Agenda Item
a. SchoolMessenger Communication Platform with PowerSchool (Not to exceed $117,429.30)
Summary: Presented by: Dr. Kermit Belcher, Chief Information Officer, Division of Information and Instructional Technology
Request: It is requested that the DeKalb County Board of Education approve the School Messenger communication platform provided by PowerSchool for the contract period April 1, 2026, through March 30, 2027, in an amount not to exceed $117,429.30.
Why: The purpose of this agenda item is to support the Division of Information and Instructional Technology (DIIT) and district leadership in maintaining a centralized, reliable communication platform for district-wide, school-based, and emergency messaging. SchoolMessenger serves as the district’s primary outbound communication tool, ensuring timely, accurate, and consistent communication with families, students, and staff across multiple channels. Continued use of this platform is essential to support operational continuity, family engagement, and emergency preparedness.
Details: SchoolMessenger is a comprehensive mass communication solution designed specifically for K-12 school districts. The platform enables district and school administrators to deliver routine notifications, attendance-related messaging, and urgent alerts through a single, centrally managed system.
Key Services:
District-wide mass notification capabilities via voice, email, text, and mobile app
Emergency notification and alerting functionality
Targeted messaging by school, departments, grade levels, or defined groups
Integration with the district’s student information system for automated contact updates
Delivery tracking, reporting, and audit history
Multilingual communication support to improve accessibility for families
Financial impact: $117,429.30
General Fund
100.1000.553200.00011.7600.9990.0308.070.0000
Contact: Dr. Kermit Belcher, Chief Information Officer, Division of Information and Instructional Technology, 678.676.1274
Effective: Upon Board Approval
Status: Approved by the Office of Legal Affairs
DATE RECEIVED: ______________
MATTER ASSIGNED TO: _________
Request for Legal Assistance
DCSD Office of Legal Affairs
ATTORNEY – CLIENT COMMUNICATION
PLEASE SUBMIT COMPLETED REQUEST FORM TO
DCSD OFFICE OF LEGAL AFFAIRS.
*** This request is a confidential communication and should be treated as such ***
DESCRIPTION OF REQUEST
Title of Item/Topic:
________________________________________________________________
SchoolMessenger w/ PowerSchool
(e.g., contract review, policy matter, etc.)
2.11.26
Date of request: ___________ 2.16.26 (Allow 3 to 5 business days)
Due Date: ___________
March 9, 2026 Board Agenda Item
Background information/Detail: __________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
PROCUREMENT DETAILS (if applicable)
Include details confirming that all applicable DCSD procurement policies and requirements have been
TIPS contract 210101
adhered to: ____________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION
Please attach/include any additional supporting documentation that are relevant to your request.
Chronology- SchoolMessenger, Vendor Quote- SchoolMessenger , TIPS Contract 210101
Description of supporting documentation, if any ____________________________________________
REQUIRED AUTHORIZATION
Stephanie Young
Requested by: _____________________________________________________________________
stephanie_young@dekalbschoolsga.org
Email: __________________________ 502.727.9383
Telephone: ____________________________________
DIIT
Department: _______________________________________________________________________
Kermit Belcher
Cabinet Member authorizing the request: _______________________________________________
LEGAL APPROVAL
Approved as to form by the DCSD Office of Legal Affairs? ☐ Yes ☐ No
-OR- (check one only)
Approved as to form by Outside Legal Counsel? ☐ Yes ☐ No
*Referrals to Outside Legal Counsel must be coordinated and approved by the DCSD Legal Dept.
Approving Attorney (and law firm if Outside Counsel ____________________________________
Comments: Approval subject to required changes to quote striking auto renewal
__________________________________________________________________________
provision
provision.
______________________________________________________________________________________