Agenda Item
i. Grant Acceptance of the Adult Education and Family Literacy Act (AEFLA) Grant Award ~ State Funding: $100,000 and Federal Funding: $422,559 (Total Allocation: $522,559) ~ Updated 9.5.2025
Summary: Presented by: Mrs. Jennifer Caracciolo, Interim Chief of Community Engagement & Innovative Partnerships, Division of Community Engagement & Innovative Partnerships
Request: It is requested that the Board of Education accept the FY 26-29 Adult Education and Family Literacy Act (AEFLA) Grant Award from the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) and approve the District to expend the funds as awarded. State Funding: $100,000 and Federal Funding: $422,559. Total Award Amount: $522,559.
Why: On June 24, 2025, the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) announced the funding amount for the multi-year competitive grant awarded to the DeKalb County School District Adult Education and Family Literacy Program, earmarked for July 1, 2025 - June 30, 2029. The award amount includes AEFLA federal funding along with matching state funds, totaling a projected allocation of $522,559. per year. The scope of activities under the AEFLA grant include:
Adult Basic Education
English Language Acquisition services
Integrated English Literacy and Civics Education
Family Literacy
Due to the federal delay with the release of funds through the Department of Education, this item is now being introduced for consideration during the September Board meeting.
Approving AEFLA funding for the next four years will ensure continued support for critical adult education services in DeKalb County, including Adult Basic Education, English Language Services, Integrated English Literacy and Civics Education, and Family Literacy. These programs address essential literacy and language skills needed for employment, civic engagement, and family success. The program effectively serves diverse learners, including immigrants and low-literacy adults, helping them achieve educational gains and workforce readiness.
Sustained funding will allow the district to maintain strong outcomes for DCSD stakeholders and the community, expand access, and align adult education with local economic and workforce priorities. Multi-year support promotes program stability, capacity building, and community impact, ultimately contributing to individual empowerment and regional growth.
Details: This Multi-Year Grant will continue to support ABE classes at the following locations:
Cross Keys HS
Elizabeth Andrews HS (EAHS)
Goodwill of North GA
McNair HS
Sequoyah MS
Support for ESL Classes offered at:
Cross Keys HS
Elisabeth Andrews HS (EAHS)
Goodwill of North GA
Sequoyah MS
Development and Implementation of an IELCE and Workforce Development Program at:
Ethiopian Community Center of Atlanta
This grant will also continue the Integrated Education Training (IET) and Workforce Development Program, supported by internal partnerships with DCSD Operations First Choice program, CTAE, and School Nutrition, as well as external partnerships with Georgia Power Workforce Development, Goodwill of North Georgia and WorkSource DeKalb.
The Family Literacy program will provide targeted support to a cohort of 30 adult education families whose children attend DCSD schools. These activities will engage GED students and their families to improve adult literacy, enhance parenting skills and promote academic success for children. The work of the Family Literacy program is supported by the DCSD Early Learning Program, Educational Media, and the DeKalb County Public Library.
Financial impact: Community Engagement and Innovative Partnerships ~ Adult Education (510), TCSG AEFLA Federal and State Matching Grant
State: $100,000., Federal: $ 422,559.
Contact: Mrs. Jennifer Caracciolo, Interim Chief of Community Engagement & Innovative Partnerships, Division of Community Engagement & Innovative Partnerships, 404.263.3597
Dr. Damienne Denham Shabazz, Senior Coordinator, Division of Community Engagement & Innovative Partnerships, 678.559.4591
Effective: Upon Board Approval
Status: Approved 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:
Grant award notification-Adult Education and Family Literacy Act(AEFLA) Funds.
________________________________________________________________
(e.g., contract review, policy matter, etc.)
8.26.25
Date of request: ___________ 8.29.25 (Allow 3 to 5 business days)
Due Date: ___________
AEFLA Funds totalling $552,559.00 to support
Background information/Detail: __________________________________________________________
the district's Adult Education and Family Literacy Program for 2025-2029.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
PROCUREMENT DETAILS (if applicable)
Include details confirming that all applicable DCSD procurement policies and requirements have been
adhered to: ____________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION
Please attach/include any additional supporting documentation that are relevant to your request.
please see the attached.
Description of supporting documentation, if any ____________________________________________
REQUIRED AUTHORIZATION
Myra Stewart
Requested by: _____________________________________________________________________
myra_s_stewart@dekalbschoolsga.org
Email: __________________________ (678)676-0218
Telephone: ____________________________________
(CEIP) Community Engagement & Innovative Partnerships
Department: _______________________________________________________________________
Jennifer Caracciolo
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: __________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________