FAQs
Leadership Transition in the DeKalb County School District (10.30.25)
1. What action did the DeKalb County Board of Education take regarding Dr. Devon Q. Horton?
Dr. Horton was relieved of his duties as superintendent on October 9, 2025. The DeKalb County Board of Education voted to accept his resignation effective November 15, 2025. See question 5 for additional action.
2. Why did the current Board take this action?
The Board’s decision follows a federal indictment involving Dr. Horton related to his employment in a prior school district. The Board believes this action is in the best interest of the DeKalb County School District to ensure transparency, accountability, and public trust.
3. What are the due-process requirements under Georgia law for certified employees?
Under Georgia law (O.C.G.A. § 20-2-940), school districts must follow specific due-process procedures before terminating a certified employee’s contract.
4. Did the current Board follow the due-process hearing process in this case?
Instead of proceeding through that legal hearing process, the DeKalb County Board of Education voted to accept Dr. Horton’s resignation, effective November 15, 2025, thirty (30) days from the date of the agreement. Dr. Horton will be compensated through this date and will not receive any additional payments beyond it. This action means the Board did not pursue termination under state law, and no due-process hearing was required. The mutual agreement represents a voluntary resolution by both parties, allowing the District to move forward with its leadership transition while honoring the terms of the agreement.
5. What additional actions has the current Board taken to ensure transparency and accountability?
The Board has authorized a forensic audit of district contracts and purchasing card (p-card) statements to ensure full transparency and fiscal responsibility. We intend to present a recommendation to the Board in November.
6. Was the Board that hired Dr. Horton aware of these allegations from his prior district?
No. The Board that hired Dr. Horton was not aware of these allegations. However, the Board was aware of his prior personal bankruptcies and a 2021 civil suit related to his equity work in a previous district, which was dismissed in 2024. All applicants were vetted by the Georgia School Boards Association, and comprehensive background checks and media reviews did not identify any other litigation or charges connected to the current federal indictments. The vetting process also did not reveal any violations of state law or Board policy.
7. When did the current Board find out about Dr. Horton’s indictment?
On October 9, 2025. At which time an Emergency Called Meeting was scheduled with legal counsel to review the information.
8. Was the current Board aware of the p-card allegations from the prior district?
The four sitting Board members (not the three new members) became aware of the p-card allegations from the prior district in 2024 but were not informed of any ongoing investigation. According to Dr. Horton’s former district, the matter was confidential and could not be shared publicly.
9. What financial audits has the school district conducted since Dr. Horton was hired?
Since Dr. Horton’s hiring, the district has undergone several annual independent financial audits. These audits were conducted by external auditors to ensure transparency, accountability, and compliance with all financial reporting standards.
Required / Coordinated by the Division of Finance:
· FY22 ESPLOST Performance Audit by Mauldin & Jenkins
· FY23 Financial Statement Audit by Mauldin & Jenkins - unmodified opinion
· FY23 ESPLOST Performance Audit by Georgia Department of Audits and Accounts
· FY24 Financial Statement Audit by Georgia Department of Audits and Accounts - unmodified opinion
· FY24 ESPLOST Performance Audit by Georgia Department of Audits and Accounts
Additionally, DCSD’s Internal Audits Department conducted supplementary audits, including:
· ESPLOST IV, V Forensic audit
· P-Card audit of transactions spanning July 1, 2023 to September 30, 2024
10. How does DCSD handle purchase cards and vendor contracts?
The use of Purchase Cards are governed by Policy DJE. Operationally the district uses DJE-R(1) to regulate the use of the P-Card program throughout the district. Vendor contracts are managed by the Division of Legal Services following Policy DJEG.
11. Who is serving as Acting Superintendent?
The Board appointed Dr. Norman C. Sauce III as Acting Superintendent on October 9, 2025.
12. What is Dr. Sauce’s background?
Dr. Sauce previously served as the district’s Chief of Student Services and has extensive leadership experience in education. He is deeply committed to supporting students, staff, and families across DeKalb County. CLICK HERE to view Dr. Sauce’s bio.
13. Does the Board support Dr. Sauce’s leadership?
Yes. The Board has expressed full confidence in Dr. Sauce’s leadership, citing his experience, steady demeanor, and strong relationships within the district as key to ensuring continuity and focus during the transition.
14. How will the Board ensure a smooth leadership transition?
The Board of Education will work closely with Dr. Sauce to maintain stable operations, clear communication, and continuity of key initiatives, including the Student Assignment Project (SAP) and other district priorities.
15. How does this situation affect DCSD students, staff, and families?
The leadership team and staff remain focused on providing a safe, supportive, and high-quality educational experience for every student. We have a great deal to be proud of in DCSD, including record-high graduation rates, ACT scores that outperform the state and nation, decreases in discipline issues, increases in student attendance, and low staff vacancies. We are also expanding innovative academic programs, investing in modernized learning environments, and strengthening partnerships that support both student success and staff development across the district.
16. How can I provide input to the Board and Acting Superintendent? The Board and Acting Superintendent invite all stakeholders, including students, staff, families, and community members, to share their perspectives through the Forward Together survey. The survey is designed to gather input on district priorities, communication, and areas for improvement as DCSD moves forward. Your feedback helps guide decisions that support student success and strengthen our schools. CLICK HERE for the survey.
17. Can the Board comment further on the federal indictment?
No. The Board cannot comment on confidential personnel or legal matters. However, it remains committed to transparency and accountability throughout this process.