DeKalb County schools board accepts Horton’s resignation, launches forensic audit

Key Points:

• Norman Sauce was announced as the acting DCSD superintendent on Oct. 9.
• Horton will remain on paid leave until his resignation is official.
• An audit will examine Horton’s purchasing statements over his tenure.

Devon Q. Horton, federally indicted on fraud charges last week, has resigned as superintendent of the DeKalb County School District, according to DCSD officials.

The DeKalb County Board of Education voted 6-1 to accept Horton’s resignation in closed executive session held Oct. 15. He will continue on paid leave until Nov. 15, according to Carla Parker, DeKalb County Schools spokeswoman.

This agreement replaces the due process hearing under state law, according to a DeKalb County School statement.

The board has authorized a forensic audit of district contracts and purchasing card (p-card) statements to ensure full transparency and accountability.

On Oct. 9, Horton was indicted on 17 charges by the U.S. Attorney for acts he allegedly committed while serving as the superintendent of Evanston-Skokie School District 65 in Illinois. Between 2021 and 2023, the 37-page indictment, which was obtained by the Evanston Roundtable, alleges that Horton accepted and approved contracts with business partners that he would financially benefit from, to the tune of more than $85,000 in kickbacks.

Horton allegedly used his District 65 purchasing card for personal expenditures “including the purchase of personal meals and gift cards and to pay for personal vehicle and personal travel expenses.”  According to the Evanston Roundtable, Horton’s arraignment is scheduled for 11 a.m. Oct. 23 in Chicago.

“Given the recent 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,” said Deidre Pierce, school board chair. “We recognize the seriousness of the situation and remain committed to transparency, accountability, and maintaining public trust.”

Hours after the indictment charges were announced, the DCSD board placed Horton on leave and appointed Dr. Norman Sauce, the chief of student services, as the acting superintendent.

“The board has full confidence in Dr. Sauce’s leadership during this transition,” Pierce said in a statement Wednesday. “His experience, steady demeanor, and strong relationships within the district will help ensure continuity and focus on what matters most, the continued success of our students and staff.”

After the indictment, Sauce, in a video released on Friday, appealed to parents and community members to stay focused on the school system’s mission, noting that “schools are operating as normal.”

Related story:

• U.S. Attorney issues 17-count indictment alleging DeKalb Superintendent committed fraudulent acts in former job

“Even in times of challenge or change, our commitment to our students and our mission remains steady,” Sauce said. “When we say, I stand with DCSD, we’re not just sharing words, we’re showing our unity through action, compassion and collaboration. So today, I invite you to stand with us.”

More on Sauce:

Sauce, who is a husband and father of twin boys, also served as principal of Chamblee High School within DCSD and as an elementary principal within Fulton County Schools. He previously taught social studies and was an assistant principal in Southern California before moving to Georgia in 2011.

He earned his doctor of education degree from the University of Southern California, his master of education degree from the University of California Los Angeles, and his bachelor of arts degree in history from California State University Long Beach. 

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