DeKalb board approves construction contracts and reallocations as members warn of $200M shortfall

The DeKalb County Board of Education on Dec. 9 approved a package of construction-related contract awards, guaranteed maximum prices (GMPs), and budget reallocations, voting to place most operations items on the consent agenda despite vocal objections from some board members.

Operations Director Mr. Hofstadter presented a slate of items including a 90-day extension for charter-bus contracts, GMP approvals for HVAC and renovation projects at Livesey and Toney elementary schools, month-to-month leases and subsequent removal plans for portable classrooms at several schools, amendments to architect and design contracts, and awards for gymnasium ceiling renovation and third-party commissioning services. The board approved most of the items in a series of roll-call votes recorded during the business session.

Board member Anna Hill, who led a detailed budget walkthrough during the discussion, said district figures show SPLOST 5 revenue of roughly $649.3 million versus estimated project completion costs above $698 million and SPLOST 6 projections that also leave a multi‑million shortfall. Using figures she attributed to operations and finance, Hill estimated combined shortfalls across SPLOST and ESSER obligations “around $200 million,” and urged more frequent reporting so future boards can make informed choices. "We have a budget that's greater than revenue for SPLOST 5," she said in remarks to colleagues.

Dr. Joyce Morley repeatedly opposed placing the operations package on the consent agenda, saying recurring contract modifications and reallocations have become routine and recommended an external audit and stronger oversight before further approvals. Morley said she would vote no on items until the board obtained clearer, independently audited documentation. Other members, including Vice Chair Deidra P. Pierce and board member Allison Gavorz, said the district is pursuing strategies such as construction management at risk (a GMP approach) to reduce the number of later change orders and to provide a clearer maximum cost for projects.

Finance staff told the board the GMP approach allows the district to cap its exposure and better plan uses for discretionary revenue. Mr. Schooneman, presenting the October financials, also told members that the FY23 audit engagement is in a review phase with Malone & Jenkins and an exit conference is tentatively scheduled for late January.

Many of the operations and capital items passed despite objections. The board recorded multiple close votes on individual items; several motions passed by 4–3 or 6–1 margins. The record shows both support for completing long‑delayed projects and concern that approving further amendments without audited oversight risks future budget stress. The items approved will proceed to implementation, with staff saying later packages (including final GMPs) may be brought forward for some projects.