Agenda Item
a. Renewal of Cognia (Formerly AdvanceED) Membership Approval (Not to Exceed $171,600)
Summary: Presented by: Ms. Pamela McCloud, Director of Organizational Effectiveness, Chief of Staff Division
Request: It is requested that the DeKalb County Board of Education approve the payment of accreditation membership to COGNIA for all DeKalb schools for the 2026-2027 school year, in an amount not to exceed $171,600.
Why: The DeKalb County School District received final notification of the 2022 Cognia Engagement Review results on June 17, 2022, awarding the district full accreditation through June 30, 2027, from the Cognia Global Commission. Each year to remain in good accreditation standing with COGNIA, the district must pay all associated membership costs for district and individual school accreditation. District accreditation membership is paid to COGNIA to cover accreditation services for the district and for all DeKalb County Schools. Services and added benefits from COGNIA include, but are not limited to, diagnostic reviews of school improvement and performance; professional learning; partnerships; research; STEM certifications; school improvement feedback tools; policy support; and school accountability.
As of 2026, 31 DeKalb County Schools have earned the global distinction of becoming a COGNIA Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Certified School. This STEM recognition is done through an evaluation process and examination of school innovation practices, partnerships and parental support as guided by an established set of STEM standards.
Additionally, Coralwood Center and The Early Learning Center have earned COGNIA Early Learning Accreditation. These schools have demonstrated adherence to the five COGNIA Standards, which describe the quality practices and conditions that research and best practice indicate are necessary for early learning schools to achieve quality learning, growth, and development for young children.
To bring coherence to the district’s internal systems towards district improvement, COGNIA’s standards represent one alignment criterion that ensures that the district’s work is aligned to the expected practices. As an example, all Board Agenda items must align to one or more COGNIA standards to ensure coherence to the best systematic practices.
Additionally, over 150 GA districts (Attached) - as indicated by COGNIA - are accredited through COGNIA, including several neighboring metro districts, such as Decatur City, Cobb, Fulton, Gwinnett, Clayton, and Henry County Schools. Executive Session, Work Session, Community Input Session & Business Meeting 04/20/2026-11:30 AM J. David Williamson Board Room, Robert R. Freeman Administrative Complex 1701 Mountain Industrial Boulevard Stone Mountain, GA 30083.
Details: This proposed budget item requests funds not to exceed $171,600 to cover the costs of annual accreditation membership for all DeKalb County Schools.
Financial impact: The financial impact is an amount not to exceed $171,600 for FY26. The purchase amount will be paid through charge code: 100.2300.581.000.00011.7660.9990.8010.010.0000 - Chief of Staff General Budget
Contact: Mr. Ennis Harvey, Chief of Staff, Chief of Staff Division, 678.676.0196,
Ms. Pamela McCloud, Director of Organizational Effectiveness, Chief of Staff Division, 678.676.0455
Effective: Upon Board Approval
Status: Attorney Approval Not Required
COGNIA, INC. Page 1 of 5
9115 Westside Parkway
Alpharetta, GA 30009 INVOICE
Phone: 678-392-2285 x5608
888-413-3669 x5561 Customer No.: 215065
TIN: 20-8613765 Invoice #: 00200680
Invoice Date: 4/15/2026
Due Date: 7/31/2026
Bill To:
DeKalb County School District Date(s) of Service: 2026 - 2027 School
Office of Accountability/Elena Frazier Year
1701 Mountain Industrial Boulevard
Stone Mountain GA 30083
United States
Invoice Total $ $171,600.00
DESCRIPTION Sell-To Customer AMOUNT
Cognia Membership (US) 203639 Stephenson High School $1,400.00
Cognia Membership (US) 203642 Stephenson Middle School $1,400.00
Cognia Membership (US) 203698 Chamblee Middle School $1,400.00
Cognia Membership (US) 203710 Cedar Grove Middle School $1,400.00
Cognia Membership (US) 203776 Freedom Middle School $1,400.00
Cognia Membership (US) 203779 Mary McLeod Bethune Middle School $1,400.00
Cognia Membership (US) 203780 DeKalb School of the Arts $1,400.00
Cognia Membership (US) 203795 Columbia Middle School $1,400.00
Cognia Membership (US) 203804 Martin Luther King Jr. High School $1,400.00
Cognia Membership (US) 203860 Chamblee Charter High School $1,400.00
Cognia Membership (US) 203861 Clarkston High School $1,400.00
Cognia Membership (US) 203862 Columbia High School $1,400.00
Cognia Membership (US) 203863 Cross Keys High School $1,400.00
Cognia Membership (US) 203864 Druid Hills High School $1,400.00
Cognia Membership (US) 203865 McNair Middle School $1,400.00
Cognia Membership (US) 203866 Henderson Middle School $1,400.00
Cognia Membership (US) 203867 Lakeside High School $1,400.00
Cognia Membership (US) 203868 Lithonia High School $1,400.00
Cognia Membership (US) 203869 Peachtree Charter Middle School $1,400.00
Cognia Membership (US) 203870 Sequoyah Middle School $1,400.00
Cognia Membership (US) 203871 Druid Hills Middle School $1,400.00
Cognia Membership (US) 203872 Southwest DeKalb High School $1,400.00
Cognia Membership (US) 203873 Stone Mountain High School $1,400.00
Cognia Membership (US) 203874 Tucker High School $1,400.00
Cognia Membership (US) 203875 McNair High School $1,400.00
Cognia Membership (US) 203878 Towers High School $1,400.00
Cognia Membership (US) 204033 Cedar Grove High School $1,400.00
Cognia Membership (US) 204034 Dunwoody High School $1,400.00
Cognia Membership (US) 204060 Redan High School $1,400.00
Cognia Membership (US) 204119 Salem Middle School $1,400.00
Cognia Membership (US) 204125 Chapel Hill Middle School $1,400.00
Cognia Membership (US) 204126 Miller Grove Middle School $1,400.00
COGNIA, INC. Page 2 of 5
9115 Westside Parkway
Alpharetta, GA 30009 INVOICE
Phone: 678-392-2285 x5608
888-413-3669 x5561 Customer No.: 215065
TIN: 20-8613765 Invoice #: 00200680
Invoice Date: 4/15/2026
Due Date: 7/31/2026
Bill To:
DeKalb County School District Date(s) of Service: 2026 - 2027 School
Office of Accountability/Elena Frazier Year
1701 Mountain Industrial Boulevard
Stone Mountain GA 30083
United States
Invoice Total $ $171,600.00
DESCRIPTION Sell-To Customer AMOUNT
Cognia Membership (US) 204127 Stone Mountain Middle School $1,400.00
Cognia Membership (US) 204147 DeKalb Alternative School $1,400.00
Cognia Membership (US) 204152 Margaret Harris Comprehensive School $1,400.00
Cognia Membership (US) 204153 Elizabeth Andrews High School - Open Campus $1,400.00
Cognia Membership (US) 204409 DeKalb Elementary School of the Arts $1,400.00
Cognia Membership (US) 204410 Allgood Elementary School $1,400.00
Cognia Membership (US) 204411 Ashford Park Elementary School $1,400.00
Cognia Membership (US) 204413 Austin Elementary School $1,400.00
Cognia Membership (US) 204414 Avondale Elementary an IB PYP School $1,400.00
Cognia Membership (US) 204415 Briarlake Elementary School $1,400.00
Cognia Membership (US) 204416 Briar Vista Elementary School $1,400.00
Cognia Membership (US) 204417 Brockett Elementary School $1,400.00
Cognia Membership (US) 204418 Canby Lane Elementary School $1,400.00
Cognia Membership (US) 204419 Murphey Candler Elementary School $1,400.00
Cognia Membership (US) 204420 Cedar Grove Elementary School $1,400.00
Cognia Membership (US) 204421 Chapel Hill Elementary School $1,400.00
Cognia Membership (US) 204422 Chesnut Elementary School $1,400.00
204423 Barack H. Obama Elementary Magnet School of
Cognia Membership (US) $1,400.00
Technology
Cognia Membership (US) 204424 Columbia Elementary School $1,400.00
Cognia Membership (US) 204425 Dresden Elementary School $1,400.00
Cognia Membership (US) 204426 Dunaire Elementary School $1,400.00
Cognia Membership (US) 204427 Evansdale Elementary School $1,400.00
Cognia Membership (US) 204428 Fairington Elementary $1,400.00
Cognia Membership (US) 204429 Fernbank Elementary School $1,400.00
Cognia Membership (US) 204430 Flat Shoals Elementary School $1,400.00
Cognia Membership (US) 204434 Hambrick Elementary School $1,400.00
Cognia Membership (US) 204435 Hawthorne Elementary School $1,400.00
Cognia Membership (US) 204436 Henderson Mill Elementary School $1,400.00
Cognia Membership (US) 204437 Hightower Elementary School $1,400.00
Cognia Membership (US) 204438 Huntley Hills Elementary School $1,400.00
Cognia Membership (US) 204439 Idlewood Elementary School $1,400.00
COGNIA, INC. Page 3 of 5
9115 Westside Parkway
Alpharetta, GA 30009 INVOICE
Phone: 678-392-2285 x5608
888-413-3669 x5561 Customer No.: 215065
TIN: 20-8613765 Invoice #: 00200680
Invoice Date: 4/15/2026
Due Date: 7/31/2026
Bill To:
DeKalb County School District Date(s) of Service: 2026 - 2027 School
Office of Accountability/Elena Frazier Year
1701 Mountain Industrial Boulevard
Stone Mountain GA 30083
United States
Invoice Total $ $171,600.00
DESCRIPTION Sell-To Customer AMOUNT
Cognia Membership (US) 204440 Indian Creek Elementary School $1,400.00
Cognia Membership (US) 204441 Jolly Elementary School $1,400.00
Cognia Membership (US) 204442 Kelley Lake Elementary School $1,400.00
Cognia Membership (US) 204443 Kingsley Elementary $1,400.00
Cognia Membership (US) 204445 Laurel Ridge Elementary School $1,400.00
Cognia Membership (US) 204446 Livsey Elementary School $1,400.00
Cognia Membership (US) 204447 E. L. Miller Elementary School $1,400.00
Cognia Membership (US) 204448 Bob Mathis Elementary School $1,400.00
Cognia Membership (US) 204449 McLendon Elementary School $1,400.00
Cognia Membership (US) 204452 Midvale Elementary School $1,400.00
Cognia Membership (US) 204454 Montclair Elementary School $1,400.00
Cognia Membership (US) 204455 Montgomery Elementary School $1,400.00
Cognia Membership (US) 204457 Oakcliff Traditional Theme School $1,400.00
Cognia Membership (US) 204458 Oak Grove Elementary School $1,400.00
Cognia Membership (US) 204459 Peachcrest Elementary School $1,400.00
Cognia Membership (US) 204460 Pleasantdale Elementary School $1,400.00
Cognia Membership (US) 204461 Rainbow Elementary School $1,400.00
Cognia Membership (US) 204462 Redan Elementary School $1,400.00
Cognia Membership (US) 204463 Cary Reynolds Elementary School $1,400.00
Cognia Membership (US) 204464 Rockbridge Elementary School $1,400.00
Cognia Membership (US) 204465 Rock Chapel Elementary School $1,400.00
Cognia Membership (US) 204466 Rowland Elementary School $1,400.00
Cognia Membership (US) 204467 Sagamore Hills Elementary School $1,400.00
Cognia Membership (US) 204469 Smoke Rise Elementary School $1,400.00
Cognia Membership (US) 204470 Snapfinger Elementary School $1,400.00
Cognia Membership (US) 204472 Stone Mill Elementary School $1,400.00
Cognia Membership (US) 204473 Stone Mountain Elementary School $1,400.00
Cognia Membership (US) 204474 Stoneview Elementary School $1,400.00
Cognia Membership (US) 204477 Toney Elementary School $1,400.00
Cognia Membership (US) 204478 Vanderlyn Elementary School $1,400.00
Cognia Membership (US) 204480 Woodridge Elementary School $1,400.00
Cognia Membership (US) 204481 Woodward Elementary School $1,400.00
COGNIA, INC. Page 4 of 5
9115 Westside Parkway
Alpharetta, GA 30009 INVOICE
Phone: 678-392-2285 x5608
888-413-3669 x5561 Customer No.: 215065
TIN: 20-8613765 Invoice #: 00200680
Invoice Date: 4/15/2026
Due Date: 7/31/2026
Bill To:
DeKalb County School District Date(s) of Service: 2026 - 2027 School
Office of Accountability/Elena Frazier Year
1701 Mountain Industrial Boulevard
Stone Mountain GA 30083
United States
Invoice Total $ $171,600.00
DESCRIPTION Sell-To Customer AMOUNT
Cognia Membership (US) 204870 Panola Way Elementary School $1,400.00
Cognia Membership (US) 204932 Kittredge Magnet School for High Achievers $1,400.00
Cognia Membership (US) 204959 Pine Ridge Elementary School $1,400.00
Cognia Membership (US) 204989 Browns Mill Elementary School $1,400.00
Cognia Membership (US) 205037 Shadow Rock Elementary School $1,400.00
Cognia Membership (US) 205223 Edward L. Bouie, Sr. Elementary School $1,400.00
Cognia Membership (US) 205224 Marbut Elementary Theme School $1,400.00
Cognia Membership (US) 205301 Robert Shaw Traditional Theme School $1,400.00
Cognia Membership (US) 205378 Narvie J. Harris Elementary School $1,400.00
Cognia Membership (US) 205468 Wynbrooke Theme School $1,400.00
Cognia Membership (Early Learning) 205549 Coralwood Center $1,100.00
Cognia Membership (US) 205625 Redan Middle School $1,400.00
Cognia Membership (US) 205626 Lithonia Middle School $1,400.00
Cognia Membership (US) 205697 Miller Grove High School $1,400.00
Cognia Membership (US) 205698 Oak View Elementary School $1,400.00
Cognia Membership (US) 205699 Tucker Middle School $1,400.00
Cognia Membership (US) 205865 The Champion Theme Middle School $1,400.00
Cognia Membership (US) 205866 DeKalb Early College Academy $1,400.00
Cognia Membership (US) 215065 DeKalb County School District $1,400.00
Cognia Membership (US) 217364 Flat Rock Elementary $1,400.00
Cognia Membership (US) 217365 Princeton Elementary $1,400.00
Cognia Membership (US) 218196 Wadsworth Magnet for High Achievers $1,400.00
Cognia Membership (US) 218197 Ronald E. McNair Discovery Learning Academy $1,400.00
Cognia Membership (US) 219076 Arabia Mountain High School $1,400.00
Cognia Membership (US) 219082 Dunwoody Elementary School $1,400.00
Cognia Membership (US) 310468 John Robert Lewis Elementary School $1,400.00
Cognia Membership (Early Learning) 313270 Early Learning Center at Terry Mill $1,100.00
Cognia Membership (US) 318778 Doraville United Elementary School $1,400.00
COGNIA, INC. Page 5 of 5
9115 Westside Parkway
Alpharetta, GA 30009 INVOICE
Phone: 678-392-2285 x5608
888-413-3669 x5561 Customer No.: 215065
TIN: 20-8613765 Invoice #: 00200680
Invoice Date: 4/15/2026
Due Date: 7/31/2026
Bill To:
DeKalb County School District Date(s) of Service: 2026 - 2027 School
Office of Accountability/Elena Frazier Year
1701 Mountain Industrial Boulevard
Stone Mountain GA 30083
United States
Invoice Total $ $171,600.00
To pay online by credit card, please visit www.cognia.org/pay-online/. For additional information, visit www.cognia.org/
payment-instructions.
NOTE: Client’s submission of P.O. does not waive Cognia, Inc. or clients rights as defined in Cognia, Inc. Terms and
Conditions.
https://www.cognia.org/services-terms-of-use/
* * PLEASE RETURN THIS PORTION WITH YOUR PAYMENT * *
DeKalb County School District Customer No. 215065
Office of Accountability/Elena Frazier
1701 Mountain Industrial Boulevard Invoice #: 00200680
Stone Mountain GA 30083 Invoice Date: 4/15/2026
United States
Due Date: 7/31/2026
Send Remittance to:
COGNIA INC.
P.O. Box 746805 Invoice Total $ $171,600.00
Atlanta, GA 30374-6805
746805055394169800800000650003