Inside Decatur school board vote on superintendent departure
Dr. Gyimah Whitaker (FOX 5)
DECATUR, Ga. - City Schools of Decatur Superintendent Dr. Gyimah Whitaker is stepping down at the end of the year. The School board voted unanimously to amend her contract at its meeting Tuesday night.
Decatur school board vote
What we know:
The Decatur City Schools Board of Education voted unanimously Tuesday night to approve an amendment to Whitaker's employment contract, establishing her final day with the district as Dec. 31. Local news outlet Decaturish first broke the news of the contract change during the board's public meeting.
Deputy Superintendent Dr. Karen Newton-Scott will serve as interim superintendent beginning Jan. 1, 2027. District officials confirmed Newton-Scott will hold the interim post for at least 18 months while the board conducts a national search for a permanent successor.
Record academic performance gains
By the numbers:
Whitaker took the helm of City Schools of Decatur in July 2023, guiding the district to the highest state accountability score in its history under the "All in Decatur" strategic plan, according to the district.
Leaders at the district also say Decatur students routinely outpaced state and regional academic averages while recording some of Georgia's highest math scores.
According to a statement on Tuesday night, Decatur High School achieved a 91% pass rate on Advanced Placement exams as 552 students completed 878 exams. The district's four-year graduation rate also rose to 96.6%, marking an increase of more than 2.5 percentage points over a four-year span.
Departing superintendent reflects
What they're saying:
Whitaker praised local teachers and families while reflecting on the system's classroom accomplishments.
"Serving the students and families of the City of Decatur alongside our high-quality educators has been one of the great privileges of my career," Whitaker said. "I am proud of what our administration and this community have achieved together, raising expectations, expanding opportunities for students, and securing real progress in academic achievement at every level. Our work together shows what is possible when student success remains the unwavering focus. I thank the Board of Education for entrusting me with the opportunity to lead in this remarkable community. As I move forward with new opportunities, I am confident that the foundation we have built will serve Decatur students for years to come."
Complete school board statement
Dig deeper:
The school board released the following statement:
"At the November 10, 2026, Board of Education meeting, Dr. Gyimah Whitaker announced that she will conclude her tenure as superintendent of City Schools of Decatur effective December 31, 2026, with more than three years of service marked by record-setting academic achievement, expanded opportunities for students, and significant progress under the district’s "All in Decatur" strategic plan.
"Serving the students and families of the City of Decatur alongside our high-quality educators has been one of the great privileges of my career," said Dr. Gyimah Whitaker. "I am proud of what our administration and this community have achieved together, raising expectations, expanding opportunities for students, and securing real progress in academic achievement at every level," she continued. "Our work together shows what is possible when student success remains the unwavering focus. I thank the Board of Education for entrusting me with the opportunity to lead in this remarkable community. As I move forward with new opportunities, I am confident that the foundation we have built will serve Decatur students for years to come."
Since assuming leadership of City Schools of Decatur in July 2023, Dr. Whitaker has overseen significant academic progress and improved outcomes across the school system for all students.
"During her tenure, the district achieved its highest state accountability score in history and consistently ranked among the top Georgia school districts. Under Dr. Whitaker’s leadership, student achievement improved, gaps narrowed, and Decatur students outperformed state and regional averages, posting some of Georgia’s highest math scores. Decatur High School’s Advanced Placement exam pass rate reached 91% in 2026, with 552 students taking 878 AP exams, reflecting expanded participation in advanced coursework. At the same time, the district’s four-year graduation rate climbed to 96.6% in 2026, up more than 2.5 percentage points over four years.
"Deputy Superintendent Karen Newton-Scott will step in as interim superintendent beginning January 1, 2027, while the Board of Education conducts a national search for the district’s next permanent superintendent."
Gyimah Whitaker's tenure
The backstory:
Whitaker's departure comes months after district officials launched an independent inquiry into inflammatory remarks her husband made on his podcast regarding Muslims and transgender people. In one podcast episode, he referred to Muslims as "low IQ" and compared them to "sixth century goat herders."
Gyimah Whitaker was named the sole finalist to lead City Schools of Decatur in March 2023, succeeding Maggie Fehrman after more than two decades in education leadership and earning degrees from the University of Pennsylvania and Georgia State University.
During her tenure, Whitaker led districtwide initiatives that included an intensified focus on pedestrian safety and speed cameras in school zones ahead of the 2025–2026 school year.
Her administration faced intense scrutiny in May 2026 after offensive comments about Muslims and transgender individuals surfaced from a podcast hosted by her husband, Jason Whitaker. The remarks sparked parent protests, calls for her resignation, and questions regarding her use of his studio to record district podcast episodes at no charge.
Whitaker publicly distanced herself from the remarks, stating she did not share her husband's views and maintaining that leaders should be evaluated on the merit of their work. The Decatur Board of Education subsequently launched an independent, third-party investigation into the matter.
The inquiry concluded in October 2026 after finding insufficient evidence of wrongdoing, clearing Whitaker of the allegations.
Leadership search questions
What we don't know:
The Board of Education has not announced an official start date or firm timeline for its national search to hire a permanent superintendent.
School officials have also not shared where Whitaker will work next after leaving the system at year's end.
It remains publicly unconfirmed whether the podcast controversy influenced the decision for her to step down.
During Tuesday's meeting, Whitaker noted only that she intends to transition into an educational role where she can impact students on a national scale.
Interim district leadership plans
What's next:
Deputy Superintendent Karen Newton-Scott will take over as interim superintendent on Jan. 1.
School board members plan to begin a nationwide search to select the district's next permanent leader.
The Source: The information in this story was gathered from a press release issued Tuesday by City Schools of Decatur Chief Communications Officer Mikkal Hart Murunga, who distributed details on the superintendent's departure. Previous FOX 5 Atlanta reporting was also used.