Agenda Item
b. Memorandum of Agreement with Communities In Schools of Atlanta, Inc. for Integrated Student Support Services (Not to Exceed $500,000)
Summary: Presented by: Triscilla Weaver, Ph.D., Chief of Access & Opportunity, Division of Access & Opportunity
Request: It is requested that the DeKalb County Board of Education approve the Memorandum of Agreement between Communities In Schools of Atlanta, Inc. (CIS) and the DeKalb County School District (DCSD) for a total amount not to exceed $500,000. This funding will support the delivery of community-based, integrated student support services at eight identified schools during the 2026-2027 school year.
Why: Communities In Schools of Atlanta, Inc. is a research-based partner dedicated to improving student outcomes through integrated student support services. The organization provides evidence-based interventions designed to strengthen academic achievement, improve attendance, increase student engagement, and promote post-secondary success.
The requested funding will support the placement of Communities In Schools (CIS) site coordinators at eight identified schools: Clarkston High School, Columbia High School, Cross Keys High School, Stone Mountain High School, Towers High School, Columbia Middle School, Ronald E. McNair Middle School, and Stone Mountain Middle School. Site coordinators will provide targeted interventions, coordinate wraparound services, and connect students and families with school and community-based resources to address barriers to learning. This agreement also expands services to three additional schools during the 2026-2027 school year, strengthening continuity of support across feeder patterns and better addressing the identified needs of students, families, and the surrounding community. Expanding services will enhance the continuum of academic, social-emotional, and wraparound support, creating a seamless network of resources as students transition between grade levels while responding to the unique needs of each school community.
Communities In Schools of Atlanta, Inc. successfully met the goals and contractual deliverables established under the previous agreement. The organization remains committed to delivering high-quality, evidence-based integrated student support services that improve student outcomes through coordinated case management, strategic partnerships, and comprehensive school and community resources.
Details: Communities In Schools of Atlanta, Inc. will partner with the DeKalb County School District (DCSD) to implement the evidence-based CIS Model, delivering comprehensive, school-based integrated student supports designed to remove barriers to student success. The CIS Model is grounded in a continuous improvement framework that includes comprehensive needs assessment, strategic planning, coordinated delivery of integrated student support, ongoing progress monitoring, and evaluation of student and program outcomes. Through this partnership, CIS will provide intensive case management services to identify at-risk students, connecting them with individualized academic, behavioral, social-emotional, and basic need support. By coordinating school and community resources, CIS will help students overcome barriers to learning, improve attendance and engagement, strengthen academic performance, and increase their likelihood of remaining on track for grade promotion and high school graduation. This integrated approach fosters equitable access to resources and services that support students' long-term academic success and overall well-being. It is important to note that Stone Mountain Elementary School and Flat Shoals Elementary School currently receive CIS services through funding provided by the Georgia Department of Education under their designation as Comprehensive Support and Improvement Tier IV schools. Accordingly, funding for these schools is not included in this request, as they are supported through a separate funding source.
Financial impact: Title IV Funding: 462.2100.530000.03222.7020.1779.8010.090.2026 - ($210,000)
General Fund: 100.2300.530000.00011.8720.9990.8010.092.0000 - ($290,000)
Contact: Triscilla Weaver, Ph.D., Chief of Access & Opportunity, Division of Access & Opportunity, 678.676.0485
Dr. Latashia W. Searcy, Ed.D., Executive Director of Student Mentorship and Partnerships, Division of Access & Opportunity, 404.808.8874
Effective: Upon Board Approval
Status: Approved by the Office of Legal Affairs
CHRONOLOGY
Communities In Schools of Atlanta, Inc.
August 2026
2018 – 2019 School Year
Communities In Schools of Atlanta, Inc. provided integrated student support services to Towers
High School and Cross Keys High School in the amount of $63,000.
2019 – 2020 School Year
Communities In Schools of Atlanta, Inc. provided integrated student support services to Towers
High School, Cross Keys High School, Columbia High School, and Stone Mountain High School in
the amount of $180,000.
2020 – 2021 School Year
Communities In Schools of Atlanta, Inc. continued providing integrated student support services
to Towers High School, Cross Keys High School, Columbia High School, and Stone Mountain High
School in the amount of $180,000.
July 2022
The DeKalb County Board of Education approved a Letter of Agreement with Communities In
Schools of Atlanta, Inc. in an amount not to exceed $325,000, to implement the evidence-based
Communities In Schools model and provide integrated student support services and case
management throughout the district. Services were provided to Clarkston High School,
Columbia High School, Cross Keys High School, Stone Mountain High School, and Towers High
School.
August 2023
On August 14, 2023, the DeKalb County Board of Education approved the annual Letter of
Agreement with Communities In Schools of Atlanta, Inc. in an amount not to exceed $325,000.
The agreement continued integrated student support services aligned with the district's
priorities for student engagement, academic success, attendance, and social-emotional well-
being. Services were provided to Clarkston High School, Columbia High School, Cross Keys High
School, Stone Mountain High School, and Towers High School.
July 2024
On July 8, 2024, the DeKalb County Board of Education approved the annual Letter of
Agreement with Communities In Schools of Atlanta, Inc. in an amount not to exceed $325,000.
The agreement supported the continued implementation of integrated student support
services based on sustained program performance, measurable student outcomes, and
continued alignment with the district's strategic priorities. Services were provided to Clarkston
High School, Columbia High School, Cross Keys High School, Stone Mountain High School, and
Towers High School.
August 2025
On August 25, 2025, the DeKalb County Board of Education approved a one-year Letter of
Agreement with Communities In Schools of Atlanta, Inc. in an amount not to exceed $325,000,
extending services through June 30, 2026. Services continued at Clarkston High School,
Columbia High School, Cross Keys High School, Stone Mountain High School, and Towers High
School.
August 2026
For the August 2026 Board meeting, approval is requested for a Memorandum of Agreement
with Communities In Schools of Atlanta, Inc. in an amount not to exceed $500,000. The
agreement will continue integrated student support services at Clarkston High School, Columbia
High School, Cross Keys High School, Stone Mountain High School, and Towers High School,
while expanding services to Columbia Middle School, McNair Middle School, and Stone
Mountain Middle School. This expansion reflects the district's commitment to increasing
equitable access to comprehensive student support for schools with the greatest identified
needs.