Agenda Item
b. Student Assignment Project Update ~ Updated 7.13.2026
Summary: Presented by: Triscilla Weaver, Ph.D., Chief of Access & Opportunity, Division of Access & Opportunity
DEKALB COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT
Student Assignment
Project
Reminders and Updates
Board of Education Presentation | July 13, 2026
Every student deserves access to opportunity, no matter the enrollment of their school.
THREE COMMITMENTS
01 02 03
Community Voice Comprehensive Independent
Is Essential Conversations Facilitators
No recommendation goes to the Board Buildings, boundaries, and programs are Each cluster conversation will be led by
of Education until impacted addressed together, not in separate a third-party facilitator who specializes
communities have had a genuine, silos. Communities will see how each in trusted community conversations.
substantive opportunity to participate. decision affects the others.
Not after. Not simultaneously. Before.
2
CENTERING THE STUDENT EXPERIENCE
Overcrowded Schools Under-Enrolled Schools
Students and teachers stretched beyond what a Empty seats drain programs that students deserve
healthy learning environment allows. and have a right to access.
• Crowded shared spaces • Fewer AP and advanced courses
• Insufficient shared spaces • Reduced arts and elective offerings
• Teacher workloads that strain quality • Less access to resources and technology
Conversations begin in the Fall of 2026 Conversations begin in the Spring of 2027
(First Semester) in the Lakeside, Cross Keys, (Second Semester) in the Towers, McNair,
Chamblee, Tucker, Dunwoody, and Druid Hills Cedar Grove, Miller Grove, Columbia, and
clusters. MLK clusters.
The Incorporation of the Student Experience 3
Request for Proposal Update:
1 June 29, 2026: Request for Proposals closed with two responsive bidders
1
2 July 2, 2026; Evaluation of the Proposals was conducted.
3 July 8, 2026: Interviews with two responsive bidders took place
3
4 July 13, 2026: Most responsive bidder presented to the Board for consideration
5
4
Logistics Updates*
• Stakeholder participation groups categories are being finalized
• Meeting days and times are in the process of being finalized
• Meeting locations are in the process of being finalized
1
• Meeting formats (focus and public) are in the process of being finalized
• Timeline for community conversations is in the process of being finalized
• Stakeholder participation groups categories are being finalized
• Communication plan is in development
• Facilitator materials are being developed, including
3
o Enrollment projection
o School Capacity data
o Current attendance boundary maps
o Student Assignment Project background material
5
*Information subject to change.
5
Community Action Teams
• Approximately 50 to 75 members in each community action team per cluster
• Equity of voice will be critical in the selection process and the meeting experience
• CATs will be comprised of:
1
o Principals
o School-based Faculty and Staff
o District-based Personnel
o Community Members
3 o Alumni
o PAC/PTA/PTO Members
o Community Partners
o Students
o Current Student Assignment Project Advisory Committee Members
5
6
Sample Timeline for Phase 1
Timeframe Phase Major Activities
District planning, project preparation, and development of engagement
July – August Phase 1: Planning
strategy
1
Community Action Team
August Recruit and select Community Action Team members
(CAT) Formation
Community engagement activities and CAT sessions focused on
overcrowding and attendance boundary reviews
August – October Community Engagement
3 *The Interim Superintendent and Board will be updated at least once a
month during this time.
Conclude community engagement and finalize data collection and
November Phase 1 Closeout
feedback
Interim Superintendent’s Recommendation is shared with the Board for
November – December
5 Board Consideration
consideration
7
Communication Plan
• Our comprehensive communication and outreach effort is still underway to ensure
stakeholders are informed and engaged throughout the process.
• We are continuing to work with our governmental municipalities and community
1
partners to share updates regarding the Student Assignment Project.
• Upcoming Events for Sharing
o Registration Hubs
3
o Back to School Rally
o Open Houses
5
8
Things to Remember
• The District will lead the Student Assignment Project. While community input will play
1
a critical role in informing the process, the District will remain responsible for all
recommendations and final decisions.
• An independent facilitator will guide the Community Action Team sessions. The
District’s planning team and technical partners will provide subject matter expertise
and technical support.
• Opportunities for community engagement and feedback will be provided throughout
3
the project, including opportunities beyond the Community Action Team sessions to
ensure broad stakeholder participation.
• A key measure of success will be the District’s ability to expand educational access and
opportunities while promoting equitable outcomes for all students.
5
9
THE BOTTOM LINE
No decisions have been made. Community voice comes before Board action.
Overcrowding and under-enrollment are costing students opportunities right now.
New cluster and schools open 2027 - 2029. Families deserve a plan before those doors open.
Every student deserves access to opportunity, no matter the enrollment of their school.
10