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Board ratifies Syntegix safety‑alert system renewal after oversight gap disclosed
Summary
DeKalb County School District ratified a year‑2 renewal of the Syntegix scribe/alert system for districtwide installation at a cost not to exceed $1,104,000 after staff explained the renewal timing lapse occurred during a public‑safety leadership transition.
The DeKalb County Board of Education ratified on Sept. 25, 2024 a renewal of the Syntegix scribe/alert system for installation in all district schools, at an amount not to exceed $1,104,000 for the renewal year, down from an original contract total of $3,933,000 for the full five‑year agreement, the chief of staff said.
Chief of Staff Elijah Palmer told the board oversight of the renewal timeline lapsed during a transition in the chief of public safety and that he had received an invoice prompting him to bring the ratification before the board. Board members asked whether the late payment caused any service interruption; Palmer said there was no delay in service and that the vendor had been in communication. "No delay of service," Palmer said.
Board members expressed concern about recurring ratifications and late payments. Anna Hill and others pressed for systems to generate renewal reminders; Superintendent Horton and others said the finance system can generate reminders and that staff will improve calendar and contract controls and present updates to the audit committee. Deidra P. Pierce moved the ratification; Anna Hill seconded. The chair recorded the motion as passing 6–0.
Ending: District leaders said they will work with the audit committee and finance staff to reduce future ratifications and present calendar and controls improvements at upcoming committee meetings.
