, Stone Mountain, GA 3008.7 (2)
Fernbank Science Center: 165 Heaton Park Drive NE, Atlanta, GA. 30307 (3) The Globe
Academy Upper Campus: 4105 Briarcliff Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30345 (4) The Globe
Academy Lower Campus: 1985 Azalea Circle, Decatur, GA 30033 (5) Museum Charter School:
923 Forrest Blvd Decatur, GA 30030 in the DeKalb County School District.
08.06.a.
Mr. Byron Schueneman, Chief Financial Officer, Division of Finance, requested that the Board
of Education accept the December 2024 Monthly Financial Report.
08.06.b.
Mr. Byron Schueneman, Chief Financial Officer, Division of Finance, requested that the Board
of Education approve a resolution to opt out of the statewide homestead exemption established
by house bill 581.
08.06.c.
Mr. Byron Schueneman, Chief Financial Officer, Division of Finance, requested that the Board
of Education approve the resolutions necessary to update administrative signatures for the
District’s banking institution.
08.07.a.
Mr. Jason Kennedy, Deputy Chief Human Resource Officer, Division of Human Resources,
requested that the Board of Education approve the February Human Resources Report.
Mr. DaCosta, Sr. objected to this item. It was pulled from the consent agenda and would be
voted on separately.
08.08.
SCHOOLS & LEADERSHIP ~ No Agenda Item This Month
08.09.
CURRICULUM & INSTRUCTION ~ No Agenda Item This Month
08.10.a.
Kisha K. Towns, Ph.D., Chief of Wrap Around Services, Division of Wrap Around Services
requested that the Board of Education approve the purchase of Rethink Autism, Inc. High
School Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Curriculum for an annual amount not to exceed
$99,654.
DeKalb Board of Education
February 10, 2025
Page 7 of 11
08.11.a.
Dr. Norman Sauce III, Chief of Student Services, Division of Student Services requested that
the Board of Education approve a renewal (year 2 of 5) for RFP 24-187 for Speech Language,
Occupational Therapy, and Physical Therapy Services to Applied Pediatrics, Inc; The
Stepping Stones Group; Comprehensive Therapy Consultants; Orange Therapy Staffing;
Soliant Health, LLC; SHC Services, Inc.; ProCare Therapy; CRA Therapy; Sunbelt
Staffing LLC; Tandym Group, LLC; AMN Allied Services, LLC; American Medical
Services, Inc.; Maxim Healthcare Staffing Services (Amergis), Inc.; Academic Staffing,
Inc.; Pediatric Developmental Services; Epic Special Education Staffing; Verbal
Expressions, Inc.; GHR Education; Total Communication Therapy (CBR Consultants);
E-Therapy LLC; Senseabilities, Inc.; Speech Teachers of North Georgia LLC; Progressus
Therapy/Invo Healthcare, and Advokids LLC; as the most responsive and responsible
bidders to provide speech language, occupational therapy, and/or physical therapy services for
more than $100,000 per vendor but not to exceed $9,000,000.
08.11.b.
Dr. Norman Sauce III, Chief of Student Services, Division of Student Services requested that
the Board of Education approve the award for RFP 25-603 for Nursing services for Medically
Fragile Students with Disabilities to AHS Staffing, LLC; Pediatric Services of America, LLC
dba Aveanna Healthcare; Delta T Group Georgia, Inc.; EDU Healthcare, LLC; SHC
Services, Inc. dba Supplemental Health Care; Tandym Group, LLC; Technostaff LLC
dba HonorVet Technologies; and the Stepping Stones Group LLC., as the most responsive
and responsible bidders to provide school health and school nursing services for more than
$50,000 per vendor, but not to exceed a total contracted amount of $3,000,000.
08.12.a.
ACCESS & OPPORTUNITY ~ Athletics ~ No Agenda Item
08.12.b.
Triscilla Weaver, Ph.D. Chief of Access & Opportunity, Division of Access & Opportunity,
requested that the Board of Education approve the proposed elementary school attendance areas,
effective July 1, 2025 for the 2025-2026 school year, as shown in the Elementary School
Attendance Areas Map (dated 1/13/2025).
Tiffany Hogan, Ph.D. objected to this item. It was pulled from the consent agenda and would be
voted on separately.
08.13.
ACCOUNTABILITY & CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT ~ No Agenda Item This Month
08.14.a.i.
Dr. Yolanda Williamson, Chief of Community Engagement & Innovative Partnerships,
Division of Community Engagement & Innovative Partnerships, requested that the Board of
Education accept the donation of $10,624 from the Kittredge Magnet School for High
Achievers School’s Parent Teacher Organization as a one-time donation per Board Policy
DFK “Gifts and Bequests Guidelines”.
DeKalb Board of Education
February 10, 2025
Page 8 of 11
08.14.a.ii.
Dr. Yolanda Williamson, Chief of Community Engagement & Innovative Partnerships,
Division of Community Engagement & Innovative Partnerships, requested that the Board of
Education accept the donation of $48,000 from the Lakeside Foundation as a one-time
donation per Board Policy DFK “Gifts and Bequests Guidelines” to re-establish the existing
garden space in front of the gymnasium as a Legacy Garden at Lakeside High School.
08.14.a.iii.
Dr. Yolanda Williamson, Chief of Community Engagement & Innovative Partnerships,
Division of Community Engagement & Innovative Partnerships, requested that the Board of
Education accept a donation per Board Policy DFK Gifts & Bequests of $10, 400 from the
Evansdale Elementary Foundation/Parent Teacher Organization to fund transportation expenses
for the 5th grade STEM Field trip to Jekyll Island (March 3-5, 2025).
08.15.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 amend Board Policy BCBI: Public Participation in Board Meetings.
F.2.
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 as
Ready For Action. 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.
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.
ADJOURN TO AN EXECUTIVE SESSION
Mrs. Pierce called for a motion to adjourn February 10, 2025, 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, second by Mr. DaCosta, Sr., and with a vote of (7/0), the February
10, 2025, meeting adjourned to executive session.
ADJOURN THE EXECUTIVE SESSION
Mrs. Pierce called to adjourn the February 10, 2025, executive session to convene the work
session.
On a motion by Ms. McGinniss, second by Mr. Eyasu and with a vote of (7/0), the February 10,
2025, executive session adjourned to the convene work session.
DeKalb Board of Education
February 10, 2025
Page 9 of 11
The community input session began at 5:45 pm.
COMMUNITY INPUT SESSION AND BUSINESS MEETING
Mrs. Pierce convened the Community Input Session and Ms. Gevertz called the speakers for
Public Comments.
The following individuals addressed the Board:
1. Dr. Drew Reynolds – Request withdrawn
2. Antoinette Nelson
3. Madelyn Wood – Request moved to March Meeting
4. Daniel Sobczak
5. Sundra Burdette
6. Carlene Anderson
7. Serena Williams
PERSONNEL RECOMMENDATION FROM EXECUTIVE SESSION
Mr. Jason Kennedy, Deputy Chief Human Resource Officer, Division of Human Resources,
requested that the Board of Education approve the hiring recommendation of
a. Ms. Regina Bagley, for the position of Director of Budget, in the Division of Finance.
b. Ms. Asheia Hines, for the position of Director of Payroll, in the Division of Finance.
CONVENE THE BUSINESS MEETING
Mrs. Pierce, Board Chair called to convene the February 10, 2025, business meeting.
On a motion by Mr. DaCosta, Sr., second by Tiffany Hogan, Ph.D., and with a vote of (7/0), the
February 10, 2025 convened the business meeting.
CONSENT AGENDA
Mrs. Pierce, Board Chair called for a motion to approve the February 10, 2025, consent agenda
items.
On a motion by Mr. DaCosta, Sr., second by Mr. Eyasu 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
Mrs. Pierce called for a motion to adopt the actions as discussed in Executive Session for:
a. Item: Student Appeal #25-05
On a motion by Ms. McGinniss, second by Ms. Gevertz, and with a vote of 7/0, the
motion passed.
DeKalb Board of Education
February 10, 2025
Page 10 of 11
b. Item: Student Appeal #25-06
On a motion by Mr. Eyasu, second by Mr. DaCosta, Sr., and with a vote of 7/0, the
motion passed.
c. Item: Student Appeal #25-07
On a motion by Mr. DaCosta, Sr., second by Ms. McGinniss and with a vote of 7/0, the
motion passed.
d. Item: Modification of Student Appeal #25-08.
On a motion by Mr. Ziffer, second by Mr. Eyasu, opposition by Hogan, Ph.D., and with
a vote of 6/1, the motion passed.
e. Item: Student Appeal #25-09.
On a motion by Ms. McGinniss, second by Mr. DaCosta, Sr., and with a vote of 7/0, the
motion passed.
f. Item: Student Appeal #25-10.
On a motion by Mr. Eyasu, second by Mr. DaCosta, Sr., and with a vote of 7/0, the
motion passed.
g. Personnel Recommendation of Ms. Regina Bagley for the position of Director of
Budget, in the Division of Finance.
On a motion by Mr. DaCosta, Sr., second by Ms. McGinniss and with a vote of 7/0, the
motion passed.
h. Personnel Recommendation of Ms. Asheia Hines, for the position of Director of Payroll,
in the Division of Finance.
On a motion by Ms. McGinniss, second by Mr. Eyasu and with a vote of 7/0, the motion
passed.
K.2. APPROVAL OF AN AGENDA ITEM(S) PULLED FROM THE CONSENT
AGENDA
Mrs. Pierce called for a motion to approve the following Action Items which were NOT
placed on the consent agenda.
a. Item: E.3.a.iv. Contract ~ Cooperative Agreement ~ Georgia Power as Authorized
Dealer through Cooper Lighting
On a motion by Ms. McGinniss, second by Ms. Gevertz, opposition by Mr. Eyasu, and
with a vote of 6/1, the motion passed.
DeKalb Board of Education
February 10, 2025
Page 11 of 11
b. Item: E.3.a.v. Contract Renewal ~ RFP 24-550 Floor Covering Installation Services
On a motion by Ms. McGinniss, second by Mr. DaCosta, Sr., opposition by Hogan,
Ph.D., and with a vote of 6/1, the motion passed.
c. Item: E.3.a.vii. Contract Renewal ~ RFP 22-752-003 Swimming Pool Maintenance
Services
On a motion by Mr. Ziffer, second by Ms. Gevertz, opposition by Hogan, Ph.D., and
with a vote of 6/1, the motion passed.
d. Item: E.3.e.i. Change Order Request ~ Capital Improvement Project ~ HC Beck LTD.
On a motion by Ms. McGinniss, second by Ms. Gevertz, opposition by Mr. DaCosta,
Sr., and Hogan, Ph.D., abstention by Mr. Eyasu, and with a vote of 4/2/1, the motion
passed.
e. Item: E.3.e.ii. E-SPLOST VI Project 24736 – Murphey Candler ES HVAC Replacement
and Renovation Project
On a motion by Ms. Gevertz, second by Mr. DaCosta, Sr., opposition by Mr. Eyasu,
abstentions by Mr. Ziffer and Ms. McGinniss, and with a vote of 4/1/2, the motion
passed.
f. Item: E.7.a. Approval of the Human Resources Monthly Report for February 2025.
On a motion by Mr. Ziffer, second by Ms. McGinniss, opposition by Mr. DaCosta, Sr.,
and Hogan, Ph.D., and with a vote of 5/2, the motion passed.
g. Item: E.12.b. Attendance Area Adjustment to Relieve Overcrowding at Idlewood
Elementary School.
On a motion by Mr. DaCosta, Sr., second by Mr. Eyasu, opposition by Hogan, Ph.D.,
and with a vote of 6/1, the motion passed.
ADJOURN
With no objections, Mrs. Pierce adjourned the February 10, 2025, work session and business
meeting.
The work session and business meeting adjourned at 8:27 pm.
_______________________ ____________________________
Secretary Ex-Officio Chair