Redline Version Board Policy BA Goals and Objectives

                                                                                             Board Policy Manual
                                                                                     DeKalb County School District



 Board Policy BA: Goals and Objectives                                                          Status: DRAFT - 1st Reading

 | Last Reviewed Date: 06/04/2026

RED LINED VERSION

Access and Opportunity
Policy Statement/Purpose
The DeKalb County School District (DCSD) is committed to ensuring that each student has equitable access to
educational opportunities and resources that prepare them for success as lifelong learners and responsible global
citizens. This policy establishes the district's commitment to removing barriers to academic success and fostering
safe, supportive, and engaging learning environments for each student.
Definition
Educational access and opportunity means ensuring each student has the resources, support and pathways they
need to succeed and reach their full potential achieve academic success and personal growth.
Acknowledgment
To address historical gaps in student achievement, DCSD affirms the need for schools characterized by rigorous
coursework, effective educators, supportive learning environments, and educational opportunities tha prepare
students for college, career, and life success. inclusive, high-quality schools where each student is provided the
opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive.
Commitments
The district commits to:
      Cultivating inclusive environments that honor each student.
      ​Eliminating opportunity and achievement gaps in areas such as special education, student discipline, gifted
       education, and advanced content, including Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, dual-enrollment,
       and the arts.
       Ensuring equitable access to high-quality learning experiences, rigorous coursework, and enrichment
       opportunities.
       Ensuring equitable allocation of financial and school resources to meet the needs of each student.
       Working to identify, address, and reduce achievement and opportunity gaps related to student access and
       participation in educational programs and services;
       Working to identify, address, and reduce measurable achievement gaps identified through district review of
       student outcome data;
       Supporting and expand access to rigorous coursework, advanced academic opportunities, gifted service, career
       pathways, fine arts programs, and specialized instructional programs;
       Allocating resources based on identified student needs, legal requirements, strategic priorities, and available
       district resources.
       Recruiting, developing, and retaining well-prepared, highly effective teachers and leaders to support academic
       and social-emotional growth.
       Offering students comprehensive wrap-around Providing support services which promote health, well-being,
       and social-emotional development.
       Delivering evidence-based professional learning that equips educators to serve each learner.
       Using disaggregated data to identify and address systemic opportunity and achievement gaps.
       Identifying and removing barriers in hiring, assignment, and advancement practices to build a talent pipeline
       reflecting the communities that the district serves.
       Monitor hiring, retention, and advancement data to identify staffing gaps and improve recruitment and
       retention outcomes.
Data Monitoring and Transparency
The Superintendent or designee will annually provide the Board with information regarding district progress toward
educational access and opportunity goals.
To the extent permitted by law and applicable privacy protections, reviewed information may include disaggregated
student participation, access, climate, staffing, and outcome data associated with:​
      DCSD will annually monitor and publicly report disaggregated data related to access and opportunity student
      outcomes associated with various aspects of this policy (i.e., student achievement, attendance, discipline,
      teacher retention, participation in gifted education, advanced placement and honors, SAT and ACT, facilities
      conditions, career pathway completers, etc.).
      Progress toward indicators will be communicated to stakeholders to ensure transparency and accountability.
      academic achievement;
      attendance;
      discipline;
      advanced coursework participation;
      career pathways;
      student support services;
      staffing trends; and
      other district indicators identified by the Superintendent.
The Board may use this information to inform:
      strategic planning;
      district improvement priorities;
      resource allocation discussions; and
      annual budget considerations.
Reviewed information should generally align with the district commitments and goals established under this policy. ​
Policy Enforcement
The Board of Education directs the superintendent or designee(s) to:
      Establish an Access and Opportunity Advisory Committee to provide advice and input to the superintendent
      on access and opportunity issues within the school district.
      The board and superintendent will develop annual access and opportunity goals, and the district will review
      existing policies, programs, professional development and procedures to ensure the promotion of access and
      opportunity.
      Enforce this policy and create regulations and practices that support its implementation.
      Review and revise existing policies, programs, professional development, and procedures to align with
      applicable laws, the district's definition of access and opportunity, and this policy statement.
Legal Compliance
Implementation of this policy must comply with all applicable federal laws, state laws. State Board of Education rules,
and district policies and regulations.
Nothing in this policy should be interpreted to authorize unlawful discrimination, preferential treatment,
demographic balancing, quotas, or actions inconsistent with federal or state law. ​

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Policy Reference Disclaimer:
These references are not intended to be part of the policy itself, nor do they indicate the basis or authority
for the board to enact this policy. Instead, they are provided as additional resources for those interested in the
subject matter of the policy.
Note: To access the policy references, CLICK HERE: State of Georgia Terms and Conditions and close the
LexisNexis tab, which will return you to the policy. Click on the links below to be taken to each specific
code. You should only have to do this one time per session.
State                                                                      Description
O.C.G.A. 20-02-0050                                                     County school districts; county board for each
county