Agenda Item
b. Dentons Lobbying Services Retainer AMENDED through JUNE 30, 2026 (Not to Exceed $72,000)
Summary: Presented by: Mr. H. Eric Hilton, Chief Legal Officer, Division of Legal Affairs,
Request: It is requested that the DeKalb County Board of Education (“Board”) approve the DeKalb County School District (“District”) to engage Dentons for Professional Services in an amended amount not to exceed $72,000 within the period from January 1, 2026, through June 30, 2026, at a rate of no more than $12,000 per month for strategic support and lobbying services.
Why: Public school systems benefit from sound strategic support and lobbying services on various issues. Therefore, it is prudent for the Board to maintain a lobbying firm they determine to best represent its interests.
Details: As part of this agreement, Dentons will provide services to include but not be limited to the following:
Assist the Board members to develop and then lobby for the Board’s legislative agenda
Assist to building coalitions to support and lobby for legislative agenda items with statewide impact, such as full and equitable QBE funding
Coordinate meetings during the legislative session for the Board and Superintendent with the DeKalb House and Senate Delegations
Coordinate meetings during the legislative session for the Board and Superintendent with key members of the General Assembly
Monitor and review the introduction of legislative and budget items introduced at the General Assembly with potential impact on the District
Oppose legislation that would negatively impact the District
Monitor key committee meetings at the General Assembly, and coordinate testimony from the Board or District staff as appropriate
Provide weekly written legislative updates to the Board and Superintendent
Provide update at Board meetings as requested
Monitor, attend and lobby study committees and other meetings of interest during the interim between legislative sessions
Financial impact: GL account code: 100.2300.530002.00011.7080.9990.8010.080.0000 - Other Cost Board Legal Fees
Contact: Mr. H. Eric Hilton, Chief Legal Officer, Division of Legal Affairs, 678.676.0159
Status: Approved by the Office of Legal Affairs