EXECUTIVE SESSION, WORK SESSION, COMMUNITY INPUT SESSION &
BUSINESS MEETING
OF THE
DEKALB COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION
July 14, 2025
The DeKalb County Board of Education held its Executive Session, Work Session, Community
Input Session and Business Meeting on Monday, July 14, 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 11:37 am and noted the following were
in attendance; herself, Ms. Allyson Gevertz, Mr. Andrew B. Ziffer, 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 requested a motion to adopt the July 14, 2025 agenda with the following items
moved to consent.
F.1.a. – Renaming of new Middle & High School at the Sequoyah Site
F.1.b. – Renaming of the Mascot at the new Middle & High School at the Sequoyah Site
F.2.a. - Approval of Minutes
F.3.a.i – Contract – Renewal and Contract Limit Increase – Contract #222886 – OMNIA
Cooperative/CINTAS Corporation – Uniform Rental
F.3.a.ii – Contract – ITB 24-458 – Asphalt Paving – DAF Concrete, Inc. – GC Services for
Napolean B. Cobb (Avondale) Stadium Bus Parking Project
F.3.a.iii – Contract Award - ITB 24-446 - Darling Ingredients, Inc. - Grease Trap and
Septic Tank Pumping Services
F.3.a.iv –Easement Request -Georgia Power Company - Upgrade of service equipment at
the Briarcliff Elementary School Site
F.3.e.i. – Resolution ~ Request for Assistance from GaDOE ~ Five-Year Local Facilities
Plan
F.7.b. – Employee Assistance Program – EAP Approval to Health Advocate Solutions, Inc.
F.8.a. – Relay Graduate School of Education – Leverage Leadership 2.0 Professional
Learning and Coaching Partnership
DeKalb Board of Education
July 14, 2025
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F.9.e. – Approval of ID3 Group LLC to provide Technological and Instructional
Improvements at Fernbank Science Center Outlined in Subaward Agreement
F.11.a. – RFP 21-522R1 for Behavior Intervention Services Contract Extension
F.11.b. – Memorandum of Agreement between DeKalb County School District and Laurel
Heights Hospital
F.11.c. – Division of Student Services – Translations and Interpretation Services
F.11.d. – Metropolitan Regional Educational Service Agency (MRESA) and Metro East
Georgia Learning Resources System (MEGLRS) Contract Approval
F.11.e. – Division of Student Services – Instructional Resources for the English Language
Learners Department
F.13.a. – Renewal of Renaissance Products and Services
F.13.b. – Renewal of Northwest Evaluation Association (NWEA) Measures of Academic of
Progress (MAP) Assessment Systems for 2025-2026
F.14.a.i. – School Donation Acceptance for the Construction of Playground Sunshade
Cover at Oak Grove ES
F.14.a.ii. - School Donation Acceptance for the installation of Artificial Turf for the
Playground Area at Oak Grove Elementary School
F.15.a.i. – RFP 22-490 Renewal of the District’s Insurance Producer Services for Property
and Casualty Insurance
G.1. READY FOR ACTION: Amendment to the Bylaws & Policies: Revision of Board
Policy BHA: Board Member Conflict of Interest
G.2. READY FOR ACTION: Amendment to the Bylaws & Policies: Revision of Board
Policy BBD: Board ~ School Superintendent Relations
G.3. READY FOR ACTION: Amendment to the Bylaws & Policies: Rescind Board Policy
CEI: Superintendent Evaluation
G.4. FIRST READ: Amendment to the Bylaws & Policies: Proposed Board Policy GAE:
Employee Complaints and Grievances
G.5. FIRST READ: Amendment to the Bylaws & Policies: Recission of Board Policy
GAE(2): Complaints and Grievances, Certified Employees
G.6. FIRST READ: Amendment to the Bylaws & Policies: Recission of Board Policy and
GAE (3): Employee Complaints and Grievances – Non-Certified Employees
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July 14, 2025
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With no objections, these agenda items for the July 14, 2025, were moved to the consent agenda
and the work session and business meeting agenda were adopted.
RECOGNITIONS
STUDENT BOARD REPRESENTATIVE
There was no student board representative this month.
RECOGNITIONS / PROCLAMATIONS / MIRACLE MAKER AWARDS
a. Proclamation: Communications Department Receives a National Award
Presented by: Ms. Allyson Gevertz, Vice Chair District 4
b. Recognition: Southwest DeKalb High School Girls’ Track Team
Presented by: Tiffany Hogan, Ph.D., Board Member, District 5
GROUP / EXTERNAL PRESENTATION ~ No Group Presentation This Month
SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT and COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
1. Superintendent’s Report
a. Student Assignment Progress Report Update
Presented by: Triscilla Weaver, Ph.D., Chief of Access & Opportunity, Division of
Access & Opportunity
b. Capital Improvement & Facilities Update
Presented by: Mr. Erick Hofstetter, Chief Operating Officer, Division of Operations
2. Committee of the Whole Presentation
a. FY24 Audit Presentation
Presented by: Mr. Luke Edwards, Georgia Department of Audits and Accounts
b. HR Assessment Update
Presented by: Ms. Charlene Fitzpatrick, CEO & Managing Partner, IBEX
c. Operations and DIIT Assessment ~ Final Report
Presented by: Ms. DeeDee Kharing, SFO, Senior Strategy Consultant, Center for
Effective School Operations
ADJOURN TO AN EXECUTIVE SESSION
Mrs. Pierce called for a motion to adjourn July 14, 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 Mr. Eyasu, and with a vote of (6/0), the July 14,
2025, meeting adjourned to executive session.
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July 14, 2025
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ADJOURN THE EXECUTIVE SESSION
Mrs. Pierce called to adjourn the July 14, 2025, executive session to convene the community
input session.
On a motion by Mr. Eyasu, second by Mr. Ziffer and with a vote of (6/0), the July 14, 2025,
executive session adjourned to the convene community input session.
REVIEW OF AGENDA ITEMS FOR THE JULY 14, 2025, BUSINESS MEETING
01.01.a.
Mr. Andrew B. Ziffer, Board Member, District 1, requested that the Board of Education
approve the name change for the new middle and high school at the Sequoyah site to Sequoyah
Middle School and Sequoyah High School.
This item was approved to be placed on the consent agenda at the top of the meeting.
01.01.b.
Mr. Andrew B. Ziffer, Board Member, District 1, requested that the Board of Education
approve the renaming of the mascot at the New Middle & High Schools at the Sequoyah Site to
the Wolves. The Middle School and High School mascot colors will be green and silver.
This item was approved to be placed on the consent agenda at the top of the meeting.
01.02.a.
Mrs. Deirdre P. Pierce, Board Chair, requested that the Board of Education approve the minutes
of the following meetings; approve the minutes of the following meetings; June 9, 2025 called
meeting ~ 3rd millage rate hearing, June 9, 2025, board meeting, which includes the executive
session, work session, community input session and business meeting, June 11, 2025 virtual
board policy review committee meeting, June 25, 2025 board retreat & executive session, the
June 26, 2025 virtual board policy review committee meeting, and the July 7, 2025 called
meeting and executive session.
This item was approved to be placed on the consent agenda at the top of the meeting.
01.03.a.i.
Mr. Erick Hofstetter, Chief Operating Officer, Division of Operations, requested that the
Board of Education approve:
The use of the CINTAS Uniform Agreement through the Omnia Cooperative
Agreement Contract No. 222886 for the rental of uniforms for Maintenance, Fleet, and
AIC custodial staff for an additional one (1) year term effective August 15, 2025,
through August 14, 2026, not to exceed amount of $400,000.
o This is the second of three (#2 of 3), contract renewals for Contract #222886.
An increase in the spend limit of Contract No. 222886 for the current renewal (#1),
expiring August 14, 2025, in the not- to- exceed amount of $25,000.
This item was approved to be placed on the consent agenda at the top of the meeting.
01.03.a. ii.
Mr. Erick Hofstetter, Chief Operating Officer, Division of Operations, requested that the
Board of Education approve DAF Concrete, Inc. as vendor for General Contractor
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July 14, 2025
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Services for the Napolean B. Cobb Stadium Asphalt Paving- Bus Parking project for a not to
exceed amount of $184,450 to install asphalt for bus parking at the eastern property line.
This item was approved to be placed on the consent agenda at the top of the meeting.
01.03.a. iii.
Mr. Erick Hofstetter, Chief Operating Officer, Division of Operations, requested that the
Board of Education approve the contract award of ITB 24-446 to Darling Ingredients, Inc. for
Grease Trap and Septic Tank Pumping Services not to exceed $1,000,000.
This item was approved to be placed on the consent agenda at the top of the meeting.
01.03.a. iv.
Mr. Erick Hofstetter, Chief Operating Officer, Division of Operations, requested that the
Board of Education approve grant of an easement to the Georgia Power Company for upgrades
to electric distribution facilities at the Briarlake ES site for the capital improvement construction
project.
This item was approved to be placed on the consent agenda at the top of the meeting.
01.03.a. v.
Mr. Erick Hofstetter, Chief Operating Officer, Division of Operations, requested that the
Board of Education approve the use of Convergint Technologies, LLC to provide an access
control system, intrusion detection system and IP video surveillance for an amount not to
exceed $298,473.
01.03.b.
BUSINESS SERVICES ~ No Agenda Item This Month
01.03.c.
FLEET & TRANSPORTATION SERVICES ~ No Agenda Item This Month
01.03.d.
SCHOOL NUTRITION SERVICES ~ No Agenda Item This Month
01.03.e. i.
Mr. Erick Hofstetter, Chief Operating Officer, Division of Operations, requested that the
Board of Education approve a resolution to request assistance from the Georgia Department of
Education in developing the Five-Year Local Facilities Plan for the purpose of completing the
Facilities Condition Assessment as part of the Comprehensive Master Plan Process (CMP).
This item was approved to be placed on the consent agenda at the top of the meeting.
01.04.
INFORMATION AND INSTRUCTIONAL TECHNOLOGY ~ No Agenda Item This Month
01.05.a.
CHIEF OF STAFF DIVISION ~ No Agenda Item This Month
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July 14, 2025
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01.06.a.
Mr. Byron Schueneman, Chief Financial Officer, Division of Finance, requested that the Board
of Education accept the May 2025 Monthly Financial Report.
01.07.a.
Mrs. Tasha Davis Mills, Chief Human Resources Officer, Division of Human Resources,
requested that the Board of Education approve the July Human Resources Report.
01.07.b.
Mrs. Tasha Davis Mills, Chief Human Resources Officer, Division of Human Resources,
requested that the Board of Education approve the contract for EAP (Employee Assistance
Program) Services to Health Advocate Solutions, Inc., in the not-to-exceed amount of $162,000.
This item was approved to be placed on the consent agenda at the top of the meeting.
01.08.a.
Mrs. Michelle Dillard, Chief of Schools, Division of Schools & Leadership, requested that the
Board of Education approve the partnership with Relay Graduate School of Education to
deliver School Improvement training, school-based coaching, instructional rounds, and
executive leadership support for school leaders in DCSD’s Area 2, Area 3, and Horizon schools
for FY26. The total amount requested for implementation and coaching support is $210,400.
This item was approved to be placed on the consent agenda at the top of the meeting.
01.09.a.
Ms. Stacy E. Stepney, Chief Academic Officer, Division of Curriculum & Instruction, requested
that the Board of Education approve the purchase of the 95 Phonics Core Program from 95
Percent Group to supplement existing English language arts instruction in an amount not to
exceed $3,000,000. This standalone phonics program will support foundational reading skills
development in kindergarten through fifth grade by strengthening direct instruction and practice
of foundational skills aligned to structured literacy.
01.09.b.
Ms. Stacy E. Stepney, Chief Academic Officer, Division of Curriculum & Instruction, requested
that the Board of Education approve the award of Bid 25–519 Catalog Discount – Career
Technical & Agricultural Materials, Equipment & Supplies to the following vendors: Amitrace
Computer System, Carolina Biological Supply Company, Flinn Scientific Incorporated,
Global Equipment Company, Incorporated, Learning Labs, Incorporated, LEGO
Education Incorporated, NASCO Education LLC, Nisewonger Audio Visual Center,
Incorporated, Paxton Patterson Incorporated, Sam Tell and Son Incorporated, and
William J. Redmond and Son, Incorporated in an amount not to exceed $2,000,000.
01.09.c.
Ms. Stacy E. Stepney, Chief Academic Officer, Division of Curriculum & Instruction, requested
that the Board of Education approve the purchase of a districtwide license for Apex learning
courses from Edmentum at a cost not to exceed $538,052.07.
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July 14, 2025
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01.09.d.
Ms. Stacy E. Stepney, Chief Academic Officer, Division of Curriculum & Instruction, requested
that the Board of Education approve the Memorandum of Agreement between the Acceleration
Academies and the DeKalb County School District to serve up to 300 students in an amount not
to exceed $3,000,000.
01.09.e.
Ms. Stacy E. Stepney, Chief Academic Officer, Division of Curriculum & Instruction, requested
that the Board of Education approve ID3 Group LLC to provide services for hardware,
software, resources, materials, equipment, fabrication, design, and installation at Fernbank
Science Center as outlined in the subaward agreement with DeKalb County in an amount not to
exceed $175,000.
This item was approved to be placed on the consent agenda at the top of the meeting.
01.09.f.
Ms. Stacy E. Stepney, Chief Academic Officer, Division of Curriculum & Instruction, requested
that the Board of Education approve the Memorandum of Understanding with the Georgia
Aquarium, Incorporated, so students have access to experiential and relevant learning
opportunities that expand their background knowledge in science, other core content areas, and
career and post-secondary opportunities in the fields of science, technology, engineering and
mathematics (STEM) in an amount not to exceed $418,000.
01.09.g.
Ms. Stacy E. Stepney, Chief Academic Officer, Division of Curriculum & Instruction, requested
that the Board of Education approve the purchase of Amira Tutor, a high-dosage, research-
based tutoring program to support foundational reading skills, fluency, and reading
comprehension development in kindergarten through third grade, in an amount not to exceed
$600,000.
01.10.a.
WRAP AROUND SERVICES ~ No Agenda Item This Month
01.11.a.
Dr. Norman Sauce III, Chief of Student Services. Division of Student Services requested that
the Board of Education approve the contract extensions of RFP 21-522R1 with the following
seven vendors: Cobb Pediatrics (DBA Stepping Stones), Comprehensive Behavior Change,
Kadiant, and Southern Behavior Group, as the most responsive and responsible bidders to
provide behavior intervention services for an amount not to exceed the $1,000,000.
This item was approved to be placed on the consent agenda at the top of the meeting.
01.11.b.
Dr. Norman Sauce III, Chief of Student Services. Division of Student Services requested that
the Board of Education approve the contractual agreement between the DeKalb County School
District (DCSD) and Laurel Heights Hospital (LHH) in an amount not to exceed $493,097.
This item was approved to be placed on the consent agenda at the top of the meeting.
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July 14, 2025
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01.11.c.
Dr. Norman Sauce III, Chief of Student Services. Division of Student Services requested that
the Board of Education approve the purchase of professional translation and interpretation
services from the following vendors in excess of $100,000.00 with a combined total not to
exceed $1,300,000 for the following vendors:
ALTA Language Services
Language Line Services
LATN Language Solutions
Piedmont Global Language Service
Real Time Translation
SeSo, Inc.
Translation Station, Inc.
Zab Translation Solutions
This item was approved to be placed on the consent agenda at the top of the meeting.
01.11.d.
Dr. Norman Sauce III, Chief of Student Services. Division of Student Services requested that
the Board of Education approve the contract renewal between MRESA and MEGLRS for the
SY26 school year for an amount not to exceed $240,000.
This item was approved to be placed on the consent agenda at the top of the meeting.
01.11.e.
Dr. Norman Sauce III, Chief of Student Services, Division of Student Services requested that
the Board of Education approve the purchase of supplemental instructional resources and
materials for the English Learners Department in an amount not to exceed $--1,400,000.
This item was approved to be placed on the consent agenda at the top of the meeting.
01.12.a.
ACCESS & OPPORTUNITY ~ Athletics ~ No Agenda Item This Month
01.13.a.
Dr. Candace Alexander, Chief of Accountability & Research, Division of Accountability &
Research requested that the Board of Education approve the renewal of Renaissance in an
amount not to exceed $750,000 for SY 2025-2026.
The requested purchase is a testing expenditure that does not require bid per the District’s
Purchasing Board Policy (DJE).
This item was approved to be placed on the consent agenda at the top of the meeting.
01.13.b.
Dr. Candace Alexander, Chief of Accountability & Research, Division of Accountability &
Research requested that the Board of Education approve the renewal of the Northwest
Evaluation Association (NWEA) Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) Assessment for
the 2025-2026 school year in an amount not to exceed $2,100,000.
The requested purchase is an assessment expenditure that does not require bid per the District’s
Purchasing Board Policy (DJE).
This item was approved to be placed on the consent agenda at the top of the meeting.
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July 14, 2025
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01.14.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 $82,539 from the Kittredge Magnet School Foundation as
a one-time donation per Board Policy DFK “Gifts and Bequests Guidelines”.
This item was approved to be placed on the consent agenda at the top of the meeting.
01.14.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 $60,000 from the Oak Grove Elementary School
Foundation as a one-time donation per Board Policy DFK “Gifts and Bequests Guidelines”.
This item was approved to be placed on the consent agenda at the top of the meeting.
01.15.a.i.
Mr. H. Eric Hilton, Chief Legal Officer, Division of Legal Services, requested that the Board of
Education approve the renewal of the Insurance Producer Services for Property and Casualty
Insurance Agreement with Edgewood Partners Insurance Center d/b/a EPIC Insurance
Brokers and Consultants (“Epic”) for an annual fee not to exceed $150,000.
This item was approved to be placed on the consent agenda at the top of the meeting.
AMENDMENT TO THE BYLAWS AND POLICIES
G.1.
Mrs. Marissa Key, Executive Director of Employee Services, Division of Legal Services
requested that the Board of Education adopt the proposed revisions to Board Policy BHA:
Board Member Conflict of Interest.
This item was approved to be placed on the consent agenda at the top of the meeting.
G.2.
Mrs. Marissa Key, Executive Director of Employee Services, Division of Legal Services
requested that the Board of Education adopt the proposed version of Board Policy BBD: Board-
School Superintendent Relations.
This item was approved to be placed on the consent agenda at the top of the meeting.
G.3.
Mrs. Marissa Key, Executive Director of Employee Services, Division of Legal Services
requested that the Board of Education accept the recommendation to rescind Board Policy CEI:
Superintendent Evaluation.
This item was approved to be placed on the consent agenda at the top of the meeting.
G.4.
Mrs. Marissa Key, Executive Director of Employee Services, Division of Legal Services
requested that the Board of Education accept the proposed version of Board Policy GAE:
Complaints and Grievances lay on the table at the July 14, 2025, Board Meeting for stakeholder
feedback until July 24, 2025, and be considered for adoption at a future Board Meeting.
This item was approved to be placed on the consent agenda at the top of the meeting.
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July 14, 2025
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G.5.
Mrs. Marissa Key, Executive Director of Employee Services, Division of Legal Services
requested that the Board of Education allow Policy GAE (2): Complaints and Grievances,
Certified Employees lay on the table at the July 14, 2025, Board Meeting for stakeholder
feedback until July 24, 2025, and be considered for recission at a future Board Meeting.
This item was approved to be placed on the consent agenda at the top of the meeting.
G.6.
Mrs. Marissa Key, Executive Director of Employee Services, Division of Legal Services
requested that the Board of Education allow Board Policy GAE (3): Complaints and
Grievances, Non-Certified Employees lay on the table at the July 14, 2025, Board Meeting for
stakeholder feedback until July 24, 2025, and be considered for recission at a future Board
Meeting.
This item was approved to be placed on the consent agenda at the top of the meeting.
CONVENE THE BUSINESS MEETING
Mrs. Pierce, Board Chair called to convene the July 14, 2025, business meeting.
On a motion by Mr. DaCosta, Sr., second by Mr. Hogan, Ph.D., and with a vote of (6/0), the
July 14, 2025, convened the business meeting.
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. Subrena Glenn
2. Michael Samuels
3. Ecco Eats
4. Candice Roach
5. Deborah Jones
6. Sally Stanhope
7. Michael Green
CONSENT AGENDA
Mrs. Pierce, Board Chair called for a motion to approve the additional July 14, 2025, consent
agenda items.
On a motion by Mr. DaCosta, Sr., second by Mr. Eyasu and with a vote of 6/0, the motion
passed to approve the additional items on the consent agenda.
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July 14, 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: Upheld decision of Student Appeals #25-17 + #25-18.
On a motion by Mr. DaCosta, Sr., second by Mr. Ziffer, and with a vote of 6/0, the
motion passed.
b. Item: Upheld decision with modifications of Student Appeals #25-19
On a motion by Mr. DaCosta, Sr., second by Mr. Ziffer, Opposition by Hogan, Ph.D.,
and Mrs. Pierce and with a vote of 4/2, the motion passed.
c. Item: Approval of Personnel Recommendations A, B and C.
On a motion by Mr. Eyasu, second by Hogan, Ph.D., and with a vote of 6/0, the motion
passed.
K.3. APPROVAL OF AN AGENDA ITEM(S) PULLED FROM THE CONSENT
AGENDA
There were not items pulled from the consent agenda.
ADJOURN
With no objections, Mrs. Pierce adjourned the July 14, 2025, work session and business
meeting.
The work session and business meeting adjourned at 7:11 pm.
_______________________ ____________________________
Secretary Ex-Officio Chair