Agenda Item
c. Caissa K12: Student Enrollment Recovery and Recruitment Support (Not to Exceed $500,000) ~ Updated 5.7.2026
Summary: Presented by: Kishia K. Towns, Ph.D., Chief of Wrap Around Services, Division of Wrap Around Services
Request: It is requested that the DeKalb County School District approve to enter into a one-year, performance-based contract not to exceed $500,000 with CaissaK12 to implement a comprehensive student recovery and recruitment initiative.
Why: This request is aligned with Strategic Goal Area 2: School, Family, and Community Engagement and Strategic Goal Area 4: Culture and Climate, and is designed to address ongoing enrollment declines that have resulted in significant financial losses for the district. Recent data indicates that in 2024, 454 students left the district for private school, homeschool, or other reasons, resulting in an estimated loss of over $1,001,945. Additionally, 14,308 students withdrew for unknown reasons, equating to an estimated loss exceeding $34 million. Similar trends continued in 2025, reinforcing the urgent need for a targeted and strategic student recovery effort.
Details: The proposed contract is structured as a 100% performance-based model, ensuring fiscal responsibility and eliminating financial risk to the district. DeKalb County Schools will pay CaissaK12 $890 per student only after the student has been successfully enrolled, is actively attending, and is verified during the official Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) count. While the state provides approximately $4,000-$5,000 per student on average, total funding per student is significantly higher when local and federal sources are included, further increasing the financial benefit of each student recovered. This model creates an immediate positive return on investment and ensures that the district only pays for verified results, not effort or outreach activities.
This request is being presented as a sole source procurement in accordance with Board Policy DJE III(d)3b and Section 211 of the E-Government Act of 2002 related to cooperative purchasing. The district has conducted a thorough review of other companies that may offer similar services; however, based on the comprehensive scope, performance-based pricing structure, proprietary tracking methods, and demonstrated ability to deliver measurable enrollment outcomes.
Financial impact: DCSD is requesting an amount not to exceed $500,000 for a one-year collaboration with CaissaK12 for student recovery and recruitment efforts using General Funds as the funding source. This initiative represents a strategic and time-sensitive opportunity to recover students, restore critical funding, and strengthen engagement with families and the broader community during a pivotal period for the district. By aligning student recovery efforts with the Student Assignment Project, DeKalb County School District ensures that planning decisions are informed, resources are maximized, and schools are positioned for long-term success. Approval of this contract will enable the district to take a proactive, results-driven approach to enrollment stabilization while ensuring responsible stewardship of public funds.
Contact: Kishia K. Towns, Ph.D., Chief of Wrap Around Services, Division of Wrap Around Services, 678.676.1811
Dr. Darnell T. Logan, Director, Division of Wrap Around Services, 678.676.1811
Effective: Upon Board Approval
Status: Pending Approval by the Office of Legal Affairs