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
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:
________________________________________________________________
Caissa K12 Student Recruitment & Retention Services
(e.g., contract review, policy matter, etc.)
04/02/2026
Date of request: ___________ ASAA
Due Date: ___________ (Allow 3 to 5 business days)
This is the Interim Superintendent's requests Board Approval to
Background information/Detail: __________________________________________________________
to acquire Caissa K12 to perform student recruitment and retention services.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
PROCUREMENT DETAILS (if applicable)
Include details confirming that all applicable DCSD procurement policies and requirements have been
This is an emergency sole source initiative on behalf of the
adhered to: ____________________________________________________________________________
Interim Superintendent.
______________________________________________________________________________________
SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION
Please attach/include any additional supporting documentation that are relevant to your request.
Board packet plus supporting docs.
Description of supporting documentation, if any ____________________________________________
REQUIRED AUTHORIZATION
Beverly Raindrop
Requested by: _____________________________________________________________________
Beverly_Raindrop@dekalbschoolsga.org
Email: __________________________ 678-676-1911
Telephone: ____________________________________
Division of Wrap Around Services/702
Department: _______________________________________________________________________
Dr. Kishia K. Towns, Chief
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: __________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________