Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)
Organizations Seeking to Establish a Partnership with DeKalb County School District (DCSD)
The DeKalb County School District (DCSD) Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) process requires that external organizations initiate their engagement by submitting a DCSD Partnership Interest Survey. This is followed by meetings with district and school leaders to clarify roles and expectations. Organizations must complete the DCSD MOU template or provide their own MOU, ensuring it includes a comprehensive outline of responsibilities and expectations. This document will undergo review prior to final approval and execution.
Key Steps in the DCSD MOU Process
1. Initial Submission
Organizations should submit the DCSD Partnership Interest Survey to initiate the process.
2. Review & Meetings
The DCSD Grants and Partnerships Department will review the submission within 48–72 hours and may arrange meetings with relevant schools or departments to confirm interest.
Once a department or school indicates a desire to establish a partnership, the organization will proceed with the following steps:
3. Drafting the MOU / Sending the MOU for Review
Organizations must complete the official DCSD MOU template or submit a customized MOU detailing the specific responsibilities, services, and expectations of both the partner organization and the school or district. This draft should be submitted for review. Department or school leaders, or their designee, will assess the MOU, and the organization will revise the document based on the feedback received. It is important to emphasize that department or school leaders should not sign MOUs or agreements at this stage.
4. Sign and Submit the MOU
Following the meeting with the relevant department or school that has expressed interest in or approved the establishment of a partnership, the “organization” will sign and submit the finalized draft to the Grants and Partnerships Department at grantsandpartnerships@dekalbschoolsga.org.
(Departments or schools should refrain from signing the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at this time.)
5. Await Approval
Organizations must await MOU approval before initiating services, attending trainings, and completing background checks and fingerprinting. The DCSD Grants and Partnerships Department will forward the MOU to the legal department for review, which will be completed within a minimum of 10 business days from receipt. The school or department will be asked to sign the DCSD MOU. The legal team may suggest edits or pose questions, so it is critical that the organization or business has provided the correct contact information to the DCSD Grants and Partnerships Department.
6. Approval
The finalized MOU will be forwarded to the Superintendent of Schools for review and final execution.
Please note that MOUs are renewed each school year.
Important Notes
- Status: Organizations should verify that their business status is current with the State of Georgia prior to applying.
- Partnership List: Approved organizations with a fully executed MOU on file will be listed on the DCSD Grants and Partnerships website.
- Universities: Colleges or universities interested in establishing a partnership should contact the Grants and Partnerships Department at grantsandpartnerships@dekalbschoolsga.org.