Agenda Item
a. Renewal of Memorandum of Understanding (MOU): Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Atlanta Level Up: In-school Mentoring Services (Not to exceed $249,995) ~ Updated 8.10.2025
Summary: Presented by: Triscilla Weaver, Ph.D., Chief of Access & Opportunity, Division of Access & Opportunity,
Kishia K. Towns, Ph.D., Chief, Wrap Around Services, Division of Wrap Around Services
Request: It is requested that the Board of Education approve the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Atlanta and DCSD to provide Level Up: In-School Mentoring services to 400 students at Lithonia Middle School during the 2025- 2026 school year in an amount not to exceed $249,995.
Why: Lithonia Middle School has worked in partnership with the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Atlanta program for the past two years and the results show an improvement in attendance and behavior for participating students. The DCSD would like to continue to implement the Level Up: In-School Mentoring program at Lithonia Middle School to support students in developing a vision for the future, avoid risky behavior(s), and assist in their development of having a sense of belonging. Lithonia Middle School was selected based on at-risk concerns presented by students.
Details: The Level Up program utilizes 9 paid staff members, including one mentoring supervisor, and 8 lead mentors, who meet weekly with small groups of five students and host 1:1 sessions with students. They will have the capacity to serve 400 students, including group and individual sessions.
Financial impact: The cost to fund the Level Up Program shall not exceed $249,995, and will be funded utilizing funds from Purchased Professional/Technical Services: 462.1000.530000.03221.7020.1779. 8010.090.0000 under Title IV.
Contact: Kishia K. Towns, Ph.D., Chief, Wrap Around Services, Division of Wrap Around Services, (678) 676-0485
Triscilla Weaver, Ph.D., Chief of Access & Opportunity, Division of Access & Opportunity, (678) 676-1200
Mrs. Denise Revels, Director, Wrap Around & Support Services, Division of Wrap Around Services, (678) 676-1200
Effective: Upon Board Approval
Status: Approval 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:
________________________________________________________________
Renewal of Big Brother Big Sisters MOU
(e.g., contract review, policy matter, etc.)
07/14/25
Date of request: ___________ 07/16/25 (Allow 3 to 5 business days)
Due Date: ___________
DCSD would like to continue to implement the
Background information/Detail: __________________________________________________________
Level Up: In-School Mentoring program at Lithonia Middle School in order to support students in developing a vision for the future, avoiding risky behavior(s), and assist in their development of having a sense of belonging.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
PROCUREMENT DETAILS (if applicable)
Include details confirming that all applicable DCSD procurement policies and requirements have been
This is a renewal for a sole source program currently implemented at
adhered to: ____________________________________________________________________________
Lithonia Middle School.
______________________________________________________________________________________
SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION
Please attach/include any additional supporting documentation that are relevant to your request.
Agenda Items Packet
Description of supporting documentation, if any ____________________________________________
REQUIRED AUTHORIZATION
Beverly Raindrop of behalf of Dr. Kishia K. Towns
Requested by: _____________________________________________________________________
Beverly_Raindrop@dekalbschoolsga.org
Email: __________________________ 678-676-1911
Telephone: ____________________________________
Wrap Around Support Services
Department: _______________________________________________________________________
Dr. Kishia K. Towns, Chief
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: __________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________