The DeKalb County Board of Education holds its regular monthly meeting in the J. David Williamson Board Room in the Robert R. Freeman Administrative Complex, 1701 Mountain Industrial Boulevard, Stone Mountain, Georgia.
DeKalb Schools TV (DSTV) or Comcast Channel 24 is available for DeKalb County subscribers.
Community Input Session
Individuals wishing to speak in person at the meeting may submit a request in writing to the Board Office via email at communityinputspeakerrequests@dekalbschoolsga.org by 5:30 pm on the day of the meeting. **All requests to speak virtually must be submitted on the Sunday prior to the meeting by 5:30 pm.**
Such requests shall include the individual’s name, address, topic to be addressed, previous steps taken to resolve the concern, and the group (if any) that the individual is representing. The public comment period will be a maximum of one (1) hour or 20 speakers.
Regular Board Meeting Schedule
- 11:30 am- Executive Session, Work Session & Business Meeting
- 5:45 pm- Community Input Session (in-person & virtual)
678.676.0722
Board Chair | District 3
Mrs. Deirdre P. Pierce | District 3
Deirdre earned her B.A. degree in English from Spelman College, and considers herself a lifelong learner. She worked for Delta Air Lines, Inc. for 33½ years where daily she worked with/encountered people from all walks of life, age groups and ethnicities. Prior to taking early retirement from Delta, she was a substitute teacher in DeKalb County schools on many of her off days.
Deirdre has been a proud member of the East Lake Family YMCA Board of Directors; Georgia PTA Board; local School Councils and PTA/PTSAs; Junior League of DeKalb County, Inc. Community Advisory; Social Justice Ministry Chair at Ray of Hope Christian Church and President of the DeKalb County Council of PTAs when it was one unit.
Deirdre’s School District service has included the
- Strategic Planning and Flexible Education Options Committees
- Family Engagement, E-SPLOST and Superintendent’s Advisory Councils and the
- Planning and Construction Advisory Team for Barack H. Obama Elementary Magnet School of Technology and the state-of-the-art 21st Century Dr. Ronald E. McNair Middle School.
Deirdre’s many years of collaboration with parents, students, community members, faculty, staff and other leaders at Dr. Ronald E. McNair High School, led her to petition the Board of Education to build a Career Technology wing and state-of-the-art Auditorium at the school. The success of this effort encouraged the Board to approve the same for every High School in the District, and later led the way for Deirdre being selected as one of twelve PTA community advocates from across the country, to be recognized as a White House Champion of Change by the Obama Administration.
Deirdre comes to the Board with a love of the District and its people; a passion for equity in education; and a clear understanding of the importance of fiscal responsibility, sound governance, accountability, and teamwork.
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has”. Margaret Mead
678.676.0722
Vice Chair | District 4
Ms. Allyson Gevertz | District 4
Ms. Allyson Gevertz is a native of Enid, Oklahoma. She attended Enid Public Schools, where her mother served as a School Board Member. After her high school graduation, she moved to Atlanta to attend Emory University. She received her Bachelor’s degree (magna cum laude) from Emory, then attended Tufts University in Medford, Massachusetts for her Master’s and Specialist degrees in School Psychology.
After working for several years as a School Psychologist for Gwinnett County Public Schools, Allyson began community advocacy work for her county of residence, DeKalb County. She has focused on sexual assault prevention in positions ranging from hotline volunteer to Board of Directors Chair for Day League (formerly DeKalb Rape Crisis Center). As President of the Junior League of DeKalb County, Allyson joined the Leadership DeKalb Class of 2007. She is currently on the Board of Directors for Leadership DeKalb. Her passion for children and families led her to work on the Partnership for Community Action Board, the DeKalb Symphony Orchestra Board, the DeKalb Juvenile Court Judicial Citizens Review Panel, and the Board of Directors for DeKalb County Division of Family and Children Services (DFCS).
Because Allyson and her husband David have sent two children to DeKalb County Schools, she has spent many years focused on public education advocacy. She has served in various positions on local school PTAs and School Councils, eventually chairing the regional Emory LaVista Parent Council and DeKalb Chamber’s eduKALB. In 2013, she collaborated with other parent council leaders to form Parent Councils United (PCU), a county-wide grassroots advocacy group focused on educational excellence for all DeKalb students. As PCU Co-President, Allyson served on District-wide committees such as the DCSD Strategic Planning Advisory Committee, the Flexibility Advisory Committee, the Technology Advisory Committee and the Superintendent’s Advisory Council. She was a member of the DCSD team completing Harvard Business School’s Public Education Leadership Conference. In 2016, Allyson chaired the Education-SPLOST campaign. The initiative passed by 71% and is providing over $500 million for improvements to DeKalb Schools. Allyson will continue advocating for all DeKalb students in her role on the Board of Education.
678.676.0722
District 1
Mr. Andrew Ziffer | District 1
Andrew Ziffer is an accomplished real estate investor, entrepreneur, business owner, and technology professional with a career spanning over 30 years across multiple industries. He currently serves as Managing Partner at Greenleaf Capital, overseeing the acquisition, disposition, and management of commercial real estate assets. In this role, Andrew leads strategic initiatives to identify investment opportunities, optimize property performance, and build long-term partnerships that contribute to sustainable growth.
In addition to his work at Greenleaf, Andrew owns and manages a commercial real estate portfolio. Since 2003, he has owned and managed a diverse portfolio of commercial, multi-family, and single-family properties, navigating complex market dynamics to deliver consistent returns. His hands-on approach to real estate management includes overseeing finance, debt origination, vendor relationships, and market analysis.
Andrew’s professional journey began in the technology sector, where he held key roles at Avanade, S1 Corporation, and Geac Computer Corporation. He has also held software development roles at Harris Controls Division and the United States Department of Agriculture, where he honed his programming and systems integration skills.
In addition to his professional achievements, Andrew has a strong commitment to community development and philanthropy. He founded the PHACE Syndrome Community, a nonprofit organization dedicated to raising awareness and supporting individuals affected by this rare condition. Under his leadership, the organization has grown into a national resource providing critical assistance to hundreds of families. Additionally, Andrew has been involved in local DeKalb County schools for over 13 years, from helping open ketchup packets in the lunchroom when his son was in elementary school, chairing the technology committee at Dunwoody Elementary, sitting on the Peachtree Middle School foundation board, and being a Principal Advisory Council member at multiple schools. His extensive community involvement has sharpened his leadership skills and deepened his understanding of effective communication across diverse groups.
Andrew holds a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from the University of Florida’s College of Engineering. He is known for his analytical mindset, entrepreneurial spirit, and ability to adapt to market conditions. Andrew enjoys long-distance running outside of work, including serving as an ambassador with the Kyle Pease Foundation. His passion for running and advocacy work reflects his dedication to perseverance and inclusion—values integral to his professional and philanthropic endeavors. He has been married for over 20 years and is the proud father of a college-aged son, a DeKalb County school system graduate. His unique blend of real estate expertise, business acumen, and technological innovation continues to drive success across industries, making a meaningful impact through strategic vision and operational excellence.
678.676.0722
District 2
Mrs. Whitney McGinniss | District 2
“Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world.”
– Nelson Mandela
Whitney McGinniss is a dedicated public servant, with 20 years of experience in the government and nonprofit sectors. Whitney has worked with families and youth in various roles, including as a Food Stamps and Medicaid caseworker, suicide prevention counselor, reproductive health educator, and homelessness prevention caseworker. After receiving her master’s degree, Whitney moved into administrative and leadership positions, developing and evaluating programs, maintaining and analyzing data, writing and managing grants, and promoting continuous quality improvement for several local nonprofit organizations.
Whitney’s commitment to service has included extensive volunteering in public schools. After receiving her bachelor’s degree, Whitney joined the US Peace Corps, where she taught middle school Science and English in Kenya. Whitney has also volunteered with Communities in Schools, Girls on the Run, and as a GED tutor for pregnant teenagers. When Whitney became a mother, she joined her local school’s PTA, participating in grounds clean-up days and advocating for better school facilities. Prior to serving on the DeKalb County School Board, Whitney was a member of the Principal Advisory Council (PAC) for Druid Hills Middle School.
Whitney received a K-12 public education in Tallahassee, FL, where she graduated valedictorian from the School for Applied Individualized Learning (SAIL High). Whitney has associate degrees in liberal arts and graphic design from Tallahassee Community College. She received her bachelor’s degree in sociology from the University of South Florida and her master’s degree in public policy from Georgia State University. Whitney maintained a 4.00 GPA throughout her college career and has been honored with several educational and research achievement awards.
Whitney lives in Decatur with her husband (Brad), middle schooler (Lee), and their two mini-poodles (Fluffy and Shadow). In addition to her role on the School Board, Whitney serves on the board of the Laurel Ridge Shamrock Civic Association, helps conduct the City of Atlanta’s annual homeless count, and participates in “get out the vote” efforts each election cycle. She enjoys gardening, arts and crafts, home improvement, thrifting, and current events.
678.676.0722
District 5
Dr. Tiffany Hogan | District 5
Dr. Tiffany Hogan was elected to the DeKalb County Board of Education in 2024. She brings over 30 years of experience in K-12 public education and a deep commitment to advancing educational equity. Dr. Hogan, a proud DeKalb County Schools and Spelman College graduate, earned her Ph.D. in Educational Policy Studies from Georgia State University. Her career in education began as a science teacher in DeKalb County Schools, where she contributed to the educational success of students at Redan High School, Lithonia High School, and Martin Luther King Jr. High School.
Dr. Hogan lives in South DeKalb, a community she has called home for over 40 years. As an advocate for ensuring every child receives a rigorous, high-quality education, she is particularly passionate about supporting the educational needs of the students in DeKalb County. As a former teacher and school administrator, Dr. Hogan is committed to supporting the needs of schools as they directly support the needs of our students. Her work in higher education has also allowed her to coach many school-based leaders within the metropolitan Atlanta area.
Dr. Hogan is committed to giving back to the community she loves. She dedicates her time to volunteering at her church and supporting others in need. She remains focused on ensuring that all students in DeKalb County Schools have access to the opportunities and support needed for their academic success.
678.676.0722
District 6
Mr. Diijon DaCosta Sr. | District 6
Mr. Diijon DaCosta, Sr. is a DeKalb County resident who graduated from Redan High School. He obtained his Bachelor’s degree from Kennesaw State University (KSU) in Sociology, with a concentration in Criminology. While attending KSU, Diijon served as a charter member to establish Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. on the university’s campus.
In 2014, he joined the DeKalb County School District as an educator, before moving on to serve in the county’s Department of Human Resources. Diijon DaCosta, Sr. founded DeKalb Kids Project, Inc. (DKP), a nonprofit organization which focuses on emphasizing the importance of academic success and leadership amongst the youth of DeKalb County. The organization also incorporates community service, mentorship, and various outreach events.
Diijon DaCosta Sr.’s accomplishments include:
- Community Leadership Award (2015)
- Building on A Legacy Award (2016)
- Walmart Community Playmakers Award (2017)
- Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. Alpha Delta Nu chapter Citizen of the Year Award (2018)
- Kennesaw State University Outstanding Alumnus Award (2018)
- Nominated for the Distinguished Alumni Award of Kennesaw State University College of Humanities and Social Sciences (2018)
- Regional Director, National Black Council of School Board Members (2020)
- NSBA Partners Cohort (2020)
- Georgetown University McCourt School of Public Policy, Education Finance Certification (2020)
Diijon is a father, educator, mentor, motivational speaker, activist, and community leader. While his passion for education is a top priority, his natural ability to influence the minds of the youth for the betterment of his community speaks volumes. He eagerly embraces and promotes innovation and change.
A core message that Diijon often stresses with youth is, “The way you dress, will be the way you are addressed. Once you change your mind, everything around you will also change.” He not only strives to practice this philosophy, but he actively applies and promotes these characteristics throughout his life.
DaCosta’s primary goal of service is to advance the DeKalb County community and to improve the lives of our youth. He has made a commitment to affect this change through being vigorously active in education, community engagement, and youth empowerment.
678.676.0722
District 7
Mr. Awet Eyasu | District 7
Awet Eyasu was born and raised in Keren, Eritrea, East Africa. He completed his elementary, middle, and high school education in Keren before enrolling at the University of Asmara in Eritrea in 1996 to major in history. After graduating in 2000, he moved to America to attend the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where he earned a Master’s in African Area Studies in 2002.
After college, he relocated to Clarkston in DeKalb County, where he has lived for over 22 years with his wife and four children. He has been an active member of the Eritrean community, and after obtaining his U.S. citizenship, he became involved in Clarkston and DeKalb County.
In 2015, he was elected to Clarkston City Council and served until 2023. He also served as Vice Mayor for five consecutive years. After eight-plus years of public service in Clarkston, he recognized a lack of a voice for the immigrant community, particularly within the DeKalb County Board of Education, and decided to run for the open District 7 seat.
As a father of four children, he has a deep passion for the well-being and development of children, recognizing that academic success and emotional growth are crucial to their future. He is a strong advocate for sustainability and environmental education. He is committed to contributing to a school system that prioritizes these values for the benefit of every student.
Mr. Marshall D. Orson, Vice Chair | District 2
Marshall D. Orson was first elected in 2012 from District 2 which includes Druid Hills and Cross Keys High Schools, Druid Hills Middle School, Ashford Park, Briar Vista, Fernbank, Laurel Ridge, McLendon, Montclair, Sagamore Hills and Woodward Elementary Schools, the International Community School, the Margaret Harris Center and Fernbank Science Center.
Mr. Orson is the founder of the consulting firm Melbourne Partners which provides business development services for intellectual property licensing, acquisitions and partnership transactions as well as media strategy services. He was a co-founder and partner in the media strategy and crisis management firm Devonwood Media. From 1989 to 2001, Mr. Orson worked at Turner Broadcasting including five years as Vice President and General Manager of the Turner Trade Group (“TTG”). TTG was the world’s largest media company-owned trade business and Mr. Orson oversaw its global media sales and retail operations, and all business and legal issues. Mr. Orson also held a number of executive business positions at Turner focusing on content creation, use, acquisition and disposition. He joined Turner’s legal department in 1989, overseeing deals related to its motion picture library, selected production deals and due diligence projects related to Turner corporate acquisitions.
Prior to joining Turner, Mr. Orson practiced law in the Atlanta office of Paul, Hastings, Janofsky and Walker after clerking for the Hon. R. Allen Edgar (E.D. Tennessee). He is a graduate of the Duke University School of Law (Order of the Coif and High Honors), where he served as Senior Editor of Law and Contemporary Problems, and he also received his bachelor’s degree (cum laude) from Duke University. He is a member of the State Bar of Georgia. Marshall is a 2001 graduate of Leadership Atlanta and co-chaired its 2003 and 2004 Criminal Justice Day programs. Marshall is a past President of the Unitarian-Universalist Congregation of Atlanta.
Mr. Orson has two children who received their K-12 education in DeKalb County schools including in the International Baccalaureate diploma program at Druid Hills High School. His oldest child is a 2018 graduate of Druid Hills and is now a junior at Boston University where she is a member of the varsity soccer team. His youngest child is a 2020 Druid Hills High School graduate and is a freshman at Yale and a member of its varsity soccer team. Mr. Orson attended public school in Miami, Florida in the Dade County Public Schools and he has a long history of working to support and reform public education and improve opportunities for all children including service on:
- The Emory-LaVista Parent Council where he served as Co-President.
- The Metro Atlanta United Way DeKalb Child Well-Being Committee which he co-chaired.
- The Druid Hills Middle School and Fernbank Elementary School Councils which he chaired.
- The board of directors of Provost Academy of Georgia, a start-up Georgia virtual charter high school.
- The board of directors of APPLE Corps (Atlanta’s original local education fund) from 1986 to 2003 (including six years as chair or vice-chair). He subsequently served on the board of the Atlanta Committee for Public Education and was a member of the founding committee of Great Schools Atlanta.
- The board of directors of the Public Education Network in Washington, D.C. from 1998-2003 including membership on its Public Engagement Committee.
- The board of directors of the Quest for Public Education, a music education initiative for the Atlanta, DeKalb and Fulton school systems.
- Leadership Atlanta’s Education Impact Team which he co-chaired in 2007 and 2008, and the 2010 Education Summit committee.
- The board of directors of the Atlanta Children’s Shelter from 2002 to 2007 where he chaired the Expansion Committee and its Advocacy Committee.
- Campaign manager for Joe Martin, 2010 candidate for Georgia State School Superintendent.
Mr. Orson and his wife Peggy married in 1997.