DeKalb School Board to Approve $7 Million in Furniture Purchases

DeKalb School Board to Approve $7 Million in Furniture Purchases

The DeKalb County School Board is set to review several significant contracts at its upcoming meeting, with a focus on infrastructure upgrades aimed at improving the learning environment and embracing sustainability. Among the key agenda items are the approval of contracts for $7 million in new furniture purchases and a $9.4 million contract for electric school buses, marking a progressive shift towards environmental responsibility.

The school district seeks to replace outdated and damaged furniture across 138 buildings, including schools and administrative offices. A contract renewal with Ernie Morris Enterprises, Lakeshore Learning Materials LLC., and School Specialty LLC. will account for $5 million of this expenditure, while a further $2 million is requested to cover backorders of essential student and office furniture. The backlog includes 104 schools waiting for student desks, chairs, and tables, alongside 21 schools awaiting office furniture for administrative staff. The updated budget aims to address these shortages and support the operational needs of DeKalb County Schools (DCSD). In addition to the furniture investments, the board will consider a $9.4 million contract with Yancey Bus Sales and Service to procure 25 electric school buses. This purchase is part of the district’s ongoing efforts to modernize its transportation fleet and reduce carbon emissions.

Funded in part by an EPA Electric School Bus Rebate Grant worth $8.7 million, the initiative also leverages ESPLOST VI funding to cover the remaining costs. This environmentally friendly move is part of a broader push to enhance sustainability within the district’s operations. Other agenda items include the election of board leadership for 2025, the renewal of service contracts for asphalt paving, tree trimming, and support vehicles, as well as budget approvals for various educational resources. The district also plans to allocate funds for the purchase of musical instruments and band uniforms for several high schools, further promoting arts education. The meeting, scheduled for 13th January at 11:30 a.m. at the Robert R. Freeman Administrative Complex, will also cover several other logistical and infrastructure-related proposals. These decisions will have a long-lasting impact on both the physical environment and the educational experience for students and staff in DeKalb County.