School building | e-splostAt a Special Called Board Meeting on February 1, the DeKalb County Board of Education voted unanimously to approve the Capital Projects and Initial Education Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (E-SPLOST) VI Projects List.

You may recall that the 2022-2027 E-SPLOST Referendum was overwhelmingly approved by DeKalb County voters on November 2, 2021, with over 80% supporting its extension. That continuation provided staff authority to develop a scope of capital projects to be funded using E-SPLOST VI funds, which is expected to generate approximately $700 million in sales tax revenues over the next five years.

“On behalf of the DeKalb County School District, we appreciate the Board of Education’s thoughtful consideration and unanimous approval of the E-SPLOST VI Scope of Projects Approval list,” said Interim Superintendent Dr. Vasanne S. Tinsley. “This collaboration represents our mutual commitment to doing the necessary work needed to address the current and future facilities needs across the District.”

The scope of projects outlined in the Capital Projects and Initial E-SPLOST VI Project List presentation includes:

  • Construction of a New Sequoyah Middle School & New Sequoyah High School
  • Construction of a New Dresden Elementary School
  • New Cross Keys Middle School, including potential land purchase
  • Modernization of Druid Hills High School
  • Update Security Cameras in all Schools
  • Update Access Controls in all Schools
  • Update Intrusion Detection in all Schools
  • New or Updated Security Vestibules in all Schools
  • Update Fire Alarm Systems (as needed)
  • Update Disaster Recovery Systems
  • IT Infrastructure Refresh
  • IT Device Refresh
  • Bus and Vehicle Purchase & Upgrade
  • Update Communication Infrastructure
  • Roof Replacement at the following schools: McNair HS, Kittredge Magnet, M.L. King Jr. HS (original building), Hightower ES, Cedar Grove MS, Jolly ES, Lithonia HS, Chamblee MS, Margaret Harris Comprehensive, Oak View ES, McLendon ES
  • HVAC Refresh at the following schools: Idlewood ES, Allgood ES, Ashford Park ES, International Student Center, Murphey Candler ES, Kittredge Magnet
  • Program Management
  • Program Contingency

Now that the Board has approved the scope of projects, DCSD staff begins the essential process of implementing these projects. The first step is to start the procurement process necessary to hire qualified professional design firms and initiate the formal design process for major construction projects.

As the E-SPLOST VI projects move forward, Board members will be presented with regular status updates as they consider and are asked to approve all project expenses and contracts in accordance with Board policy.