EXECUTIVE SESSION, WORK SESSION, COMMUNITY INPUT SESSION &
BUSINESS MEETING
OF THE
DEKALB COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION
March 10, 2025
The DeKalb County Board of Education held its Executive Session, Work Session, Community
Input Session and Business Meeting on Monday, March 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 11:38 am 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 amend the agenda to move the executive
session to after the Legislative Update and to have the Avondale Elementary School Music Club
Chorale performance after their recognition was read.
With no objections, the amended agenda was adopted.
RECOGNITIONS
STUDENT BOARD REPRESENTATIVE ~ Dr. Devon Horton introduced this month’s
Student Board Representative, Mr. Manuel Bonilla-Aguilar, Cross Keys High School, 12 th
Grade.
RECOGNITIONS / PROCLAMATIONS / MIRACLE MAKER AWARDS
a. Proclamation: Youth Art and Music Appreciation Month 2025
Presented by: Mr. Diijon DaCosta, Sr., Board Member, District 6
b. Recognition: Avondale Elementary School Music Club Chorale
Presented by: Mrs. Deirdre P. Pierce, Board Chair
c. Recognition: Georgia All-State Ensembles for Band, Choir, and Orchestra
Presented by: Mr. Andrew Ziffer, Board Member, District 1
d. Recognition: DeKalb NAACP Recognizes Cross Keys High School Band
Presented by: Ms. Nakia Hill, DeKalb NAACP
DeKalb Board of Education
March 10, 2025
Page 2 of 15
e. Proclamation: National School Social Work Appreciation Week: March 2-8, 2025
Presented by: Mr. Awet Eyasu, Board Member, District 7
f. Recognition: DeKalb County School District Positive Behavioral Interventions
and Support Schools
Presented by: Ms. Allyson Gevertz, Vice Chair
g. Recognition: K-12 National, State, and/or County Art Contest Winners
Presented by: Tiffany Hogan, Ph.D., Board Member, District 5
h. Recognition: Alliance Theatre Program Partnerships at Miller Grove Middle
School, Lithonia High School, and Miller Grove High School
Presented by: Tiffany Hogan, Ph.D., Board Member, District 5
i. Proclamation: School Board Appreciation Week, March 10 ~ March 14, 2025
Presented by: Dr. Devon Q. Horton, Superintendent
j. Recognition: ERP Team Recognition
Presented by: Dr. Devon Q. Horton, Superintendent
GROUP / EXTERNAL PRESENTATION ~ Avondale Elementary School Music Club
Chorale
Directed by: Mrs. Sheila Smith, Musical Director, Avondale Elementary School
SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT and COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
1. Superintendent’s Report
a. Strategic Plan Update
Presented by: Mrs. Pamela McCloud, Coordinator III for Organizational
Effectiveness, Chief of Staff Division
b. DCSD Adult Education and ESL Program Presentation
Presented by: Yolanda Williamson, Chief of Community Engagement & Innovative
Partnerships, Division of Community Engagement & Innovative Partnerships
Dr. Damienne Denham Shabazz, Program Coordinator, Division of Community
Engagement & Innovative Partnerships
c. ESOL Program Evaluation and Master Planning Project ~ Phase 1 Results and
Next Steps
Presented by: Dr. Norman Sauce III, Chief of Student Services, Division of Student
Services, Robin Jarvis, Ph.D., Vice President, Research Making Change (RMC)
Research Corporation, Heidi Goertzen, Ph.D., Senior Research Associate, Research
Making Change (RMC) Research Group
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March 10, 2025
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d. Student Assignment Progress Report
Presented by: Dr. Triscilla Weaver, Ph.D., Chief of Access & Opportunity, Division
of Access & Opportunity
2. Committee of the Whole Presentations
a. Department of Exceptional Education ~ Departmental Presentation
Presented by: Dr. Norman Sauce III, Chief of Student Services, Division of Student
Services
REVIEW OF AGENDA ITEMS FOR THE MARCH 10, 2025, BUSINESS MEETING
09.01.
Mrs. Deirdre P. Pierce, Board Chair, requested that Mr. Dan Baskerville, Senior Policy
Director, Dentons to provide the Board of Education with legislative updates.
ADJOURN TO AN EXECUTIVE SESSION
Mrs. Pierce called for a motion to adjourn March 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 Mr. DaCosta, Sr., second by Ms. McGinniss and with a vote of (7/0), the March
10, 2025, meeting adjourned to executive session.
ADJOURN THE EXECUTIVE SESSION
Mrs. Pierce called to adjourn the March 10, 2025, executive session to convene the work
session.
On a motion by Mr. Ziffer, second by Mr. Eyasu and with a vote of (7/0), the March 10, 2025,
executive session adjourned to the convene the community input session.
09.02.a.
Mrs. Deirdre P. Pierce, Board Chair, requested that the Board of Education approve the minutes
of the following meeting; February 10, 2025, board meeting which includes the executive
session, work session, community input session and business meeting, February 12, 2025 virtual
board b-policy review committee meeting, February 25 – February 26, 2025 2-day board retreat,
and March 5, 2025 virtual board b-policy review committee meeting.
Mr. Eyasu objected to this item. It was pulled from the consent agenda and would be voted on
separately.
09.03.a.i.
Mr. Erick Hofstetter, Chief Operating Officer, Division of Operations, requested that the
Board of Education approve grant of an easement to DeKalb County Department of Watershed
Management for construction, installation, and ongoing maintenance of a sanitary sewer line at
Bethune Middle School site located at 1911 South Hairston Rd., Decatur, GA 30035.
DeKalb Board of Education
March 10, 2025
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09.03.a.ii.
Mr. Erick Hofstetter, Chief Operating Officer, Division of Operations, requested that the
Board of Education approve the renewal of the cooperative agreement - OMNIA Partners
Cooperative contract No. 02-123 Contract between DeKalb County School District (“DCSD”)
and Carrier for HVAC Equipment, Controls, and Service Solutions goods and services in
accordance with the terms and conditions contained therein not to exceed $1,000,000.00. This is
contract renewal #1.
09.03.a.iii.
Mr. Erick Hofstetter, Chief Operating Officer, Division of Operations, requested that the
Board of Education approve Controls Concepts, Inc., as a single source vendor for the
installation of HVAC Instrumentation and Controls district wide in the amount not to exceed
$300,000.
09.03.a.iv.
Mr. Erick Hofstetter, Chief Operating Officer, Division of Operations, requested that the
Board of Education approve use of the contract award between Filter Pro USA and Gwinnett
County School System through October 20, 2025. This is contract award renewal #2 for Filter
Pro USA. The resulting contract between DeKalb County School District (“DCSD”) (a
“piggyback” contract) and FilterPro USA will be in accordance with RFP 2302KM for the
not to exceed amount of $2,500,000.
Mr. Eyasu objected to this item. It was pulled from the consent agenda and would be voted on
separately.
09.03.a.v.
Mr. Erick Hofstetter, Chief Operating Officer, Division of Operations, requested that the
Board of Education approve the below items in an amount not to exceed $2,000,000:
Use of the OMNIA/Daikin contract to replace the Variable Refrigerant Volume
(VRV) units one-for-one with VRV from Daikin at MLK Jr. HS.
Approval of an HVAC contractor for the VRV unit installation.
09.03.b.i.
Mr. Erick Hofstetter, Chief Operating Officer, Division of Operations, requested that the
Board of Education approve the following:
An increase in the spend limit of contract Bid 23-417 for Portable Air Condition
Unit (A/C) to Sun Belt Rentals, Inc. and Spot Coolers, Inc., through September 21,
2025, in the not to exceed amount of $4,000,000.
The Contract Renewal for Bid 23-417-Portable Air Condition Unit (A/C) to Sun
Belt Rentals, Inc. and Spot Coolers, Inc. for a term effective September 22, 2025,
through September 21, 2026, not to exceed amount of $8,000,000.
o This is the third four (#3 of 4) contract renewals for Bid 23-417.
Mr. Eyasu objected to this item. It was pulled from the consent agenda and would be voted on
separately.
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March 10, 2025
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09.03.b.ii.
Mr. Erick Hofstetter, Chief Operating Officer, Division of Operations, requested that the
Board of Education approve the contract renewal for RFP No. 22-491 for Graduation Audio
Visual Services to Real Eyes Production dba Real Eyes Entertainment, not to exceed
$250,000 for a one (1) year term effective April 14, 2025, through April 13, 2026.
09.03.c.i.
Mr. Erick Hofstetter, Chief Operating Officer, Division of Operations, requested that the
Board of Education approve the use of the 1 Government Procurement Alliance (1GPA)
contract # 23-17PV-03 awarded to Education Logistics, Inc. (EDULOG) by DeKalb County
School District (“DCSD”) for turnkey GPS Technology Systems from March 28, 2025,
through March 27, 2026, for a not to exceed amount of $796,632.
09.03.c.ii.
Mr. Erick Hofstetter, Chief Operating Officer, Division of Operations, requested that the
Board of Education approve R&W Motorcoach Inc. for Charter Bus Services in an amount not
to exceed $90,000 for May 21, 2025, through May 25, 2025.
09.03.d.i.
Mr. Erick Hofstetter, Chief Operating Officer, Division of Operations, requested that the
Board of Education approve the award for ITB 25-27 for School Nutrition Large Equipment, to
Boelter, Culinary Depot (Chef's Depot), Douglas Equipment (Douglas Food Stores Inc),
Owens Equipment Company, Inc., Sam Tell and Son Inc. and Superior Equipment &
Supply, Co., not to exceed $1,500,000 for March 11, 2025 through March 10, 2026.
09.03.d. ii.
Mr. Erick Hofstetter, Chief Operating Officer, Division of Operations, requested that the
Board of Education approve the award for ITB 25-22 for School Nutrition Ice Cream Products,
to Hershey Creamery Company, in the amount not to exceed $128,400 for April 1, 2025,
through March 31, 2026.
Mr. Eyasu objected to this item. It was pulled from the consent agenda and would be voted on
separately.
09.03.e. i.
Mr. Erick Hofstetter, Chief Operating Officer, Division of Operations, requested that the
Board of Education and the Superintendent approve execution of the Certificate of the Board
of Education documents and authorize staff to submit to the Georgia Department of Education
(“GaDOE”) all documents necessary to receive the State Capital Outlay Reimbursement in
the amount of $1,186,898.
09.03.e. ii.
Mr. Erick Hofstetter, Chief Operating Officer, Division of Operations, requested that the
Board of Education approved
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March 10, 2025
Page 6 of 15
A budget reallocation in the amount of $148,871.96 from Local Projects Capital
Improvement Fund to the General Contractor cost code.
Change Order No. 1 to F.H. Paschen, S.N. Nielsen & Associates, LLC, for the Druid
Hills Middle School Roof, HVAC and Controls Replacement project that will be
funded by the budget reallocation.
09.03.e. iii.
Mr. Erick Hofstetter, Chief Operating Officer, Division of Operations, requested that the
Board of Education approve Amendment No. 1 to MSSA-PBK for the Druid Hills High
School Modernization project for an increase in the Architect’s fee in the amount of $218,500.
Mr. Eyasu objected to this item. It was pulled from the consent agenda and would be voted on
separately.
09.03.e. iv.
Mr. Erick Hofstetter, Chief Operating Officer, Division of Operations, requested that the
Board of Education approve the below:
The Final Guaranteed Maximum Price (“GMP”) of $25,677,042, for the construction of
the International Student Center HVAC Replacement and Renovations per the
terms set forth in the Construction Manager at Risk (“CM@Risk”) contract previously
awarded to The Winter Construction Company (General Contractor – “GC”).
Amendment No. 2 to Corgan Associates (Architectural & Engineering – “A/E”) in a
Not -to-Exceed amount of $640,622.52, for added design services.
Ms. McGinniss objected to this item. It was pulled from the consent agenda and would be voted
on separately.
09.03.e. v.
Mr. Erick Hofstetter, Chief Operating Officer, Division of Operations, requested that the
Board of Education approve the below:
The established Guaranteed Maximum Price (“GMP”) of $143,484,535 for the
construction of the Cross Keys High School New Addition and Modernization E-
SPLOST V project per the terms set forth in the Construction Manager at Risk
(“CM@Risk”) contract previously awarded to Evergreen Construction Company
(General Contractor- “GC”).
Budget Reallocation of $99,065,458 from E-SPLOST V program contingency to fund
this project.
Amendment No. 08 to Cooper Carry, Inc. (Architectural & Engineering – “A/E”)
in a Not -to-Exceed amount of $4,937,072 for added design services.
Ms. McGinniss objected to this item. It was pulled from the consent agenda and would be voted
on separately.
09.03.e. vi.
Mr. Erick Hofstetter, Chief Operating Officer, Division of Operations, requested that the
Board of Education approve the contract award of RFQu 25-752-003 for Architectural and
Engineering Services for Bus Maintenance, Parking & Charging Facilities - Phase 1, for
DeKalb Board of Education
March 10, 2025
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East DeKalb Campus and Former Hooper Alexander Elementary to Smallwood, Reynolds,
Stewart, Stewart & Associates, Inc. for the lump sum amount of $655,500.
Mr. DaCosta, Sr. objected to this item. It was pulled from the consent agenda and would be
voted on separately.
09.03.e. vii.
Mr. Erick Hofstetter, Chief Operating Officer, Division of Operations, requested that the
Board of Education approve the below:
A Resolution requesting modification of the FY2022 and FY2023 Capital Outlay
Applications
Provide authorization to staff to submit the resolution to the Georgia Department of
Education (GaDOE).
The following are the Capital Outlay project applications for withdrawal:
Project # Project Name Project # Project Name
22-644-001 Sequoyah MS 22-644-018 Evansdale ES
22-644-002 Montgomery ES 22-644-019 Stone Mountain ES
22-644-004 Kingsley ES 22-644-021 Dunaire ES
22-644-007 Columbia HS 22-644-022 Huntley Hills ES
22-644-008 Woodward ES 22-644-023 Cary Reynolds ES
22-644-011 Dresden ES 22-644-024 Stone Mill ES
22-644-015 Vanderlyn ES 23-644-002 Kittredge Magnet ES
22-644-017 Allgood ES
09.04.a.
Dr. Kermit Belcher, Chief Technology Officer, Division of Information & Instructional
Technology requested that the Board of Education approve the award for ITB 25-599:
Computer Devices, Accessories, and Associated Services for the DeKalb County School
District (DCSD) for the upcoming device refresh initiative which fall under the Instructional
Device Lifecycle Management Program for over 98,000 student devices and 11,500 staff
devices to CDW-G and Virtucom, Inc to the lowest responsive and responsible bidders whose
bid meets the requirements and criteria set forth in the Bid Documents in the amount, not to
exceed $49,074,734.46.
After a thorough evaluation, CDW-G and Virtucom, Inc. were selected as the vendors who best
meet the solicitation requirements. The requested awards are $36,403,901.30 for CDW-G and
$12,670,833.16 for Virtucom, Inc., totaling $49,074,734.46.
Ms. McGinniss objected to this item. It was pulled from the consent agenda and would be voted
on separately.
09.04.b.
Dr. Kermit Belcher, Chief Technology Officer, Division of Information & Instructional
Technology requested that the Board of Education approve the contract for Human Capital
Management – Applicant Tracking, Absence & Substitute Management, Professional Learning
Management, Employee Evaluation Management as well as Asset Tracking Services with
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March 10, 2025
Page 8 of 15
Frontline Education in an amount not to exceed $767,264.67. This will be an annual
subscription to be presented to the BOE each fiscal year.
09.04.c.
Dr. Kermit Belcher, Chief Technology Officer, Division of Information & Instructional
Technology requested that the Board of Education approve an extension of the contract for Self-
Provisioned Fiber Maintenance to the Zayo Group in an amount not exceed $205,320. This
award is in accordance with the federal government's E-rate bidding process and allows the
district to continue seeking Category 1 reimbursement for Internet Connections and non-
recurring services. This is year 4 of a five-year agreement.
09.04.d.
Dr. Kermit Belcher, Chief Technology Officer, Division of Information & Instructional
Technology requested that the Board of Education approve the ERATE Category 1 awards for
the following eligible purchases for services from the following vendors in the amounts listed
below, as the lowest responsible, responsive bids, in an amount not to exceed $404,948. The
district cost should not exceed $40,494.80, after the 90% Erate discount.
$50,000.04 Zayo Dark Fiber (AIC to 56 Marietta)
$62,505.96 CDW-G Category 1 Switch Equipment
$291,026 Zayo Self Provisioned Fiber New Sites (WAN)
$1,416 Zayo Maintenance
09.04.e.
Dr. Kermit Belcher, Chief Technology Officer, Division of Information & Instructional
Technology requested that the Board of Education approve the ERATE Category 2 awards for
the following eligible purchases for services from the following vendors in the amounts listed
below, as the lowest responsible, responsive bids, in an amount not to exceed $2,984,452.83.
The district cost should not exceed $447,667.93 after the 90% Erate discount.
$554,680.23 CDWG Access Level Switches and associated components for new
school locations (New Cross Keys, New Dresden and New Sequoyah)
$2,429,772.60 MGT Wireless Access Points and Licenses
09.05.a.
CHIEF OF STAFF DIVISION ~ No Agenda Item This Month
09.06.a.
Mr. Byron Schueneman, Chief Financial Officer, Division of Finance, requested that the Board
of Education accept the January 2025 Monthly Financial Report.
09.06.b.
Mr. Byron Schueneman, Chief Financial Officer, Division of Finance, requested that the Board
of Education approve the FY 2023 audit corrective action plan developed in response to Senate
Bill 68 requirements. FY 2023 audit results stipulate the District’s designated risk level as
being moderate. The District’s corrective action plan must be presented at a regular board
meeting, signed by each board member, and submitted to the State Board of Education no later
than 120 days from receiving audit results (June 28, 2025).
DeKalb Board of Education
March 10, 2025
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Ms. McGinniss objected to this item. Mr. Ziffer made a motion to pull the item from the
agenda. With a second by Mr. DaCosta, Sr., and a vote of 7/0, the item was pulled from the
agenda and would be presented at the April board meeting.
09.06.c.
Mr. Byron Schueneman, Chief Financial Officer, Division of Finance, requested that the Board
of Education approve a budget amendment to transfer $13,486,030.83 from Operations general
funds to Operations capital projects funds.
09.07.a.
Mrs. Tasha Davis Mills, Chief Human Resource Officer, Division of Human Resources,
requested that the Board of Education approve the March Human Resources Report.
Mr. DaCosta, Sr. objected to this item. It was pulled from the consent agenda and would be
voted on separately.
09.08.
SCHOOLS & LEADERSHIP ~ No Agenda Item This Month
09.09.
CURRICULUM & INSTRUCTION ~ No Agenda Item This Month
09.10.
WRAP AROUND SERVICES ~ No Agenda Item This Month
09.11.
STUDENT SERVICES ~ No Agenda Item This Month
09.12.a.i.
Triscilla Weaver, Ph.D., Chief of Access & Opportunity, Division of Access & Opportunity,
requested that the Board of Education approve the following:
Bid Renewal for the Athletic Department’s Equipment and Uniform Bid with Riddell
All American and BSN Sports, LLC, for an additional year through May 16, 2026.
This recommendation is for year four (4) of four (4) one-year renewal options.
Increase the Spend Limit of the contract to an amount not to exceed an amount not to
exceed $3,000,000, which is an increase of $1,525,000. The spend limit increase will
support the new initiatives for Elementary School, as well as the growing programs,
such as Middle School Soccer, Middle School Wrestling, Middle School Volleyball,
Middle School Baseball, and Varsity Flag Football and Competitive Dance.
09.12.b.
Triscilla Weaver, Ph.D., Chief of Access & Opportunity, Division of Access & Opportunity,
requested that the Board of Education approve access and usage of THOMSON REUTERS
CLEAR, a public record information database software not to exceed $141,548.
DeKalb Board of Education
March 10, 2025
Page 10 of 15
09.12.c.
Triscilla Weaver, Ph.D., Chief of Access & Opportunity, Division of Access & Opportunity,
requested that the Board of Education approve the use of the Cooperative Agreement with
AMTAB through Region 14 ESC (Education Service Center) and Omnia Partners Contract
number 07-77, for an amount not to exceed $389,010.87 through September 30, 2025, for
Phase I of the Climate Improvement Project.
09.13.a.
Dr. Candace Alexander, Chief Accountability Officer, Division of Accountability & Continuous
Improvement, requested that the Board of Education approve the purchase of SchoolMint
Grow for the district’s teacher coaching, and professional development processes. The total
amount requested for the implementation, training, and ongoing support is $275,000.13.
Mr. Ziffer made a motion to move all of the donation items listed under 14 to the consent
agenda.
With a second from Ms. McGinniss and a vote of 7/0, all of the donation items were moved to
the consent agenda.
09.14.a.i.
Dr. Yolanda Williamson, Chief of Community Engagement & Innovative Partnerships,
requested that the Board of Education accept the donation of 10 Virtual Reality (VR) headsets
on behalf of Inspirit VR to Martin Luther King, Jr. High School to provide innovative
technology that enhances engagement, inspires creativity, and expands educational
opportunities.
09.14.a.ii.
Dr. Yolanda Williamson, Chief of Community Engagement & Innovative Partnerships,
requested that the Board of Education accept the State Farm furniture donation to support Wrap
Around and Support Services, Family Engagement and Student Advancement departments
during the 2024-2025 school year.
09.14.a.iii.
Dr. Yolanda Williamson, Chief of Community Engagement & Innovative Partnerships,
requested that the Board of Education accept the Georgia Department of Education School
Based Health Centers grant in the amount of $2,000,000 to support the development of a
school-based health center at Pine Ridge Elementary School ($1,000,000) and Oakview
Elementary School ($1,000,000).
09.14.a.iv.
Dr. Yolanda Williamson, Chief of Community Engagement & Innovative Partnerships,
requested that the Board of Education accept the subaward grant awarded to Fernbank Science
Center from DeKalb County (District 2) in the amount of $175,000. The American Rescue Plan
Act, H.R. 1319, allocated $147,484,541 in Coronavirus Fiscal Recovery Fund funds (“ARPA
funds”) to DeKalb County, which it may utilize to respond to the COVID-19 public health
emergency or its economic impacts; and DeKalb County has identified a need to address the
public health emergency, and its economic impacts caused by COVID-19 by supporting
Fernbank Science Center and its provision of an Instructional Science/STEM Exhibit. On
November 19, 2024, the DeKalb County Governing Authority authorized the allocation of
DeKalb Board of Education
March 10, 2025
Page 11 of 15
$175,000 of ARPA funds to Fernbank Science Center to support its provision of the eligible
services pursuant to Agenda Item 2024-1316.
09.14.a.v.
Dr. Yolanda Williamson, Chief of Community Engagement & Innovative Partnerships,
requested that the Board of Education accept a donation from Truist Wealth Management on
behalf of Mr. Robert Waltemeyer’s estate in the amount of $54,047.38. This amount represents
Fernbank Science Center’s share of accumulated income (interest and dividends) for 15,872
common shares of Coca-Cola Co. with a value of $58.1925 per share. Income distributions will
occur periodically during the administration of the Robert V. Waltemeyer Trust agreement until
the shares are officially transferred to Fernbank Science Center, DeKalb County School District
brokerage account.
09.14.a.vi.
Dr. Yolanda Williamson, Chief of Community Engagement & Innovative Partnerships,
requested that the Board of Education accept the Valencia Coniah Bates Special Needs Trust
donation in the amount of $6,130.45 to the DeKalb County School District’s Department of
Exceptional Education to support special needs programs that are specific to helping special
needs students achieve academic success in and outside the classroom.
09.14.a.vii.
Dr. Yolanda Williamson, Chief of Community Engagement & Innovative Partnerships,
requested that the Board of Education accept a shoe donation at the value of $15,000 for
students at Panola Way Elementary School.
09.14.a.viii.
Dr. Yolanda Williamson, Chief of Community Engagement & Innovative Partnerships,
requested that the Board of Education accept the Druid Hills Middle School donation of
furniture that totals $7750 from the PTSA Enrichment Fund to help outfit 2 Collaboration
Stations.
09.14.a.ix.
Dr. Yolanda Williamson, Chief of Community Engagement & Innovative Partnerships,
requested that the Board of Education accept the State Farm grant award for a total of $100,000
to support the following departments and their programs: Wrap Around and Support Services
(Student and Family Engagement Centers) $50,000, Family Engagement (Family and
Community Empowerment) $10,000, Student Advancement (Mobile Student Success Centers)
$25,000, and Student Mentorship and Partnership (My Brother’s Keeper and Our Sister’s
Keeper) $15,000 programs during the 2024-2025 school year.
09.15.a.
LEGAL SERVICES ~ No Agenda Item This Month
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March 10, 2025
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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 the amendments to Board Policy BCBI: Public Participation in
Board Meetings as First Read.
F.2.
Ms. Melanie Slaton, General Counsel, Hall Booth Smith, PC Attorneys at Law requested that
the Board of Education accept the amendments to Board Policy BBI: Board Staff Relations as
Ready For Action.
The community input session began at 5:45 pm.
PERSONNEL RECOMMENDATION FROM EXECUTIVE SESSION
Mrs. Tasha Davis Mills, Chief Human Resource Officer, Division of Human Resources,
requested that the Board of Education approve the hiring recommendation of Dr. Matthew
Alexander, Jr., as Manager III of Facilities and Maintenance, in the Division of Operation
CONVENE THE BUSINESS MEETING
Mrs. Pierce, Board Chair called to convene the March 10, 2025, business meeting.
On a motion by Ms. McGinniss, second by Ms. Allyson Gevertz. and with a vote of (7/0), the
March 10, 2025 convened the business meeting.
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. Madelyn Wood Rega
2. Jordan Beer
3. Kate Denny ~ No Show
4. Nakhia Hill ~ No Show
5. Myrna Clayton
6. Carla Weston-Brown
7. Kim Gokce ~ No Show
8. Amy Leventhal
9. Sonny Neely
CONSENT AGENDA
Mrs. Pierce, Board Chair called for a motion to approve the March 10, 2025, consent agenda
items.
On a motion by Mr. Ziffer, second by Mr. Eyasu and with a vote of 7/0, the motion passed to
approve the consent agenda.
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March 10, 2025
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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 #25-11 as discussed in executive session
On a motion by Ms. McGinniss, second by Mr. Ziffer, and with a vote of 7/0, the motion
passed.
b. Item: Student Appeal #25-12 as discussed in executive session
On a motion by Ms. McGinniss, second by Hogan, Ph.D., and with a vote of 7/0, the
motion passed.
c. Item: Personnel Recommendation from executive session for the position of Manager III
of Facilities & Maintenance in the Division of Operations.
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.
d. Item: Approval of a settlement for the Keith vs. DCSD litigation matter.
On a motion by Mr. DaCosta, Sr., 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.2.a. Approval of Minutes.
On a motion by Mr. Eyasu, second by Mr. DaCosta, Sr., and with a vote of 7/0, the
motion passed.
b. Item: E.3.a.iv. (Piggyback) Contract ~ RFP 2302KM HVAC Air Filter Replacement
Services ~ Gwinnett County Public School System RFP ~ Filter Pro USA (Not to
exceed $2,500,000).
On a motion by Mr. Ziffer, second by Ms. Gevertz, opposition by Mr. DaCosta, Sr., and
Mr. Eyasu, and with a vote of 5/2, the motion passed.
c. Item: E.3.b.i. Contract Spend Limit Increase and Contract Renewal ~ Bid 23-417 ~
Portable Air Condition Unit (A/C) ~ Sun Belt Rentals, Inc. and Spot Coolers, Inc. ~
Contract Renewal #3 of 4 and Spend Limit Increase (Not to exceed $12,000,000
Collectively).
DeKalb Board of Education
March 10, 2025
Page 14 of 15
On a motion by Ms. Gevertz, second by Mr. Ziffer, opposition by Mr. Eyasu and Mr.
DaCosta, Sr., and with a vote of 5/2, the motion passed.
d. Item: E.3.d.ii. Contract Award ~ Ice Cream Products ~ ITB 25-22 ~ Hershey Creamery
Company (Not to exceed $128,400).
On a motion by Mr. DaCosta, Sr., second by Hogan, Ph.D., opposition by Ms.
McGinniss and Mr. Eyasu, and with a vote of 5/2, the motion passed.
e. Item: E.3.e.iii. E-SPLOST VI Project ~ Amendment Request ~ Manley Spangler Smith
Architects ~ PBK Architects (“MSSA-PBK”) - #40636 ~ Druid Hills High School
Modernization ~ Amendment No. 1, Additional Site Studies (Not to exceed $218,500).
On a motion by Ms. Gevertz, second by Ms. McGinniss, opposition by Hogan, Ph.D.,
DaCosta, Sr., and Mr. Eyasu, and with a vote of 4/3, the motion passed.
f. Item: E.3.e.iv. E-SPLOST VI Project: Final Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) and
Amendment Request ~ #50736 ~ International Student Center HVAC Replacement and
Renovations Project ~ The Winter Construction Company and Corgan Associates ~
Final GMP Approval and Amendment No. 2 (Not to exceed $26,317,664.52
Collectively).
On a motion by Ms. Gevertz, second by Mr. DaCosta, Sr., opposition by Ms.
McGinniss, Hogan, Ph.D., Mr. Ziffer and with a vote of 4/3, the motion passed.
g. Item: E.3.e.v. E-SPLOST V Project ~ Final Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP), Budget
Reallocation, and Amendment Request ~ #21435 ~ Cross Keys High School New
Addition and Modernization ~ Evergreen Construction Company and Cooper Carry, Inc.
~ Final GMP Approval, Budget Reallocation, and Amendment No. 8-A/E Fee
Adjustment (Not to exceed –$148,421,607).
On a motion by Mr. Ziffer, second by Ms. Gevertz, opposition by Ms. McGinniss and
with a vote of 6/1, the motion passed.
h. Item: E.3.e.vi. Contract Award ~ Capital Improvement Project: RFQu No. 25-752-003
Professional Architectural and Engineering Services ~ Phase 1 ~ Smallwood, Reynolds,
Stewart, Stewart & Associates, Inc. ~ East DeKalb Campus and Former Hooper
Alexander Elementary ~ Bus Maintenance, Parking & Charging Facilities (Not to
exceed $655,500).
On a motion by Mr. Eyasu, second by Ms. Gevertz, opposition by Mr. DaCosta, Sr., Ms.
McGinniss, Hogan Ph.D., and with a vote of 4/3, the motion passed.
i. Item: E.4.a. ITB 25-599: Computer Devices, Accessories, and Associated Services (Not
to exceed $49,074,734.46).
DeKalb Board of Education
March 10, 2025
Page 15 of 15
On a motion by Mr. Eyasu, second by Ms. Gevertz, opposition by Hogan, Ph.D. and Ms.
McGinniss, and with a vote of 5/2, the motion passed.
j. Item: E.7.a. Approval of the Human Resources Monthly Report for March 2025.
On a motion by Mr. Eyasu, second by Ms. Gevertz, opposition by Mr. DaCosta, Sr., and
with a vote of 6/1 , the motion passed.
ADJOURN
With no objections, Mrs. Pierce adjourned the March 10, 2025, work session and business
meeting.
The work session and business meeting adjourned at 8:53 pm.
_______________________ ____________________________
Secretary Ex-Officio Chair