Agenda Item
i. 2026 Graduation Venue ~ Georgia State Convocation Center (Not to exceed $359,133.75)
Summary: Presented by: Mr. Erick Hofstetter, Chief Operating Officer, Division of Operations
Request: It is requested that the DeKalb County Board of Education approve the contract for rental of the Georgia State Convocation Center for 23 graduation ceremonies for an amount not to exceed $359,133.75.
Why: To host in-door graduation ceremonies, as preferred by our students and families, it is necessary to rent a venue that has the capacity to accommodate 23 schools. Because we have 20+ schools, we facilitate multiple ceremonies each day and require a venue that has the capacity to accommodate between 3000 and 8000 attendees and the traffic flow.
Details: This contract is for the 2026 graduation season. The rental fee includes the cost of security, EMS Services, chair rental, stage rental, stage draping, and custodial services for the commencement exercises of DeKalb County School District high schools. The event will take place over a period of five (5) days, plus an additional day for setup. The Georgia State Convocation Center is located at 455 Capitol Avenue, Atlanta, Georgia 30312. Dates of May 15, 2026 (setup) and May 18-22, 2026.
Financial impact: The total budget for these services is allocation within the FY 2026 budget under cost code (100.2100.544100.02011.7000.9990.8010.010.0000)
Contact: Mr. Erick Hofstetter, Chief Operating Officer, Division of Operations, 678.676.1470,
Ms. Jacquelyn Simmons, Clerical Substitute, Superintendent's Office, 678.676.0731,
Dr. Bernetta Jones, Substitute Administrator, Superintendent's Office, 678.898.2883
Effective: Upon Board Approval
Status: Approved by the Office of Legal Affairs