Dr. Norman C. Sauce III has been appointed interim superintendent of the DeKalb County School District following federal corruption charges against former superintendent Dr. Devon Horton. According to FOX 5 Atlanta, the DeKalb County Board of Education made the decision last Thursday after Horton was indicted for alleged kickbacks and contract manipulation during his time at Evanston/Skokie School District 65 in Illinois.
Horton, who became DeKalb superintendent in 2023, had previously faced criticism over his appointment. Georgia State Superintendent Richard Woods had urged the board to reconsider the decision. Despite this, Horton assumed the role, which is now under heightened scrutiny following the indictment. Horton's attorney has stated that the charges are "unfounded and unrelated," as reported by FOX 5 Atlanta.
Independent journalist Tom Hayden had previously uncovered allegations of financial improprieties involving Horton that were publicly available prior to his hiring. According to Atlanta News First, these findings were not widely addressed by the community or school board at the time.
Dr. Sauce, who has held multiple educational leadership roles in Georgia, steps in during a period of legal and administrative uncertainty. He is described as a reliable and collaborative leader who holds the respect of colleagues throughout the district.
The Georgia Federation of Teachers has criticized the board’s initial decision to hire Horton and has called for legislation to require stricter qualifications for superintendent roles. In an interview with Atlanta News First, DeKalb County parent Phaylicia Murphy commented on the situation, saying, “It's disappointing to know that you can hold those types of positions and be in a position to serve, and instead, potentially looking for a way to serve yourself.”
District officials have not commented further, citing the ongoing legal process.
