News Summary
Devon Horton, the superintendent of DeKalb County School District, has resigned after being indicted on federal charges related to a kickback scheme. The school board accepted his resignation by a 6-1 vote. Horton, who allegedly embezzled and misused district funds, could face over 10 years in prison. The board plans audits to enhance transparency while Dr. Norman C. Sauce III will serve as the acting superintendent. Georgia lawmakers are also contemplating legislation to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
DeKalb County – Devon Horton, the superintendent of the DeKalb County School District, has resigned from his position after facing federal charges related to a kickback scheme. His resignation is effective November 15, 2025, and the DeKalb County school board voted 6-1 to accept it, with board member Tiffany Hogan casting the lone dissenting vote.
Horton, who has been earning an annual salary of $360,000, will not receive further payments after his resignation date. He was indicted by a federal grand jury on 17 counts, which include wire fraud, embezzlement, and tax evasion. The charges stem from allegations that Horton was engaged in a kickback scheme during his tenure as superintendent of the Evanston-Skokie School District in Illinois.
The indictment accuses Horton of issuing over $280,000 in contracts to three associates and receiving more than $80,000 in kickbacks from 2020 to 2023. The other individuals indicted alongside Horton include Antonio Ross, Samuel Ross, and Alfonzo Lewis, who are claimed to have taken part in the scheme by creating companies that billed for services that were never provided to the involved school districts.
Additionally, Horton is accused of misusing a district purchasing card, stealing over $30,000 for personal purchases, and failing to report kickbacks and personal purchases on his tax returns. If found guilty, he could face more than 10 years in prison based on the significant amounts of money involved and his status as a public official.
Board Actions and Next Steps
The DeKalb County school board has initiated actions in response to the situation by hiring an auditor to scrutinize spending under Horton’s management. They have also authorized a forensic audit of district contracts and purchasing card statements. Board Chair Deirdre Pierce expressed the board’s commitment to transparency and accountability, recognizing the severity of the charges against Horton.
Following Horton’s resignation, Dr. Norman C. Sauce III has been appointed as the acting superintendent of the DeKalb County School District. Horton’s arraignment was initially set but has been postponed until October 23, 2025.
Legislative Response
In light of these events, Georgia state lawmakers are considering potential legislation aimed at preventing similar situations from arising in the future, underscoring the seriousness of the charges and their implications for public trust in educational leadership.
Background Context
Devon Horton began his tenure as the superintendent of the DeKalb County School District after serving in a similar role at the Evanston-Skokie School District. His career has now come under severe scrutiny following the federal indictment. The indictment reveals that Horton allegedly approved fraudulent invoices that concealed kickback payments intended for him, ultimately tarnishing the integrity of the school districts involved.
This incident has raised significant questions about oversight in public education financing and the potential risks of fraudulent activities within school district operations. As the community seeks to understand the ramifications of these events, the board’s efforts to ensure accountability through audits and legislative proposals signify a commitment to restoring faith in the DeKalb County School District.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Access WDUN
- Wikipedia: Kickback
- Richmond Register
- Google Search: DeKalb County School District
- 11 Alive
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Public Education
- Decaturish
- Google News: Georgia school chief resigns
Author: STAFF HERE AUGUSTA WRITER
AUGUSTA STAFF WRITER The AUGUSTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAugusta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Augusta, Richmond County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Arts in the Heart Festival, Westobou Festival, and Masters Week. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce and Greater Augusta Arts Council, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare that power the local economy such as Textron Specialized Vehicles, Cardinal Health, and Nutrien. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAtlanta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
