Agenda Item
d. Approval of Annual Subscription with Microsoft Corporation for Unified Support Services (Not to exceed $278,108.38)
Summary: Presented by: Dr. Kermit Belcher, Chief Information Officer, Division of Information & Instructional Technology
Request: It is requested that the Board of Education approve the annual subscription for Microsoft Unified Support Services from Microsoft Corporation at a cost not to exceed $278,108.38.
Why: To ensure the district, its employees, and its students receive comprehensive technical support for Microsoft O365, security, and network products. This service enables uninterrupted daily operations, supports strategic goals for student success and staff effectiveness, and provides the resources necessary for equitable educational growth.
Details: Microsoft Unified Support is a premier support plan covering all Microsoft products included in the district’s license structure. It provides immediate escalation with shorter service-level agreements for resolution to meet business and IT priorities, ensuring a strong IT infrastructure that supports instructional and operational needs.
Key Services:
● Proactive IT health management and maximization of system uptime.
● Partnership with Microsoft experts to co-design and implement solutions.
● Self-service tools and training for staff to maintain IT health and security.
● Designated account management from a team familiar with district priorities.
● Access to Microsoft experts for operations and security-related solutions.
This agreement includes technical support, escalation management, advisory support, and technical training, ensuring 24x7 information technology access.
Financial impact: $278,108.38, General Funds, 100.2800.530000.00011.7600.9990.0308.070.0000
Contact: Dr. Kermit Belcher, Chief Information Officer, Division of Information & Instructional Technology, 678-676-1274
Effective: December 2026
Status: Approved by the Office of Legal Affairs
2025 Chronology – Microsoft Unified Support Services
The Department of Information and Instructional Technology (DIIT) requests
approval for the annual subscription to Microsoft Unified Support Services to
provide ongoing technical assistance, advisory resources, and proactive
system management for all Microsoft technologies used by the DeKalb
County School District (DCSD). The service supports the district’s Microsoft
cloud, on-premises, and hybrid environments by ensuring timely issue
resolution, maintaining system availability, and addressing security needs.
Microsoft Unified Support includes access to engineering expertise for
troubleshooting and system improvements, scheduled health checks, and
incident response services. It also provides planning support, staff training
resources, and tools to help manage technology operations effectively.
Key Services:
● Dedicated Engineering Support
○ Access to expert Microsoft engineers who can quickly resolve
issues with Teams Voice (phone features) and other collaboration
tools used by staff and students
○ Forty (40) hours set aside for engineers to work proactively on
improving system performance and preventing future problems
● Cybersecurity Incident Response
○ 230 hours of expert help in the event of a cyber incident
○ Support includes planning ahead for emergencies, monitoring for
threats, checking systems for signs of compromise, and helping
the district recover quickly if an incident occurs
○ Services are delivered by Microsoft’s top security specialists,
using advanced tools to detect, investigate, and stop cyber
threats
● Unified Enterprise Base Support
○ Ongoing advice and troubleshooting help for Microsoft systems
○ Access to quick system check-ups and learning resources to help
staff use tools effectively and safely
○ An online portal to request help and track progress
○ Live webcasts and administrative support to assist with
day-to-day needs
● Proactive Security Services Add-On
○ 205 proactive credits dedicated to enterprise security initiatives
These services help the district sustain daily instructional and operational
activities, respond to technical issues efficiently, and maintain secure, stable
technology resources for students and staff.
Financial Impact:
Year Cost
2022-23 $213,924
2023-24 $221,233.92
2024-25 $235,037.92
2025-26 $278,108.38 requesting