The board of education for DeKalb County Public Schools on Monday tapped Vickie Turner to serve another term as its chair.

Diijon DaCosta was elected vice chair for the second year in a row.

Turner and DaCosta nominated each other. No other board members were nominated for the positions.

Both board members thanked their peers for the votes of confidence.

“This has not been the easiest job I’ve ever had, but I’ve never shied away from hard work,” Turner said. “You have to be doing something you’re willing to die for. That’s my mantra.”

DaCosta said he would continue doing “the work of the people” to ensure inclusivity in the district.

DeKalb County Board of Education member Diijon DaCosta

Credit: Courtesy of DeKalb County School District

icon to expand image

Credit: Courtesy of DeKalb County School District

Board member Joyce Morley abstained from voting for a chair. After the vote, she said she hopes the leaders recognize the importance of the positions.

“As we begin to look at where are we headed in 2022, (I hope) that you all take these positions seriously and not be sellouts, and not allow yourself to be caught up in pleasing people,” she said. “We’re not here for people to necessarily agree with us, but to stand for what’s right.”

Turner was first elected to the board in 2014. DaCosta was elected in 2018.

About the Author

Keep Reading

Morehouse alum Alex Maganda was recently detained by immigration authorities. (Courtesy of Maszoliin Spencer)

Credit: Maszoliin Spencer

Featured

Rebecca Ramage-Tuttle, assistant director of the Statewide Independent Living Council of Georgia, says the the DOE rule change is “a slippery slope” for civil rights. (Hyosub Shin/AJC)

Credit: HYOSUB SHIN / AJC