Agenda Item
b. DeKalb Agriculture Technology and Environment, Inc. ~ Charter Contract Renewal
Summary: Presented By: Ms. Kina M. Champion, Director, School Innovation; Division of Access & Opportunity
Request: It is requested that the DeKalb County Board of Education approve the charter contract renewal of DeKalb Agriculture Technology Environment, Inc. for five years ending June 30, 2031.
Why: Commendations
The petitioner demonstrates a deep and compelling understanding of the school’s model and a clear commitment to expanding learning opportunities within the DCSD community. The application reflects a strong understanding of the community’s economic, political, and historical context and is supported by multiple established partnerships. While the petition review committee notes opportunities to further strengthen how the model responds to the full range of needs and experiences within the surrounding community, the overall proposal presents a strong, mission-aligned case for approval. DATE demonstrates a strong climate and culture grounded in a clear commitment to STEAM and environmental learning, reflected consistently in classroom instruction and in the school’s agricultural and farm-based settings that reinforce real-world application and student engagement. Students exhibit a strong sense of school pride and belonging, contributing to a positive and cohesive learning environment. DATE has also demonstrated strong academic performance and has met its academic contractual goals throughout the current charter term. In addition, DATE’s financial performance meets all state standards, supported by a well-developed financial plan aligned with the school’s mission and program, ensuring fiscal stability and long-term sustainability.
Concerns
Evaluation of the school’s governance practices identified areas for further development to support effective oversight and long-term stability. The governing board did not articulate a clear succession plan and reported challenges in recruiting new members, contributing to extended service by some members despite staggered terms. In addition, the board did not clearly demonstrate an understanding of the factors contributing to the school’s successes and challenges, nor did it sufficiently describe how data are used to monitor priorities and inform decision-making. Strengthening these governance practices would support informed oversight, leadership continuity, and alignment among the school’s mission, performance outcomes, and community context.
Details: Each year, the District accepts petitions from existing charter school governing boards to renew their charter contracts. On November 12, 2025, the governing board of DeKalb Agriculture Technology and Environment, Inc. (DATE) submitted a renewal petition. The charter school’s current charter contract expires on June 30, 2026. Upon initial review by the School Innovation Department, the application was deemed complete. Per DeKalb Board of Education policy, the petition moved through the formal review and evaluation process. The petition review committee conducted site visits (which included stakeholder focus groups and classroom observations) on October 30 and November 3. The committee facilitated a governing board capacity interview for DATE on November 19. The Superintendent's site visit was conducted on November 21. The Initial Clarification Memo, including strengths, concerns, questions, and/or recommended revisions, was issued to the charter school’s governing board on November 21. The governing board’s response to the Initial Clarification Memo and its final revised application materials were received on December 5.
The recommendation of the petition review committee is based on an evaluation of the written petition (including the narrative and exhibits), the petitioner's response to the Initial Clarification Memo, the governing board capacity interview, governing board observations, site visits, classroom observations, data analysis, and independent due diligence. If approved by the DBOE, the petition will be sent to the State Charter Schools Commission for evaluation. The State Charter Schools Commission will work with the State Board of Education’s Charter Advisory Committee to present the Committee’s recommendation to the State Board of Education for final review and approval.
Financial impact: The Five-Year Financial Impact on the General Fund is estimated to be $60,432,345.
Contact: Triscilla Weaver, Ph.D., Chief of Access & Opportunity, Division of Access & Opportunity, 678-676-0485
Ms. Kina M. Champion, Director, School Innovation; Division of Access & Opportunity, 678-676-0718
Effective: July 1, 2026 - June 30, 2031
Status: Pending Approval by the Office of Legal Affairs
Charter School Renewal Final Petition Evaluation Rubric
School Name: DeKalb Agriculture Technology and Environment
Date: December 19, 2025
The Petition Review Committee will use the following criteria to rate the petition. Within each
category, specific criteria define the expectations for a response that meets expectations.
Reviewers will reach consensus when rating responses by applying the following guidance:
Rating Characteristics
Meets the Standard The response reflects a thorough understanding of key issues. It
addresses the topic with specific and accurate information that
shows thorough preparation; presents a clear, realistic picture
of how the school operates and expects to operate; and
inspires confidence in the applicant’s capacity to carry out its
plans effectively.
Partially Meets the The response meets the criteria in some respects but lacks
Standard detail and/or requires additional information in one or more
areas.
Below the Standard The response is wholly undeveloped, demonstrates lack of
preparation, and/or is unsuited to the mission of the authorizer.
Far Below the Standard The response is significantly incomplete, raises substantial
concerns about the viability of the plan and/or the applicant’s
ability to carry it out.
Recommendations from the Petition Review Committee will be based on evaluation of the
written petition (narrative and attachments), independent due diligence, and the governing
board capacity interview. In addition to meeting the criteria that are specific to that section,
each part of the petition should align with the overall mission and vision, educational program,
and organizational and financial performance/plans.
Evidence of Standard Rating
Meets
• The petitioner demonstrates a deep, realistic,
the Standard
and authentic understanding of the “who”
Community Partially Meets
(targeted population), the “how” (education
Support & the Standard
model), and the “why” (educational
Need Below
philosophy).
the Standard
• The petitioner describes how members of the
community have been involved in the design
Far Below
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and will continue to be involved in the the Standard
implementation of the school.
• The community engagement to date and plan
for moving forward incorporate diverse
stakeholders, touchpoints, and tactics, which
are well-suited to reach the school’s target
population.
• The petitioner understands the unique
characteristics of DeKalb County’s educational
landscape and is aware of its communities’
needs, assets, and strengths.
• The petitioner demonstrates an understanding
of the economic, political, historical, and social
contexts of the community it seeks to serve.
• The petitioner demonstrates that the school
will continue to have the necessary community
support to carry out its proposed program,
especially with regard to building and
sustaining community partnerships.
Review Committee’s Comments or Concerns:
• The petitioner definitively demonstrates a deep, realistic, and authentic
understanding of the how and why of the school’s model. However, the committee
has concerns that the articulation of the who does not sufficiently account for the
diversity of the community the school currently serves.
• The overarching mission is to bring learning opportunities and activities to an
underserved community. Therefore, the petitioner demonstrates an understanding
of the economic, political, and historical contexts of the community that it serves.
• There are numerous partnerships, included but not limited to, Honeywell, Home
Depot, Costa Farms Chattahoochee Nature Center and DeKalb Watershed.
Evidence of Standard Rating
• The Board collectively has the capacity to Meets
implement all aspects of the education the Standard
program and is, therefore, able to meet the
School
needs of the target student population and
Governance
those not in the target population but likely to Partially Meets
enroll. the Standard
• The governance structure creates a forum for
parent, teacher, and community input and the
strategies for communicating Board priorities Below
and decisions include all stakeholders. the Standard
2
• The Board clearly articulates both its policies
and a decision-making process for determining
when and how to adjust its plans based on
Far Below
feedback.
the Standard
• The Governing Board reflects the
sociodemographic diversity of the community
served by the charter school.
Review Committee’s Comments or Concerns:
• The Governing Board reflects relevant professional expertise and demonstrates
commitment to the school’s mission. Policies and decision-making processes are
outlined; however, documentation could be strengthened regarding systematic
parent and teacher feedback loops and clearer succession planning to ensure long-
term governance sustainability.
• The governing board demonstrates limited capacity to independently analyze
academic and organizational data, relying heavily on school administration to frame
performance information. This does not seem to be the case with financial data.
• Board members clearly understand their role in financial governance, including
budget approval, cash-flow monitoring, audit review, and ensuring long-term fiscal
sustainability.
Evidence of Standard Rating
• The petitioner addresses student subgroups
individually, recognizing and planning for the Meets the
diverse needs of diverse students. Standard
• The application describes mechanisms and/or
strategies that ensure equitable access to the
curriculum for all students, including students Partially Meets
with disabilities (SWDs) and English Language the Standard
Learners (ELLs).
• Embedded in the instructional methods and
Academic
resources are concrete strategies and Below
Performance/
materials to support SWDs, ELLs, and the Standard
Plan
academically struggling students.
• The petition describes a student behavior
management system that is likely to result in a
low rate of out-of-school suspensions and
expulsions, is not overly punitive, and
Far Below
distinguishes between outcomes that are
the Standard
automatic versus those that are discretionary.
• The petitioner has planned for all
contingencies, including different rates of
SWDs, ELLs, and academically struggling
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students, different disabilities, different levels
of need, and how the school will adjust its
programs and processes accordingly.
• Vision for school culture or ethos that will
promote high expectations, a positive
academic environment and intellectual and
social development for all students, including
those with special needs, English Language
Learners, and students who struggle
academically.
• The Board has demonstrated understanding of
federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and
policies to appropriately identify, serve, and
report data for all subgroups of students.
Review Committee’s Comments or Concerns:
• High expectations are the norm at DATE. The school’s blended STEAM focus, in which
content areas are intentionally integrated rather than taught in isolation, allows
students to explore and identify potential pathway interests.
• The academic plan demonstrates a coherent, mission aligned instructional framework
that integrates experiential, project-based learning with clear attention to equity and
access for all students. The petitioner recognizes and plans for the diverse needs of
student subgroups, including students with disabilities, English Language Learners,
gifted and highly capable students, and academically struggling students, and outlines
instructional strategies and supports designed to meet those needs.
• The application reflects an understanding of the importance of progress monitoring,
differentiated instruction, and responsive intervention practices to support student
growth.
• As the school moves forward in the renewal term, continued use and presentation of
aggregated and disaggregated student performance data over time will further
strengthen the school’s ability to demonstrate impact and inform instructional
decision-making.
Evidence of Standard Rating
• The budget is balanced, error free, and based
Meets
Financial on realistic expectations for income and
the Standard
Performance/ expenditures.
Plan • The financial plan demonstrates a clear
understanding of the statutory funding
Partially Meets
formula, private funding opportunities, and all
the Standard
applicable federal funds.
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• The budget reflects all necessary outlays
outlined in the Academic Plan, including Below
personnel, technological resources, facilities, the Standard
curricular resources, and mission-specific
expenditures.
• If the budget includes substantial private
fundraising revenue, the application details a
strong fundraising plan, and the Board includes
a member or advisor with significant
fundraising expertise.
• The identified facility will meet the needs of
the education program, and there are effective
measures to ensure the health and safety of
students.
• The facilities financing plan is based on realistic
market expectations and includes
contingencies in the case that the preferred
financing method is unavailable.
• The applicant has established protocols to Far Below
ensure strong financial performance, the Standard
compliance with generally accepted accounting
principles (GAAP) and major federal fund
requirements.
• Financial policies are comprehensive and likely
to prevent fraud, including clear job
responsibilities of the staff and board members
who direct or execute financial transactions;
strong financial and accounting procedures
and internal controls; clear, robust policies for
managing actual or perceived conflicts of
interest; direct Board oversight of
procurement contracts; and in-depth reviews
of budgets, actuals, forecasts, and external
financial audits.
Review Committee’s Comments or Concerns:
• Budgets are balanced and reflect realistic enrollment and funding assumptions.
• The financial plan demonstrates compliance with applicable funding requirements
and includes appropriate internal controls.
• Facility planning and safety considerations are adequately addressed, with reasonable
contingency planning in place.
• The abundance of contingency funds enhances the school’s academic program.
• An active, fluent PTO supports the school’s financial development.
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• Two keywords that describe DATE’s financial team are “visionary” and “forward-
thinking.”
Evidence of Standard Rating
• The Board has, collectively, expert professional
knowledge and requisite skills in all areas Meets
needed to open a successful public charter the Standard
school, including organizational, financial, legal,
real estate/facilities, start-up, and other
operational capabilities along with extensive, Partially Meets
recent, and relevant teaching/school the Standard
leadership experience with a population similar
to that the school plans to serve. Experience
with ELLs, SWDs, and/or economically Below
disadvantaged students is evident. the Standard
• The Board has identified the school leader(s) or
the skills and experiences necessary for the
leaders who will operate the school.
Organizational • The applicant has a thorough and accurate
Performance/ plan for how the school will meet its expected
Plan growth trajectory.
• Staff recruitment and retention plans are likely
to attract and retain the quality and specific
expertise needed to support the school’s
academic program.
• The PD plan is broad, covering all necessary Far Below
areas to prepare teachers to fulfill the school’s the Standard
goal, including offering consistently high-
quality instruction, as well as flexible enough to
respond to teacher/PD needs as they develop
throughout the school year.
• The PD plan specifically addresses any supports
the student population may require.
• The charter school’s faculty, staff, and students
reflect the sociodemographic diversity of the
community served by the school.
Review Committee’s Comments or Concerns:
• DATE’s climate and culture are unmatched.
• Quality instruction is happening in the classrooms and students are aware of their
instructional targets. “This is not dog and pony show.”
• The staff and administrative team possess relevant experience in education,
operations, and community-based programming.
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• Staffing, professional development, and growth plans are coherent and aligned with
the school’s
instructional priorities.
• Recruitment and retention strategies are appropriate for the school’s model and
population.
Evidence of Standard Rating
Meets the
• Applicant met all submission deadlines and
Standard
requirements.
• The essential elements of the mission,
philosophy, and school program are infused in
Partially Meets
each element of the application.
Standard
Minimum • Petitioner presented evidence to support the
Requirements program design and sufficiently responded to
clarifying questions and/or evidence that
Below the
challenged or refuted elements of the
Standard
proposed program.
• Petition includes specific examples of waivers
or flexibility needed to accomplish the school’s
Far Below
goals.
the Standard
Review Committee’s Comments or Concerns:
- The petitioner met all submission deadlines.
- The petition reflects the school’s mission, philosophy, and program design across the
application. The petitioner provided evidence supporting the proposed program and
responded to clarifying questions.
- The petition identifies requested waivers and flexibilities, but further specificity is
needed to clearly link them to the school’s stated goals and implementation plan.
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Overall Assessment/Final Evaluation
Meets Partially Meets Below Far Below
the Standard the Standard the Standard the Standard
Written Petition
X
Evaluation
Governing
Board Capacity X
Interview Evaluation
Final Evaluation X
Meets the Standard - The petition may be recommended for approval without any further action
on the part of the applicant.
Partially Meets Standard - Additional supplemental information and/or clarification is required
before a recommendation to approve or deny the charter can be made to the DeKalb Board of
Education (DBOE).
Below the Standard - The petition requires substantial and material revisions before a
recommendation to approve or deny the charter can be made.
Far Below Standard - Petition is irreparably flawed and will be recommended for denial.
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