Legal Affairs Request for Legal Review_Canvas LMS

AID 1821981 · View on Simbli

Agenda Item

f. Canvas Learning Management System Approval (Not to exceed $815,250)

Summary: Presented by: Dr. Kermit Belcher, Chief Information Officer, Division of Information & Instructional Technology
Request: It is requested that the Board of Education approve the purchase of Canvas Learning Management System with Instructure, Incorporated at a cost not to exceed $815,250.
Why: The purpose of the agenda item is to request to purchase an annual subscription to Canvas Instructure. This is year five of a five-year agreement.
Details: DeKalb County School District is committed to providing equitable access and instructional continuity through the implementation of Canvas as its learning management system. This instructional tool will allow the district to:

● Support teaching and learning in a virtual environment
● Support access to and utilization of the District's Board-approved curriculum
● Deliver professional learning for all staff members
● Facilitate and collect student assignments and assessments
● Integrate seamlessly with legacy systems such as Infinite Campus, Microsoft Office products, Google Apps for Education, and many other tools utilized by the district
● Analyze engagement data using many reports and analytics
● Promote parental engagement through the parent portal feature

The district's learning management system is a critical legacy system that requires a significant implementation period with ongoing compatibility and standardization with other systems and district processes. Canvas replaced the district's former learning management system (LMS), itsLearning, also referred to as VERGE, during the 2022-2023 school year.
Financial impact: $ 815,250.00
General Fund
100.1000.561200.00011.7600.9990.0308.070.0000
Contact: Dr. Kermit Belcher, Chief Information Officer, Division of Information & Instructional Technology, 678.676.1274
Effective: June 2025
Status: Approved by the Office of Legal Affairs
                                                                                                 DATE RECEIVED: ______________

                                                                                                 MATTER ASSIGNED TO: _________
                                        Request for Legal Assistance
                                        DCSD Office of Legal Affairs
                                           ATTORNEY – CLIENT COMMUNICATION
PLEASE SUBMIT COMPLETED REQUEST FORM TO
DCSD OFFICE OF LEGAL AFFAIRS.
                    *** This request is a confidential communication and should be treated as such ***

                                                DESCRIPTION OF REQUEST

Title of Item/Topic:
Canvas Learning Management System
________________________________________________________________
        (e.g., contract review, policy matter, etc.)

                 5/9/25
Date of request: ___________                     Due Date: ___________ (Allow 3 to 5 business days)
                                           To purchase an annual subscription to Canvas Instructure, the
Background information/Detail: __________________________________________________________
Learning Management System for the DeKalb School District.
_____________________________________________________________________________________


                                          PROCUREMENT DETAILS (if applicable)

Include details confirming that all applicable DCSD procurement policies and requirements have been

adhered to: ____________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________


                                               SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION


Please attach/include any additional supporting documentation that are relevant to your request.

Description of supporting documentation, if any ____________________________________________


                                                REQUIRED AUTHORIZATION
              LaKeisha Brooks
Requested by: _____________________________________________________________________
         lakeisha_brooks@dekalbschoolsga.org
Email: __________________________                             678-676-1274
                                                   Telephone: ____________________________________
            DIIT
Department: _______________________________________________________________________
                                        Kermit Belcher
Cabinet Member authorizing the request: _______________________________________________

                                                     LEGAL APPROVAL

      Approved as to form by the DCSD Office of Legal Affairs? ☐ Yes ☐ No
                                                    -OR- (check one only)
              Approved as to form by Outside Legal Counsel? ☐ Yes                                 ☐ No
*Referrals to Outside Legal Counsel must be coordinated and approved by the DCSD Legal Dept.

Approving Attorney (and law firm if Outside Counsel               ____________________________________

Comments:       __________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________