Nancy's News Archive

Update - 5-year plan document - 12/12/2012
On December 6, 2012, the Board was presented with an updated draft document regarding our capital spending program and financing. Congratulations to The City of Brookhaven and its first City Council and Mayor! Read More >>

Important Docs - 11/28/2012
At yesterday's Monthly Board Policy Meeting, the Board was presented with a document regarding the SPLOST IV building priorities and financing, as well as possible changes to school attendance lines. Read More >>

Thank You Veterans - 11/11/2012
To all the veterans, you have my enduring and fervent gratitude. You are the best of us. To my Dad and Mom, thank you for the lessons. Your many years of service are an example for us all. Read More >>

Where does Georgia rank in Education & Governor's Advisory Board - 11/5/2012
How do you think Georgia ranks in education spending? Near the bottom? Near the top? I'm honored to serve on Gov. Deal's advisory board. Read More >>

Governor's Education Advisory Board And News - 10/22/2012
I am honored to serve on Gov. Deal's advisory board. We'll meet this Thursday to discuss teacher and educational leader preparation, evaluation and development. Please join me, Michael Geist (Cherokee County Board of Education Member), other local school board members, Sen. Chip Rogers, Rep. Alicia Thomas Morgan, charter principals, teachers, parents and students at this event. Read More >>

Calendar and Charter Schools - It's Called a Balance Sheet - 10/11/2012
The board approved a new calendar, which I opposed, for the 2013-14 school year. I just posted a new blog: It's Called a Balance Sheet. Read More >>

AdvancED/SACS Letter - Our Thoughts - 9/9/2012
We would like to take this opportunity to clarify recent board actions regarding the latest letter from AdvancED/SACS to the DeKalb County School District. The AJC's initial report was not accurate Read More >>

Reformation and the Charter School Amendment - 8/30/2012
As a member of the DeKalb County Board of Education, I have been reading with great interest, the news and debate about the Charter School Amendment that will be on the ballot in November. The usual groups that purport to speak for their members are lining up against it. The Georgia State Superintendents Association (GSSA), the Georgia School Boards Association (GSBA) and various teacher organizations. This is to be expected. Change is never easy and those who make significant earnings from the status quo are always reticent to embrace it. Read More >>

Welcome Back To School - 8/15/2012
I've received a number of emails about the class size limits for this school year (2012-13). I've placed two documents on my website (under the documents tab) detailing these guidelines. I received a terrific question about my thoughts on our class size limits. Specifically, I was asked to reconcile why I voted against both the class size increases and a millage rate increase. Read More >>

Get Out The Vote - 7/30/2012
Please remember to vote tomorrow (Tuesday, July 31st). The even districts (2,4,6 and 8) will be on the ballot. Read More >>

Election News And Cross Keys Wins - 7/26/2012
This year the election for the DeKalb Board of Education, along with all non-partisan races, is being held in July. Congratulations to the team, the teachers and the Cross Keys Foundation! Read More >>

News, Updates and Budget FAQ - 7/19/2012
Given recent Board meetings involving staff reductions and the various questions I am receiving on this topic, I thought it would be helpful for me to write a timeline regarding the budget process to date. I hope that this timeline helps alleviate some confusion and offers clarity on my positions. Read More >>

Upcoming Meetings, Coffee Talk Schedule and News - 7/8/2012
Check out upcoming meetings and coffee talks. Also, amazing students and teachers that need your help. Charter school amendment update. Read More >>

Budget Meeting Tonight - 6/21/2012
The DeKalb BOE will continue meeting tonight to discuss the FY2013 budget. The meeting will be broadcast on Comcast 24 in DeKalb and streamed online from the DSCD website. Read More >>

Coffee Talk - 6/5/2012
Please join me and my colleagues, Don McChesney (District 2) and Pam Speaks (District 8) for Coffee Talk! Here is our schedule: Read More >>

Budget Update - Tentative Proposed Budget Approved - 5/23/2012
Last night the Board met to receive the Superintendent's "tentative proposed budget". Technically the Board must approve a "tentative" budget in advance of a final vote on the FY2013 budget. The tentative budget was approved last night 5 - 2. I opposed. Read More >>

Budget And SPLOST Updates - 5/20/2012
Last Wednesday, the Superintendent and CFO presented a summary of their proposed FY2013 budget to the Budget Committee. On Thursday, May 17th, the Superintendent and COO provided an overview of their planning for the upcoming SPLOST IV program. Read More >>

Coffee Talk - 5/8/2012
Please join me and my colleagues, Don McChesney (District 2) and Pam Speaks (District 8) for Coffee Talk! 7pm-8:30pm at Caribou Coffee. Read More >>

Recent Events Including Teacher's Contracts, Programs and Grand Jury - 5/3/2012
As you are aware, teachers received their contracts this week and, unfortunately, this cyclical process was problematic. As the Board is prohibited from being involved in operations, I have forwarded the community's concerns to the district's administration for their review and action. Below, please find a brief discussion of the major issues brought to me. Read More >>

School Calendar Survey; SPLOST III/CCHS Rebuild Update - 4/10/2012
As some of you may know, the Superintendent has put forth three calendars for the 2012-2013 school year along with a survey to gather your input on these options. Read More >>

Issues regarding the Capital Improvement Program (SPLOST) - 3/19/2012
On February 29th, the DeKalb Board of Education (BOE) was informed of a potential shortfall that may occur if changes are not made to the planned spending for the remainder of SPLOST III. Initially DCSD staff reported that the shortfall was $41.35 million. Read More >>

Urgent Legislative Update - Reapportionment - 2/3/2012
The DeKalb delegation is expected to deliver new district maps for the Board of Education and the DeKalb Commission by mid-February. Read More >>

End of Year Round-up - 12/15/2011
There have been a number of terrific accomplishments by schools around the district. Read More >>

Dr. Atkinson - 9/20/2011
Last Thursday, Dr. Atkinson was sworn in as Superintendent for DCSS. She hit the ground running as she toured schools later that same morning and continued on Friday. Click her to view her 90-day entry plan. I am looking forward to working with Dr. Atkinson to improve the educational lives of our students. Please join me in welcoming her to DeKalb! Read More >>

Community Engagement Session - 9/14/2011
Please come to the Community Engagement Session. The session will be conducted by the Georgia School Boards Association (GSBA). This interactive process is how you can have input into the strategic plan that DCSS will develop. Read More >>

DeKalb Superintendent Candidate - 8/14/2011
I am writing to share my thoughts on the announcement of Dr. Cheryl Atkinson, of the Lorain, Ohio City School District, as the candidate for Superintendent of the DeKalb County School System. My colleague on the Board, Don McChesney has also written a statement! Read More >>

Budget / SPLOST / Superintendent Search - 6/4/2011
I've received numerous emails about the proposed 2011-2012 budget and I've tried to keep updated on the news stories and blogs regarding the subject. I appreciate hearing your thoughts and critiques even when we disagree. Thank you for keeping informed about the process! Read More >>

SPLOST IV Update - 5/31/2011
On Friday, May 27th, the DeKalb Board of Education received a presentation from the administration with a proposed project list for SPLOST IV. A SPLOST IV referendum will come before the voters this November. Read More >>

Updates - 4/11/2011
Check out my updated website -www.nancyjester.com . If you have news and information that I can add, let me know and I'll post it. Read More >>

A Note From Nancy - 3/29/2011
Our three finalists for DeKalb County school superintendent will be introduced on Thursday, March 31, 2011 at 6 p.m. during a public forum at the Administration and Instructional Complex. Read More >>

A Note From Nancy -
As you might expect, serving on the DeKalb Board of Education since January 3rd has kept me quite busy and engaged. I appreciate all who have written and called me. I am thankful for the opinions and information that you have provided me. Read More >>