ÌÇÐÄvlog

The DeKalb County Board of ÌÇÐÄvlog will consider naming Dr. Norman C. Sauce III as the finalist for Superintendent of the DeKalb County School District (DCSD) during its monthly meeting on Monday, September 14, 2026.

The item is included on the Board’s meeting agenda for consideration and a vote. If approved, Dr. Sauce would become the finalist in the Board’s search for the district’s next permanent superintendent. Under the Georgia Open Records Act, O.C.G.A. § 50-18-72(a)(11), the name of a finalist must be made public at least 14 calendar days before the meeting at which a final vote is taken. The Board’s final vote on the appointment is expected to take place October 5, 2026.

“This is a significant moment for the DeKalb County School District and the students, families, employees, and communities we serve,” said Board Chair Allyson Gevertz. “The Board has carefully considered the leadership qualities and experience needed to guide our District forward. We look forward to continuing this important process and to making a decision that reflects our commitment to providing strong, stable leadership for DCSD.”

Dr. Sauce has served as the district’s interim superintendent since November 2025, leading the organization through a period of transition while focusing on student achievement, operational excellence and community engagement.

“I am deeply humbled and honored to be considered for this opportunity to continue serving the students, employees, families, and communities of the DeKalb County School District,” Dr. Sauce said. “DeKalb is a remarkable school district with extraordinary potential, and I remain committed to working forward together alongside our dedicated employees and community to build on our strengths, address our challenges, and ensure that every student has the opportunity to succeed.”

The Board of ÌÇÐÄvlog meeting will take place Monday, September 14. The meeting agenda and additional information are available through the DeKalb County School District website. More details are expected to follow the Board’s meeting.

A District Still Recovering From Leadership Turmoil

Monday’s vote comes less than a year after DCSD’s last permanent superintendent, Dr. Devon Horton, resigned amid federal fraud charges — turmoil that set the current search into motion.

On Wednesday, November 12, 2025, the DeKalb County Board of ÌÇÐÄvlog voted 6-1 to accept Horton’s resignation, effective November 15, 2025. Board member Melanie Slaton cast the lone vote against the decision.

Horton’s resignation followed a federal indictment alleging he had accepted kickbacks on contracts while serving as superintendent of a small school district in a Chicago suburb, prior to joining DeKalb County Schools.

“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,” then-Board Chair Deirdre Pierce said at the time. “We recognize the seriousness of the situation and remain committed to transparency, accountability, and maintaining public trust. While there will be changes ahead, please know that the Board remains fully committed to our ongoing work, including key initiatives such as the Student Assignment Project (SAP), and providing a high-quality education for all students.”

Horton was relieved of his duties the Thursday before the board vote. The following day, the district appointed Dr. Norman C. Sauce III as interim superintendent.

“The board has full confidence in Dr. Sauce’s leadership during this transition,” Pierce added at the time. “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.”

Alongside accepting Horton’s resignation, the school board voted unanimously, 7-0, to authorize a forensic audit of district contracts and Horton’s purchasing card (P-card) statements. The audit was intended to ensure full transparency and accountability across the district’s spending and procurement processes. In a statement to parents at the time, the Board promised a seamless leadership transition.

What Comes Next

If the Board votes to name Dr. Sauce the finalist on September 14, state law requires a mandatory 14-day waiting period before a final vote can be taken, positioning the Board’s anticipated final decision for October 5, 2026. Results of the forensic audit into Horton’s tenure have not been publicly released.