July 7th, 2026 Newsletter

Newsletter Housekeeping

I have migrated my newsletter to Substack. If you are reading this, there is nothing you need to do to continue receiving my newsletter. 👍📬 I will also send an email on Friday, from Mailchimp, to catch any reader accounts that did not transfer over. There will not be a second newsletter for July, but I will resume my bi-weekly cadence when school begins in August. 📆🏫

July BOE Meeting Reminder

The next Board of Education meeting is on Monday, July 13th. 🙋🏾‍♂️📅 The agenda for this meeting is available here. The work session will begin an hour earlier this month — at 10:30am — followed by our executive session and business meeting. Community input begins at 5:45pm. You may attend in person at the DCSD administrative offices or watch live on DSTV. More information on attending or speaking at this meeting is available here. 🎤🙋🏼‍♀️

June BOE Meeting Recap

At our June 15th meeting, the BOE...

💰 Approved a $2.28 billon budget for FY2027, maintaining the millage rate at 22.78
🏗️ Approved an ESPLOST VII resolution, to appear on the November ballot
📚 Approved $25 million in curriculum materials across multiple subject areas
🚫 Removed or did not approve several other agenda items

You can read my full recap here.

Getting Ready for Back to School

I know it feels to early to be talking about “back to school,” but here we are! Below are some important dates as we prepare to return to school.

📋 July 13th - 16th, 8am - 3:30pm = Registration Hubs
📋 July 20th - 23rd, 8am - 3:30pm = Registration Hubs
🎪 July 25th, 9am - 3pm = Back to School Rally
👩🏾‍🏫 July 27th = First Day of School for Teachers and Staff
🏫 July 29th, 1pm - 6:30pm = High School Open Houses
🏫 July 30th, 9:30am - 1:30pm = Elementary School Open Houses
🏫 July 30th, 2:30pm - 6:30pm = Middle School Open Houses
🙋🏻 August 3rd = First Day of School for Students

If you are unable to attend our Back to School Rally, all of your common back-to-school resources, including the school calendar, bus routes, and registration instructions, are available here.

Congratulations New Board Member

With the primary election runoff concluded, Tracy Brisson will be joining us in 2027 as the newest member of the DeKalb County School Board. 🍎 Tracy will replace Allyson Gevertz as the representative for District 4. Congratulations and welcome! 🎉

Welcoming Smokey to the Family

Last month we welcomed a new furry member of the family. 🐶 Smokey is a 3 year old poodle mix, rescued from a hoarder with seven other dogs. Although he had a rough start to life, Smokey is smart, loving, and curious. He’s already learned “sit” and “crate;” now we are working on “stay,” “rest,” and “down.” 🦴 Smokey is definitely a momma’s boy, so you are likely to catch a glimpse of him in my lap on virtual calls. 🖥

Upcoming Events…

⚽ Tuesday, July 7th = Elementary Soccer Camp
⚽ Thursday, July 9th = Elementary Soccer Camp
🎒 Saturday, July 11th = Los Vecinos Back to School Event

📋 Mon July 13 - Thurs July 16 = DCSD Registration Hub
🍎 Monday, July 13th = Monthly School Board Meeting
🏀 Tuesday, July 14th = Elementary Basketball Camp
🏀 Thursday, July 16th = Elementary Basketball Camp

📋 Mon July 20 - Thurs July 23 = DCSD Registration Hub
🏈 Tuesday, July 21st = Elementary Flag Football Camp
🏈 Thursday, July 23rd = Elementary Flag Football Camp
🎒 Saturday, July 25th = DCSD Back to School Rally

🏫 Wednesday, July 29th = High School Open Houses
🏫 Thursday, July 30th = Elementary and Middle Open Houses
🚌 Monday, August 3rd = First Day of School

Is there an upcoming school, community, or educational event that you think should be included in this newsletter? Please email us with the event details. This newsletter is published the 1st and 3rd weeks of each month.

Get in touch or follow me on social media…

📩 Email: whitneyfordekalb@gmail.com
☎️ Call/Text: (404) 946-8344
💻 Linktree: linktr.ee/whitneyfordekalb

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