STONE MOUNTAIN-In a special called meeting this week, the Dekalb County School Board approved a contract for their new Superintendent, Dr. Devon Horton, by a vote of 6-1 vote. Dr. Horton comes to Dekalb County Schools from the Evanston/Skokie School District 65 in Illinois, where he served as superintendent, and previously he was the chief of schools for Jefferson County Public Schools in Kentucky. After the vote, Dr. Horton was joined by his family and well-wishers.
“Being chosen as the superintendent of DeKalb County Schools and becoming a part of this vibrant school district and deeply caring community is both humbling and exhilarating,” Dr. Horton said. “Everything I have seen, everything I have learned, and everyone I have met throughout this process have done nothing but solidify my belief that this is a District with a substantial foundation upon which to build. Working with our Board, teachers, students, and many invested community partners, I am confident we will deliver on the promise to provide the finest public education for all students in every school.”
The vote for a new superintendent did not come without controversy. During the board vote, Dr. Joyce Morley voted no, citing she would not “stand for anything that is not honorable, anything that is not in the best interest of our children” when discussing Horton’s hiring. In addition, State Superintendent Richard Woods asked the school board to pause their superintendent search and hire interim Superintendent Dr. Vasanne Tinsley, who will leave her role on June 30, 2023.
Board Chair Diijon DaCosta, Sr. explained the Board’s support of Dr. Horton’s experience, leadership, and vision to oversee DCSD’s nearly 93,000 scholars and 14,500 employees.
“Throughout the selection process, Dr. Horton stood out as an exceptional candidate. I am confident that he is the right person at the right time to lead our District and ensure that every scholar receives a high-quality education,” Mr. DaCosta said. “As a Board of Education, we remain determined to work together and find consensus to improve on our current challenges while being intentional about building on the successes across our District.”
Dr. Horton will officially take office on July 1.
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