Agenda Item
1. FIRST READ: Amendment to the Bylaws & Policies: Board Policy: DFK: Gifts and Bequests
Summary: Mrs. Marissa Key, Executive Director of Employee Relations, Division of Legal Services
Request: It is requested that the Board of Education accept the proposed revisions to Board Policy DFK: Gifts and Bequests to lay on the table at the October 6, 2025, Board Meeting for stakeholder feedback until October 21, 2025, and be considered for adoption at a future Board Meeting.
Why: These policy revisions are being proposed for language updates and for language clarifications.
Details: Board Policy DFK: Gifts and Bequests. The proposed policy includes language clarifications and updates related to authority for the acceptance of donations at the school, department/division and district level. The Board Policy Committee reviewed the proposed revisions and recommended the placement of this policy on today’s agenda.
Financial impact: No Financial Impact
Contact: Mrs. Marissa Key, Executive Director of Employee Relations, Division of Legal Services, 678.676.0105
Effective: Upon Board Approval
Status: Attorney Approval Not Required
Board Policy Manual
DeKalb County School District
Board Policy DFK: Gifts and Bequests Status: DRAFT
Original Adopted Date: 09/11/2000 | Last Revised Date: 07/20/2009 | Last Reviewed Date:
09/04/2025
CLEAN VERSION
Gifts and Bequests Overview
The DeKalb County Board of Education reserves the right to approve or decline any donation not
consistent with the district’s educational mission, values, or equity goals. Any donation that is
expressly conditional upon the district’s use for a specified purpose, involves real property, or
creates future operating, maintenance, or replacement costs beyond normal classroom or facility
upkeep requires board approval. Routine donations of supplies, instructional materials, or minor
improvements that do not create ongoing obligations may be accepted through administrative
approval. Any donation in excess of $30,000 will require approval by the board. All donations
become the property of the Board of Education and may be reassigned for the benefit of the
district. The board delegates to the Superintendent the authority to accept or deny gifts and
donations up to $30,000 on behalf of the district, provided that all donations align with the goals
and priorities of the district’s strategic plan. Principals in collaboration with district grants and
partnerships are authorized to accept monetary donations of up to $10,000 for their schools,
provided those gifts are consistent with this policy and district regulations.
Donations, bequests, or gifts made through the DeKalb Schools Educational Foundation, Inc. are
district property and are subject to the same thresholds, review processes, and approval
requirements established in regulations.
Trusts and Real Property
The board will not serve as trustee or manager of any trust or fund. The board may accept
donations of real property, but no individual board member can accept real property or establish
trusts or funds on behalf of the district or its students. The superintendent or designee shall
establish a valuation of any donation and may require the donor to provide a valuation or
documentation of actual costs incurred. All donations of real property require board approval
before acceptance.
Special Projects
Monetary gifts for special projects, including construction, renovation, or improvement of school
facilities, must be approved by the superintendent and comply with Board Policy DJE and
applicable procurement laws. Such projects must be managed through the district’s procurement
processes, and the district will be the contracting entity for any related work. When applicable,
proof of title must be presented by the donor upon request by the district.