The superintendent of DeKalb County’s school system is out after a federal indictment caught up with him from his previous district.
🎯 Why It Matters: The sudden leadership change affects more than 90,000 students and comes as the district navigates major initiatives like redrawing school attendance zones.
📋 What’s Happening: The DeKalb County Board of Education voted to accept Dr. Devon Q. Horton’s resignation, effective November 15. The board suspended him on October 9.
The resignation agreement replaces what would have been a due process hearing under state law. Board Chair Deirdre Pierce said the decision stems from a federal indictment related to Horton’s work at a previous school district.
🔍 Between the Lines: The board isn’t waiting to see how the legal case plays out. Pierce said the action serves “the best interest” of the district, citing concerns about transparency, accountability, and public trust.
The board also authorized a forensic audit of district contracts and purchasing card statements.
👔 The New Face: Dr. Norman C. Sauce III took over as acting superintendent the same day Horton was removed. Sauce previously ran the district’s student services division.
Pierce said the board has “full confidence” in Sauce’s ability to maintain continuity during the transition. She pointed to his experience and relationships within the district as stabilizing factors.
🎓 What Continues: The district’s major projects remain on track, including the Student Assignment Project, which is redrawing school boundaries across the county.
The board said it will work with Sauce to ensure the leadership change doesn’t disrupt daily operations or long-term planning.
📰 The Sources: DeKalb County Board of Education statement.
B.T. Clark
B.T. Clark is an award-winning journalist and the Publisher of The Georgia Sun. He has 25 years of experience in journalism and served as Managing Editor of Neighbor Newspapers in metro Atlanta for 15 years and Digital Director at Times-Journal Inc. for 8 years. His work has appeared in several newspapers throughout the state including Neighbor Newspapers, The Cherokee Tribune and The Marietta Daily Journal. He is a Georgia native and a fifth-generation Georgian.
