DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. — The DeKalb County School board today voted to make interim Superintendent Dr. Norman C. Sauce III the permanent leader of the third largest school district in Georgia.
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“This is far more than a title. It’s a calling. It’s a calling to serve children and strengthen communities. It’s a calling to ensure that each scholar entrusted to our care, are graduates prepared to thrive in life, career, civic engagement, and personal edification.” said Dr. Sauce.
Sauce, former chief of students for the DeKalb County School District and former principal at Chamblee High School was appointed interim leader of the school district last November.
His selection followed the resignation of former superintendent Devon Horton. A federal grand jury in Chicago, indicted Horton on more than a dozen charges including wire fraud, embezzlement, and tax evasion. Authorities say the charges stemmed from a kickback scheme during a period when Horton was superintendent of a Illinois school system.
At a DeKalb School Board meeting Monday, two school board members opposed approving Dr. Sauce as permanent superintendent. Oe of them, Dr. Tiffany Hogan voted against the appointment, saying the selection process was not fair, competitive, or transparent.
“Even though I don’t vote yes for him today, that doesn’t mean that I’m not in support of him. That’s two different things.” said Hogan.
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Another board member, Vice Chair Awet Eyasu, abstained from voting.
“I will do everything that I can to make sure Dr. Sauce is successful without my vote.” said Eyasu.
The board voted 4 to 1 to approve Dr. Sauce’s permanent appointment. He said he was honored and grateful to accept the position.
“Our families send us our greatest treasures each day. We have a profound obligation to relish that promise, as we partner to cultivate their talents and curate their futures.” said Dr. Sauce.
On Monday, Dr. Devon Horton pleaded guilty in an Illinois federal court to three counts of wire fraud, embezzlement, and tax evasion. He faces sentencing in January.
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