Agenda Item
e. Division of Student Services ~ Instructional Resources ~Newsela Online Instructional Resources for Gifted (Not to exceed $500,000) ~ Updated 8.8.2025
Summary: Presented by: Dr. Norman C. Sauce III, Chief of Student Services, Division of Student Resources
Request: It is requested that the Board of Education approve the purchase of instructional resources, materials, supplies and equipment from Newsela to assist gifted-identified teachers in supporting students as they further develop critical thinking and analytical skills. The purchase will not exceed $500,000.
Why: Instructional resources to assist gifted-identified teachers in supporting students as they further develop critical thinking and analytical skills.
The selected vendors have been carefully vetted and identified to
(a) improve access to meaningful content,
(b) increase awareness of sound instructional practices,
(c) provide technological assets that promote creativity, connections, and innovation, and
(d) engage students in rigorous critical thinking and analytical skills activities.
Online licenses assist gifted-identified students further to develop their critical thinking and analytical skills, as well as the ability to read and understand complex texts.
Newsela is a sole source provider that was previously used in DCSD.
Details: The DeKalb County School District will purchase supplemental instructional resources to support the academic success of students served through the Division of Student Services in accordance to Board Policy DJE (III.D.3.g).
Instructional licenses will be provided for all gifted-certified teachers to impact gifted services for all gifted-identified students.
Financial impact: The total financial impact for SY2025-2026 is not to exceed the amount of $500,000.
GL Charge Code - Gifted Supplies- 100.1000.561000.34411.8740.9990.8010.094.0000
Contact: Presented by: Dr. Norman C. Sauce III, Chief of Student Services, Division of Student Services
Ms. Kristen Drake, Senior Coordinator, Division of Student Services
Effective: 01/31/26 - 01/30/27
Status: Approved by 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:
________________________________________________________________
Newsela - contract review
(e.g., contract review, policy matter, etc.)
08/05/2025
Date of request: ___________ Due Date: ___________ (Allow 3 to 5 business days)
contract for Newsela online platform
Background information/Detail: __________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
PROCUREMENT DETAILS (if applicable)
Include details confirming that all applicable DCSD procurement policies and requirements have been
Sole source letter is attached
adhered to: ____________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION
Please attach/include any additional supporting documentation that are relevant to your request.
Quotes and sole source letter is attached
Description of supporting documentation, if any ____________________________________________
REQUIRED AUTHORIZATION
Kristen Drake
Requested by: _____________________________________________________________________
Kristen_Drake@dekalbschoolsga.org
Email: __________________________ 678-676-0153
Telephone: ____________________________________
Gifted Education in the Division of Student Services
Department: _______________________________________________________________________
Norman C. Sauce III, Ed.D.
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: __________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________