SWD Track Renaming Meeting 20250616

       SWD Track Renaming Committee Meeting
Call to Order
A virtual meeting of the Southwest DeKalb High School Track Renaming Committee
was held on June 16, 2025, at 9:00 a.m.

Attendees
- Mr. Marcus Kimber – Culture and Climate Coordinator

- Dr. Tiffany Hogan – Board Member, District Five

- Mr. Brandon Thompson – Principal

- Dr. Yvonne Isom – Assistant Principal

- Mrs. Damita Jackson – PAC Chair

- Mrs. Veselda Tasby – PAC Secretary

- Mr. Douglas Ward – Assistant Principal

- Mr. Larry J – Community Member

Action Items
   •   Mrs. Damita Jackson – Prepare a brief draft power point presentation for the
       renaming proposal.
   •   Mrs. Damita Jackson & Mrs. Veselda Tasby – Coordinate with community
       stakeholders to gather feedback and finalize presentation materials.

Meeting Overview
The committee convened to review and discuss the proposal to rename the Southwest
DeKalb High School track and field in honor of Coach Cobb. Attendees provided
additional feedback, shared community perspectives, and confirmed next steps. Key
topics included the impact of the renaming, estimated costs, and the final preparation
required for board submission.

Discussion
Mr. Kimber began the meeting with a review of the minutes from the meeting held on
May 20, 2025.
Dr. Hogan restated the reason for the third meeting. She stressed the importance of board
policy. The goal of the meeting was to initiate the process to secure DCSD Board
approval to rename the track at Southwest DeKalb High School. Dr. Hogan opened the
meeting to allow an opportunity for committee members to provide support for or against
the renaming of the SWD track.
Mrs. Damita Jackson: Mrs. Jackson shared that Coach Napoleon Cobb is well-known
and recognized around the nation. She provided numerous reasons why Coach Cobb
deserved to have the track renamed in his honor. She suggested we should consider
placing a score board on the field to honor his name.
Mrs. Veselda Tasby: Mrs. Tasby shared feedback she received from the community on
why the track should be renamed in Coach Cobb’s honor. Based on community feedback,
she proposed we should consider renaming the track and a future score board in his
honor.
Dr. Tiffany Hogan: Dr. Hogan raised the question, “Should we consider renaming the
track and score board?”
Mr. Marcus Kimber: Mr. Kimber brought up cost and maintenance of the score board
as a potential concern.
A discussion was held amongst committee members to consider the pros and cons of
renaming track. Everyone was offered the opportunity to speak.
Dr. Tiffany Hogan: Dr. Hogan inquired about the cost of refreshing the track to add
proper branding.
Mr. Marcus Kimber: Mr. Kimber inquired about the current and future cost of
renaming the track and possible score board, as well as the cost associated with
maintenance to ensure high-quality, care and visibility.
After discussion, Dr. Hogan made the motion to have a formal vote if the track should be
renamed in honor of Coach Napoleon Cobb. Everyone was asked to give a verbal vote for
their pleasure. A summary of the vote follows below:



Voting Results
A motion was presented and seconded to approve the renaming proposal. The following
members voted “Yes”:

- Mr. Marcus Kimber

- Dr. Tiffany Hogan

- Mr. Brandon Thompson

- Dr. Yvonne Isom
- Mrs. Damita Jackson

- Mr. Douglas Ward

- Mrs. Veselda Tasby

The motion carried with a unanimous majority vote.

Next Steps
The committee agreed to finalize the formal renaming proposal and presentation and
submit it for inclusion on the August board agenda.

Dr. Hogan stated that a follow-up virtual meeting will be scheduled to prepare for the
dedication ceremony following board approval.

Dr. Hogan stated that she will work with Dr. Glanton and Mr. Kimber to get this item on
the August agenda

Dr. Hogan advised that all committee members must be present at the DCSD Board
meeting in support of this agenda item.

The meeting was adjourned by Mr. Kimber