Agenda Item
a. DeKalb County School District (DCSD) and ViewPoint Health (VPH) Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) (Not to exceed $90,000)
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 this Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the DeKalb County School District (DCSD) and the ViewPoint Health (VPH) agency regarding the education of eligible students with disabilities placed in the VPH Crisis Stabilization Program. There is no financial impact to the general budget as all costs associated with providing educational services to students placed at VPH will be paid from the Rule 10 Special Education State Grant in the amount not to exceed $90,000.
Why: ViewPoint Health operates a residential crisis stabilization facility located within the boundaries of the DeKalb County School District (DCSD), which shall provide public healthcare services to children placed in its care by the Georgia Department of Human services (DHS), the Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ), the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD) or by parents or legal guardians pursuant to a physician's order. DCSD is authorized and required, pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 20-2-133, to provide educational services to students assigned to the VPH's residential treatment facility.
Details: Students in the physical or legal custody of DJJ, DHS, or DBHDD can be placed at the ViewPoint Health Adolescent Crisis Stabilization Program. In addition, the parent of legal guardian pursuant to a physician's order may place a child if such child is not a home study private school or out-of-state student. Eligible students may come from all over the State of Georgia. DCSD is responsible for the provision of all educational service and programs, including special education and related services for students placed at VPH. The DCSD receives the Rule 10 Special Education Grant to pay the salary and benefits for up to two teachers. DCSD is responsible for hiring, training, and evaluating the teachers assigned to the facility.
Financial impact: All costs associated with the education of eligible children, including salary, wages, and benefits for teachers; cost for instructional materials and supplies; and other related expenses, are covered by the Rule 10 Special Education State Grant in the amount not to exceed $90,000. The charge codes to be used are 100.1000.511000.07821.7340.2810.8010.094.0000 (salary/benefits), and 100.1000.561000.07821.7340.2810.8010.094.0000 (materials/supplies). There is no financial impact on the General budget because all costs will be paid from the Rule 10 Special Education State Grant.
Contact: Presented by: Dr. Norman C. Sauce III, Chief of Student Services, Division of Student Services,
Mrs. Kiana King, Executive Director of Exceptional Education, Division of Student Services
Effective: January 1, 2026 - December 31, 2026
Status: Approved by the Office of Legal Affairs
ViewPoint Health (VPH) Overview
How Students are Served The District’s Special Education Teacher (SET) provides
at VPH: individualized and small-group academic support tailored to
each student's current educational needs, during their short-
term residential stay while at ViewPoint Health Child and
Adolescent Crisis Stabilization Unit.
How Students are The SET collaborates with parents, guardians, and student’s
Supported at VPH: home schools to obtain assignments and develop
personalized educational plans. The instructional approach
is delivered through tutorial, reinforcing challenging
concepts, strengthening foundational skills, and facilitating
exploration of other areas of academic interest.
Transition Support: For students not currently enrolled in school, the SET
coordinates with guardians to identify appropriate
educational placements. Including facilitating enrollment or
reenrollment in traditional school settings or connecting
families with local GED programs and alternative education
resources. The SET’s work ensures continuity in learning and
supports positive academic transitions during and after
residential care.
Total Number of Students 2025-2026 (to date): 18
Served (by school year):
2024-2025: 239
2023-2024: 274
2022-2023: 261
Average Length of Stay: 7- 10 days