ICA Long Form - Over $5K - PD

AID 1843067 · View on Simbli

Agenda Item

b. Division of Student Services ~ Waterford Supplemental Instructional Resource (Not to exceed $130,000) ~ Updated 8.7.2025

Summary: Presented by: Dr. Norman C. Sauce III, Chief of Student Services, Division of Student Services
Request: It is requested that the Board of Education approve the purchase of the Waterford Platform - Instructional Supplemental Resource in the amount not to exceed $130,000 from the Bright From the Start Pre-K4 Grant and the Pre-K3 General Operating Budget.
Why: Due to the proposed deployment of the Waterford Platform - Instructional Supplemental Resource across all Pre-K4 classrooms throughout the district, the total cost in the amount not to exceed $130,000 from the Bright From the Start Pre-K4 Grant and the
Pre-K3 General Operating Budget. The Waterford supplemental instructional platform is a diagnostic adaptive program for Pre-K scholars that has a strategic focus on the development of early literacy and early numeracy skills while being aligned to the Georgia Early Learning Developmental Standards, (GELDS). The programs’ systematic and explicit approach to learning that supports the gradual release model with target support for remediation and/or acceleration is aligned to each student’s learning pathway that’s highlighted by research based instructional practices. The skills that are developed in partnership with the instructional experience within the classroom setting with the utilization of the Waterford platform helps to enhance the development of early literacy, early numeracy, and foundation of school skills within our Pre-K (3&4) scholars.
Details: The DeKalb County School District, as a local educational agency (LEA) receiving Bright From the Start - (Pre-K4) grant funds, has an obligation to continue to enhance the instructional offering of our young scholars in the areas of early literacy and early numeracy. Services from the preferred vendor will support explicit instruction being delivered as an added value to our young scholar’s instructional experience within their classroom and home settings.

The DeKalb County School District currently serves over 2800 Pre-K (3&4) students within (25) Pre-K3 classes and (128) Pre-K4 classes. Having access to the Waterford Platform - Instructional Supplemental Resource will be an added value to their instructional experience within the early learning arena.

During the 2024-2025 school year, the Waterford platform was piloted across all our Pre-K3 expansion sites and Pre-K4 classes that are designated at the same schools. There was a total of 550 students utilizing the platform within the various Pre-K (3&4) expansion and piloted classrooms. Effective communication with our families is essential with ensuring that the Waterford platform is accessible and utilized at home during the school year to support our students’ instructional journey. The utilization of the platform within their classroom settings is an added value to the instructional offering that they receive form their teachers and paraprofessionals. In accordance with Board Policy DJE, Board approval is being requested for the Waterford - supplemental instructional resource to be deployed across the district within all Pre-K (3&4) classrooms.

Waterford Platform - Pre-K3 Achievement Data
The scores listed below represent the achievement data for the content areas of literacy and numeracy Pre-K3 scholars during the 2024-2025 SY.




Waterford Platform - Pre-K4 Achievement Data
The scores listed below represent the achievement data for the content areas of literacy and numeracy Pre-K4 scholars during the 2024-2025 SY.




According to DJE, Board approval is being requested for the Waterford Platform - Instructional Supplemental Resource and Professional Learning services.
Financial impact: The financial impact to the general funds for Pre-K3 students who will utilize the Waterford platform during the 2025-2025 school year will not exceed the amount of 20,000. The financial impact to the Bright From the Start funds for Pre-K4 students who will utilize the Waterford platform during the 2025-2026 school year will not exceed the amount of $110,000.

Department of Early Learning and Pre-K3 Programs Charge Code:
560.0000.434000.17821.7481.1540.6014.094.2025
Department of Early Learning and Pre-K4 Programs Charge Code:
560.2300.553200.17821.7481.1540.8010.094.2026
560.2210.511600.17821.7640.1540.8010.094.2026
Contact: Dr. Norman C. Sauce III, Chief of Student Services, Division of Student Services
Dr. Zack Phillips, Executive Director of Early Learning and Pre-K Programs, Division of Student Services, 678-676-2048
Effective: Upon Board Approval
Status: Approved by the Office of Legal Affairs
                                INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR AGREEMENT
                                          (Contract Amount over $5,000)

          THIS INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR AGREEMENT (hereinafter “Agreement”) is between
 Waterford Research Institute
________________________________________            (hereinafter “INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR”), with its principal
                      4246 Riverboat Rd #150, Taylorsville UT 84123
place of business at ______________________________________________           and the DeKalb County School District
(hereinafter “DCSD”), with its principal place of business at 1701 Mountain Industrial Blvd, Stone Mountain, Georgia
30083. INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR and DCSD are referred to herein jointly as the “Parties” and individually as a
“Party.” In consideration of the mutual agreements and covenants set forth herein and for other good and valuable
consideration, the receipt, adequacy and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the Parties to this Agreement
hereby covenant and agree as follows:

     A. ENGAGEMENT: Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, DCSD hereby retains INDEPENDENT
        CONTRACTOR, as an independent contractor, to provide the Services (as described below), and
        INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR hereby accepts such engagement to provide the Services to DCSD.

     B. SERVICES: INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR agrees to render the following services (hereinafter “Services”)
        (include description, scope of work, deliverables and/or specific performance standards, milestones and
        dates for contracted services):

     Professional Services - 5 Virtual training or consulting sessions, 3 Onsite training or consulting
     sessions
     __________________________________________________________________________________________

     __________________________________________________________________________________________

     __________________________________________________________________________________________


         1. Performance of Services. INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR (a) will supply all tools and materials necessary
         to perform the Services under this Agreement; (b) use its best efforts to furnish the Services to DCSD as and
         when requested or as otherwise required hereunder; (c) will perform the Services in a good, workmanlike
         and professional manner, in accordance with all applicable industry customs and standards and with the
         same degree of skill and care which others would exercise in like circumstances; (d) will provide such
         warranties as are consistent with industry customs and standards or as otherwise expressly required
         hereunder; (e) act with prudence and diligence in the performance of the Services; (f) act in good faith and
         in the best interests of the DCSD in the performances of the Services; and (g) devote such time, energy and
         abilities as is necessary to perform the Services in a timely and productive manner. Any tangible materials
         or other deliverables (whether tangible or intangible) to be produced for to or delivered to DCSD as part of
         the Services will be of merchantable quality and free from defects in materials and workmanship. Subject
         to any other written agreement between INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR and DCSD, INDEPENDENT
         CONTRACTOR is free to engage in other independent contracting activities, provided that INDEPENDENT
         CONTRACTOR does not engage in any such activities which are inconsistent with or conflict with
         INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR’s Services for DCSD, or that so occupy INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR’s
         attention as to interfere with the proper and efficient performance of the Services.

         2. Supervision of INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR. INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR represents and warrants
         that it has the knowledge, training, skills and resources necessary to perform the Services. INDEPENDENT
         CONTRACTOR acknowledges and agrees that DCSD shall retain the right to require certain results and/or
         deliverables in conformity with this Agreement or which meet or exceed the requirements hereof.
         INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR will determine, and is solely responsible for, the means, method and details
         in connection with the performance of the Services. INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR further acknowledges

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     and agrees that DCSD shall not exercise any control over the time, manner, means or methods of
     INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR’s performance of the Services.


C.   TERM: The Term of this Agreement is for the period from the Start Date set forth below through December
     31 of the year in which it is made. At such time, this Agreement shall automatically renew for the period
     beginning January 1 of the following year through the End Date set forth below, unless DCSD shall provide
     notice to INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR of non-renewal of its desire not to renew this Agreement by
     November 30. For the avoidance of doubt, the End Date may not be more than one (1) year from the Start
     Date and in no event shall the Term hereof exceed one (1) year.

     Start Date:           August 18
                           ______________,   25
                                           20__             End Date:                 August 17
                                                                                      ________________,   25
                                                                                                        20__

     1. Termination for Convenience. DCSD may terminate this Agreement at any time, for any (or no) reason,
     upon thirty (30) days prior written notice to INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR. In such event, DCSD shall pay
     INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR for all Services performed prior to termination.

     2. Termination for Breach. In the event INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR breaches any term or condition of
     this Agreement, DCSD shall provide written notice to INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR thereof. Should
     INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR fail and/or refuse to cure such breach within seven (7) days of its notification
     thereof, DCSD may terminate this Agreement for cause. In such event, DCSD shall pay INDEPENDENT
     CONTRACTOR for all Services performed prior to termination, less any damages incurred (or reasonably
     expected to be incurred) by DCSD in connection therewith.

     3. Return of Materials; Delivery of Deliverables. Within three (3) business days of the termination of this
     Agreement, INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR will deliver to DCSD all documents, materials, data and
     information gathered, developed or created by INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR prior to the termination of
     this Agreement. Under no circumstances shall INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR assert any lien or other claim
     over or relating to any such documents, material, data and information.

     4. Time Periods. Any reference to day used in this Agreement shall mean a calendar day.

D. SERVICE FEES: INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR shall be paid the following fee for the Services: (check the
   appropriate compensation plan and complete blanks)

            
            ✔                                   13,119.00
                  A fixed, lump-sum amount of $ _________________, OR
                 $ _________________ per hour; maximum hours are to be _____________.

                 Unless this box is checked and a payment schedule is attached hereto, DCSD shall make payment
                  for all Services upon final completion thereof.

                                       MAXIMUM CONTRACTED AMOUNT

     The total amount of payments by DCSD, including all fees, travel, or other expenses under this Agreement
     shall not exceed $ ________________________
                        13,119.00                    (hereinafter this amount is referred to as the “Maximum
     Contracted Amount”). The Maximum Contracted Amount shall not be modified unless otherwise agreed in
     a written amendment hereto. No adjustment to the Total Maximum Amount shall be made unless there is
     a change in the scope or time for performance of the Services.

       1.       Invoices. INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR shall prepare and submit to DCSD invoices for payment of all
                charges. Each invoice shall be in such detail and in such format as DCSD may reasonably require.


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       2.   Maximum Amount. DCSD shall not be obligated to pay any amount in excess of the Maximum
            Contracted Amount for all Services under all invoices.

       3.   Payment Not Acceptance. Neither payment by DCSD nor DCSD’s receipt of the Services shall
            constitutes acceptance of any defective Services.

E.   INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR RELATIONSHIP: It is mutually understood, acknowledged and agreed that the
     parties intend to create and are creating an independent contractor relationship under this Agreement.
     INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR is an independent contractor for all purposes, having the right to exercise
     independent judgment as to the time, place, and manner of performing the Services hereunder.
     INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR is not subject to the control of DCSD except as set forth herein. INDEPENDENT
     CONTRACTOR is not authorized to enter into any agreement or incur any debt or obligation on behalf of
     DCSD and is not authorized to otherwise act on behalf of DCSD or to hold itself out as an agent of DCSD.
     Under no circumstances shall INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR or any of INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR’s
     employees, look to DCSD as his/her/its employer, or as a partner, agent or principal of INDEPENDENT
     CONTRACTOR.

F.   NO BENEFITS: INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR acknowledges that INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR is not eligible
     for or entitled to participate in any benefits provided by DCSD to its employees, regardless of the length of
     INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR'S relationship with DCSD and regardless of whether INDEPENDENT
     CONTRACTOR is held to be a common-law employee of DCSD for any purpose. Neither INDEPENDENT
     CONTRACTOR, nor any of INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR’s employees, shall be entitled to any benefits made
     available to DCSD’s employees, including, but not limited to, health insurance, workers’ compensation,
     disability insurance, vacation or sick pay. Accordingly, with full knowledge and understanding of the
     foregoing, INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR hereby expressly waives any claim or right that INDEPENDENT
     CONTRACTOR may have, now or in the future, to such benefits and agrees not to make any claim for such
     benefits. INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR shall be responsible for providing, at INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR’s
     expense, and in INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR’s name, unemployment, disability, worker’s compensation
     and other insurance, as well as licenses and permits usual or necessary for conducting the Services.

G. TAXES AND REPORTING: INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR is solely responsible for the payment of all federal,
   state and local income taxes, self-employment taxes, Social Security taxes, Medicare taxes, workers’
   compensation premiums, unemployment taxes, and any other similar obligations arising from the
   performance of the Services or receipt of the fees hereunder. DCSD will not withhold any income or social
   security taxes from any fees payable to INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR hereunder and will not pay any such
   taxes for or on behalf of INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR. DCSD shall report all fees paid to INDEPENDENT
   CONTRACTOR to the Internal Revenue Service (and other taxing agencies) on Form 1099 or other equivalent
   forms. INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR acknowledges and agrees that it is solely responsible for the reporting
   of all fees payable hereunder as income and for payment of all taxes due thereon. INDEPENDENT
   CONTRACTOR agrees to indemnify DCSD and hold it harmless from any and all obligations imposed on DCSD
   to pay any taxes or insurance premiums, including the interest and penalties thereon, in connection with
   any payments made to INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR by DCSD pursuant to this Agreement. INDEPENDENT
   CONTRACTOR agrees to pay, and to indemnify and hold DCSD harmless from, any tax imposed by any
   governmental authority with respect to either or both of any payment to be made by DCSD under this
   Agreement or any item to be delivered by INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR to DCSD under this Agreement,
   including, but not limited to, sales, use, excise, value added, withholding, or similar tax or any fees and
   penalties or interest associated with any of the foregoing.

     1. ACA Compliance. If INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR is an individual, INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR agrees
     that he/she is not an employee of DCSD for purposes of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, 42
     U.S.C. § 18001, et seq. (“ACA”), or for any other purpose. INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR agrees that he/she
     will be responsible for all compliance and reporting requirements under the ACA and certifies that he/she

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    has their own individual health plan coverage. INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR agrees that he/she shall make
    the necessary federal, state, and local filings and returns as required by law at the appropriate times,
    including, but not limited to, federal, state, and local income tax (including estimates), filings and returns
    required by the Self-Employment Contribution Act, and any other filing or return, required by federal, state,
    or local government. INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR retains sole and exclusive liability for all contributions,
    taxes or payments required to be made on account of INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR’s employees under
    federal or state income tax laws, unemployment and workers’ compensation acts, social security acts, and
    all other legislation requiring employer contributions or withholdings.

    2. ACA Reporting. With respect to ACA compliance obligations, INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR acknowledges
    and agrees that: a. INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR is responsible for filing Form 1094-C and Form 1095-C with
    respect to all assigned workers assigned to DCSD; b. INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR is responsible for
    compliance with Internal Revenue Code Section 4980H with respect to assigned workers; c. If requested by
    DCSD in connection with any governmental audit or inquiry, INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR will cooperate in
    furnishing DCSD with detailed information on assigned workers as reasonably needed for DCSD to respond
    to such audit or inquiry, and at no additional charge; d. In addition to any existing indemnification
    obligations set forth in this Agreement, INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR agrees to reimburse DCSD for any
    penalty or tax imposed against DCSD with respect to any assigned worker, and to indemnify and hold
    harmless DCSD against all liabilities, penalties and fees that may be imposed upon DCSD, under Internal
    Revenue Code Section 4980H(a) or (b); provided that DCSD will provide prompt notice to INDEPENDENT
    CONTRACTOR of its receipt of any notice of assessment of penalty or taxes under Code Section 4980H and
    INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR will cooperate fully with DCSD in contesting such assessment and accepting
    responsibility for its assigned workers.

H. NOTICES: All notices shall be in writing, be deemed served on the date on which they are actually received,
   and shall be served by personal delivery, or United States First Class Mail, properly addressed with postage
   prepaid, or a nationally recognized overnight courier/delivery service, electronic mail transmission, or
   telephonic facsimile transmission. Invoices, Notices of Termination of this Agreement or of an election not
   to renew this Agreement shall be served directly upon DCSD or INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR, as the case
   may be, addressed as set forth below.

             DCSD’s address and its contact person are:

            DeKalb County School District
            1701 Mountain Industrial Blvd.
            Stone Mountain, GA 30083
            Attention: __________________________________________

             INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR’s address and its contact person are:
             _______________________
              Waterford Research Institute
             _______________________
              4246 Riverboat Rd #150
             _______________________
              Taylorsville, UT 84123


                       Jorge Fernandez
            Attention: _______________________

    I. WORKING RELATIONSHIP: INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR agrees that DCSD’s designated representative
       for the purpose of this Agreement is _________________________________, and that such designated
       representative shall be authorized by DCSD to act on its behalf. INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR will consult
       with DCSD’s representative before finalizing recommendations or taking action at key decision points.
       INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR shall fully cooperate with DCSD, and DCSD’s representative or designee.
       Such cooperation shall include, without limitation, providing any requested information to DCSD’s


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        representative and advising, meeting with, consulting with, and coordinating with DCSD’s
        representative.

       1. Employees. DCSD shall have the right, at its sole discretion, to demand and require INDEPENDENT
       CONTRACTOR to remove any employee or subcontractor working on any provision of this Agreement and
       to replace the employee or subcontractor without cost or liability to the DCSD.

       2. Communication. For purposes of safety and otherwise, INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR, at all times, shall
       ensure its ability to thoroughly and clearly communicate, in any and all necessary languages, with DCSD’s
       representative and with INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR’s employees, agents, representatives, and
       subcontractors.

       3. Protection of IT Assets. INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR shall ensure that any and all electronic devices,
       computers, software, hardware, equipment and other similar and related items that are utilized by
       INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR or any entity or person under INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR’s supervision or
       control, do not harm, or allow harm, to DCSD’s computers, systems, networks, and technology.
       INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR shall take any and all measures possible to protect DCSD’s computers,
       systems, networks, and technology from viruses and other malicious codes.

J.   DEFECTIVE OR NON-CONFORMING SERVICES: If the Services fail to meet the standards set forth in this
     Agreement, DCSD may elect to have INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR re-perform, at no cost to DCSD, any of
     the Services which fail to meet said standards where: (a) such failure appears during the performance of
     the Services or within one (1) year from the date of completion of the Services, and (b) DCSD notifies
     INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR of any such failure within sixty (60) days of the time that the failure becomes
     apparent. This paragraph shall not be interpreted to limit the right of DCSD to pursue and obtain any and
     all other remedies against INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR at law or in equity.

 K. DCSD WARRANTY: INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR acknowledges that it shall be entitled to rely on the
    accuracy of information supplied by DCSD or any of DCSD’s contractors or consultants to be provided by
    DCSD hereunder. Except for the foregoing warranty, DCSD makes no other warranties, whether express or
    implied.

L.   WORK FOR HIRE: To the extent that the Services involve the creation or development of custom,
     proprietary materials for DCSD which are specially ordered and commissioned by DCSD hereunder and are
     subject to copyright, INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR agrees that the Services are performed as a “work for
     hire” as that term is defined under U.S. copyright law, and that as a result, DCSD will own all copyrights in
     any and all materials or other deliverables resulting from or provided in conjunction with the Services.
     INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR agrees to perform such Services in a diligent and workmanlike manner. The
     content, style, form and format of any such work for hire shall be completely satisfactory to DCSD and shall
     be consistent with DCSD’s standards. INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR hereby grants DCSD the right to use and
     license others to use INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR and INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR’s employees’ name,
     voice, signature, photograph, likeness and biographical information in connection with and related to the
     Services, including any materials, deliverables or works for hire provided in conjunction therewith.

M. OWNERSHIP OF WORK PRODUCT: Any reports, recommendations, estimates, specifications, drawings,
   technical data, sketches, computer software, and all other information developed, created or procured by
   INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR or its subcontractors in connection with the performance of Services
   hereunder shall be the property of DCSD. In entering into this Agreement, INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR
   hereby transfers to DCSD all right, title, and interest, including the copyright, in and to such work product
   except that, with respect to any standard or non-customized software incorporated into the work product,
   INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR shall grant to DCSD only a license to use such software. All original technical
   data, evaluations, reports and other work product of INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR shall be delivered to

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       DCSD upon the completion, cancellation or termination of services under this Agreement within three (3)
       business days of such completion, cancellation or termination. INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR may retain
       one (1) copy of all documents produced by it for its permanent file.

  N. ACCOUNTING AND RECORD KEEPING: INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR shall maintain a system of accounting
     and record keeping for all Services. Further, INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR will allow DCSD’s inspection of
     necessary supporting receipts and documentation for audit purposes for a period of six (6) years after
     completion of Services provided under this Agreement.

  O. BACKGROUND CHECKS: If INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR or any personnel/subcontractors of INDEPENDENT
     CONTRACTOR will have contact with students or will perform services in buildings or in close proximity to
     students, then a Background Check is required for each person providing said Services. Such background
     check shall be the same criminal background check, within the last 365 days, as required by DCSD
     employees. Such background checks will be performed by DCSD at the expense of the INDEPENDENT
     CONTRACTOR. Additionally, any charges against the INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR, or personnel, may be
     deemed unacceptable in DCSD’s sole discretion regardless of whether dismissed, expunged, sealed,
     removed from the record, treated as a “first offender” or dead docketed. Upon receipt and evaluation of
     DCSD’s background check results, DCSD may demand that the personnel named in the check result, not
     provide services to DCSD premises. Any failure of the INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR, or personnel, to obtain
     a criminal records background check through DCSD, as stated herein, may result in termination of any
     resulting contract between INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR and DCSD.

  P.   COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS: INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR shall comply with all federal, state and local laws,
       regulations, ordinances, and DeKalb County Board of Education policies in the performance of the Services
       including, but not limited to, all laws governing health, safety, the protection or preservation of the
       environment, OSHA requirements, and occupational licensing.

  Q. IMMIGRATION COMPLIANCE: INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR certifies its compliance with the Georgia Illegal
     Immigration Reform and Enforcement Act of 2011, O.C.G.A. § 13-10-90 et seq. INDEPENDENT
     CONTRACTOR warrants that it has registered with and uses the federal work authorization program
     commonly known as “E-Verify”, and agrees that if it contracts for the physical performance of services by
     others hereunder, it shall do so only with firms or persons who present an affidavit as required by O.C.G.A.
     § 13-10-91.

***INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR MUST SIGN AND RETURN THE E-VERIFY AFFIDAVITS BEFORE
                  ANY PAYMENT CAN BE MADE HEREUNDER***

  R. EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY: INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR will not discriminate against any
     worker, employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age,
     citizenship status, veteran status, sexual orientation or handicap. INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR will take
     affirmative action to ensure that applicants are employed, and that workers are treated during
     employment, without regard to their race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, citizenship status,
     veteran status, sexual orientation or handicap. Such action shall include, but not be limited to the following:
     employment, upgrading, demotion, or transfer, recruitment, or recruitment advertising; layoff or
     termination; rates of pay or other forms of compensation; and selection for training, including
     apprenticeship.

  S.   CONTINGENCY FEES: INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR represents that it has not employed and shall not
       employ any person other than its own principals and employees to solicit this Agreement or any contract
       with DCSD, and that it has not and shall not pay any person other than its own principals and employees
       any fee, commission, percentage, gift or other consideration contingent upon or resulting from the award
       or making of this Agreement or any other contract with DCSD.
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T.   SUBCONTRACTORS: INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR shall manage all work and services performed under this
     Agreement. INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR shall not, unless DCSD consents in writing thereto, subcontract
     all or part of the Services or otherwise assign, whether by operation of law or otherwise, any of the rights,
     duties or obligations of INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR hereunder. In the event DCSD consents in writing to
     any such subcontracting or assignment, the rights and obligations of INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR shall not
     be released or diminished thereby. All of INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR’s subcontractors shall be directly
     responsible to INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR and shall be under INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR’s direct
     supervision. INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR shall be as fully responsible and accountable to DCSD for the acts
     and omissions of INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR’s subcontractors and of persons either directly or indirectly
     employed by any subcontractors in the performance of services under this Agreement as INDEPENDENT
     CONTRACTOR is for the acts and omissions of persons it directly employs. Other than DCSD being a third-
     party beneficiary to any agreement between INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR and its subcontractors, no other
     contractual relationship between DCSD and any subcontractor is created by any provision contained in this
     Agreement. If INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR utilizes subcontractor(s) with respect to this Agreement, then
     INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR will require subcontractor(s) to comply with all terms and conditions of this
     Agreement including, but not limited to the insurance requirements. INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR shall
     require all subcontractors to supply a certificate of insurance as required herein before the subcontractor
     commences any work.

U. SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS: INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR shall not assign its rights hereunder, excepting
   its right to payment, nor shall it delegate any of its duties hereunder without the written consent of DCSD.
   Subject to the provisions of the immediately preceding sentence, each Party hereto binds itself, its
   successors, assigns and legal representatives to the other and to the successors, assigns and legal
   representatives of such other Party.

V. INSURANCE: INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR and all subcontractors and consultants, shall maintain insurance
   in the types and coverage amounts shown below, which insurance shall provide coverage for INDEPENDENT
   CONTRACTOR during the term of this Agreement. On the date INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR signs this
   Agreement, INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR shall provide DCSD with (i) an endorsement from the insurer
   naming the DeKalb County School District and the DeKalb County Board of Education as an additional
   insured under the liability policies and (ii) certificate(s) verifying that these insurance coverages and limits
   are in force. Additional certificates of insurance shall be provided whenever individual policies are renewed
   (or replaced) on their anniversary date and at such other times as DCSD requests.

     The insurance requirements of this Agreement are:

     Type of Insurance                                               Coverage Limits

     Comprehensive General Liability                                 $2,000,000 annual aggregate
     Including Contractual Liability,                                $1,000,000 per occurrence
     Bodily Injury and Property Damage

     INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR waives all rights, including rights of subrogation, against the DeKalb County
     Board of Education, DCSD and their respective members, officers, employees, agents, insurers,
     subcontractors, consultants and employees for damages covered by any type of insurance during and after
     the completion of the Services. The limits of the coverage as agreed upon by the Parties shall not be
     construed as a limit on INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR’S potential liability to DCSD.

W. INDEMNIFICATION: INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR agrees to hold harmless and indemnify the DeKalb
   County Board of Education, DCSD, their respective members, officers, employees, agents and
   representatives (hereinafter the “Released Parties”) from and against any and all liabilities, claims, actions,

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      causes of action, losses, damages, demands, suits, judgments, costs and expenses, including legal fees, costs
      and expenses incurred in and about investigation, defense or prosecution thereof, arising out of the
      performance of the Services by of INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR. INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR further
      agrees to release, indemnify, defend and hold harmless the Released Parties from any and all claims,
      demands, rights, liabilities and causes of action incurred or suffered by INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR from
      events over which the Released Parties exercise no control, including Acts of God, strikes, government
      restrictions or other force majeure events.

 X. CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION:

      1. Waiver. Failure of DCSD to insist in any one or more instances on performance of any of the terms and
      conditions of this Agreement, or to exercise any right or privilege contained in this Agreement, or the waiver
      of any breach of the terms and conditions of this Agreement, shall not be considered as creating or
      constituting a waiver of any such terms, conditions, rights or privileges, and the same shall continue and
      remain in force and effect.

      2. Governing Law; Jurisdiction. This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of Georgia. In
      the event of any dispute arising out of this Agreement or the performance of Services hereunder, each of
      the parties irrevocably submits to the exclusive jurisdiction and venue of the Superior Court of DeKalb
      County, Georgia with respect to any litigation in connection therewith.

      3. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in separate counterparts, each of which is deemed to
      be an original and all of which taken together constitute one and the same agreement. A scanned or
      photocopy of an original signature shall be deemed an original for purposes of this Agreement.

 Y.   CAPTIONS: The headings in this Agreement are for the convenience of the Parties hereto and shall in no
      way affect the construction or interpretation of this Agreement or any part hereof.

 Z.   ENTIRE AGREEMENT: This Agreement (including any exhibits and schedules hereto) constitutes the entire
      and exclusive agreement between the Parties with reference to this contract and supersedes any and all
      prior communications, discussions, negotiations, understandings, or agreements. This Agreement may be
      amended only by a writing signed by both DCSD and INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR. INDEPENDENT
      CONTRACTOR acknowledges that DCSD does not, and will not be deemed to, waive this condition precedent
      under any circumstances and that no employee or agent of DCSD is authorized to waive this requirement.

AA. CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION: INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR, and all consultants and subcontractors, agree
    to keep confidential all information, records and documents obtained from DCSD or created on behalf of
    DCSD in connection with the performance of the Services. Such confidential information includes, but is not
    limited to, data collected by INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR and any student information, including but not
    limited to, student test scores, student test results, student attendance records, student assessments or
    student grades. INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR agrees not to use any confidential information received for
    any purpose other than in connection with the services provided herein. INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR agrees
    to limit disclosure of the confidential information to its employees, officers, directors, affiliates and
    consultants with a bona fide need to know, but only to the extent necessary in connection with the services.
    All individuals receiving access to the confidential information must previously have entered into a
    confidentiality agreement with INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR or otherwise be bound under terms at least as
    restrictive as those contained herein.

                                    [Signatures appear on following page]




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DEKALB COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT USE ONLY



_________________________________________
School/Department Name and Location Number

Charge Code

  FUND      FUNCTION   PROJECT   OBJECTIVE   LOCATION   PROGRAM   FACILITY   DIVISION   FUTURE




THE ABOVE TERMS AND CONDITIONS ARE AGREED TO AND ACCEPTED BY:


INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR

         BY: _________________________________________

                     Jorge Fernandez
         PRINT NAME: _________________________________

                Chief Financial Officer
         TITLE: _________________________________________

               6/6/2025
         DATE: ________________________________________




DEKALB COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT

         BY: __________________________________________________

         NAME: Dr. Devon Q. Horton

         TITLE: Superintendent

         DATE: _______________________________________________




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