Gifts and Bequests Overview
The DeKalb County Board of Education reserves the right to approve or decline any donation not consistent with the district's educational mission, values, or strategic goals. Any donation that is expressly conditional upon the district's use for a specified purpose, involves real property, or creates future operating, maintenance, or replacement costs beyond normal classroom or facility upkeep requires board approval. Routine donations of supplies, instructional materials, or minor improvements that do not create ongoing obligations may be accepted through administrative approval. The following table outlines the required level of approval based on the value of the donation.
| Approval From | Donation Amount | | --- | --- | | Board of Education | More than $30,000 | | Superintendent | $10,001 - $30,000 | | Principal | $10,000 or less |
Donations, bequests, or gifts made through the DeKalb Schools Educational Foundation, Inc. are district property and are subject to the same thresholds, review processes, and approval requirements established in regulations. Trust and Real Property
The board will not serve as trustee or manager of any trust or fund. The board may accept donations of real property, but no individual board member can accept real property or establish trusts or funds on behalf of the district or its students. The superintendent or designee will establish a valuation of any donation and may require the donor to provide a valuation or documentation of actual costs incurred. All donations of real property require board approval before acceptance.
Special Projects
Monetary gifts for special projects, including construction, renovation, or improvement of school facilities, must be approved by the superintendent and comply with Board Policy DJE and applicable procurement laws. Such projects must be managed through the district's procurement processes, and the district will be the contracting entity for any related work. When applicable, proof of title must be presented by the donor upon request by the district.
Legal References
- Ga. Const. Art. VIII, § V, Para. VI — Power of boards to accept bequests, donations, grants and transfers (Lexis)
- O.C.G.A. 20-02-0064 — Establishment and maintenance of trusts or funds (Lexis)
- O.C.G.A. 20-02-0072 — Code of ethics for local board of education members (Lexis)
- O.C.G.A. 20-02-0074 — Solicit and accept donations for educational purposes (Lexis)
- O.C.G.A. 20-02-0315 — Gender equity in sports (Lexis)
- O.C.G.A. 20-02-0520 — Acquiring and disposing of school sites; building, repairing, renting, and furnishing schoolhouses (Lexis)