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DeKalb County School District board discussing superintendent
The DeKalb County School District board is meeting Wednesday to discuss indicted DeKalb superintendent Devon Horton.
DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. - The DeKalb County School Board has accepted the resignation of Superintendent Devin Horton, who was placed on administrative leave earlier this month.
Horton faces multiple federal counts from his previous tenure leading an Illinois school district.
What we know:
The board met in executive session to discuss the personnel matter, before voting in open session on accepting Horton's resignation.
The board vote was 6-1. Tiffany Hogan, who represents District 5, was the lone dissenter.
In addition, the board has authorized a forensic audit of all district contracts and the system's purchasing cards.
What they're saying:
Former DeKalb County School Board member Dr. Joyce Morley says the board made the right call in accepting Superintendent Dr. Devon Horton’s resignation but argues it should have taken effect immediately.
Morley, who served 12 years on the board, said the district rushed Horton’s hiring instead of keeping interim superintendent Dr. Vassant Tinsley in place. "We had someone in place who was moving us and doing what needed to be done," she said. "Sometimes we begin to act out of our hearts and our emotions instead of being objective and looking at what’s best for the children."
Morley said she opposed Horton’s hiring from the start because of concerns about his background and experience. "We knew about former bankruptcies. We also knew about the fact that there was a case going on in Evanston," she said.
SEE ALSO: Ex-board member on Horton: 'We knew about' former bankruptcies,' possible indictments
The backstory:
Horton was placed on paid administrative leave earlier this month after a 17-count indictment was handed down in the Northern District of Illinois. He is accused of wire fraud, honest-services fraud, federal program theft, and tax evasion stemming from his previous tenure leading Evanston/Skokie School District 65.
Horton and several co-defendants were scheduled to appear in court in Chicago on Wednesday, but that appearance was postponed and will be rescheduled after consultation with all parties, according to court records.
PREVIOUS STORIES
- DeKalb superintendent indicted on 17 federal counts in Illinois case; placed on leave
- DeKalb Schools superintendent Dr. Horton’s hiring drew early controversy
- DeKalb Schools names Dr. Norman C. Sauce III interim superintendent after Horton suspension
What's next:
Horton's last official day will be Nov. 15.