DeKalb board tables three governance policy changes until incoming members review them

The DeKalb County Board of Education on Dec. 9 voted 7–0 to table three governance policies that were marked 'ready for action' so the incoming trustees can review them.

General counsel presented proposed amendments to board policy BBFA (local school councils/principal advisory councils), BC (board meetings) and BBI (board‑staff relations) and recommended placement on the consent agenda. Several trustees supported the committee’s work but expressed misgivings about completing potentially substantive governance changes during a transition to a new board.

Dr. Joyce Morley framed her objection in procedural terms: she said the incoming board — which will serve the next four years — should have the first opportunity to review and adopt policies that govern board operations. Other trustees, including committee members, countered that policy review is an ongoing process and that the committee had incorporated feedback and met public expectations.

The motion to table was made by Vicky B. Turner and seconded by Dijon DeCosta Sr.; the board then voted to postpone final action until after new members are seated.

Why it matters: board bylaws and meeting rules determine how the board conducts itself, what notice is required for meetings, remote participation limits, and expectations for school visits and board member conduct. Trustees said they wanted the changes to reflect consistent, long‑running district practice rather than be perceived as board‑specific rules imposed by a departing majority.

Next step: staff will hold the three items for reconsideration by the newly constituted board; the policy committee recommended additional clean‑up work and the possible use of a copywriter to standardize language.