What DeKalb Schools superintendent indictment means for Brookhaven

DeKalb County Schools Superintendent Devon Horton has been indicted on wire fraud, embezzlement and tax fraud charges related to his time leading an Illinois school district, and state officials are already calling for his removal.

The indictment leaves in doubt the future of a district-wide redistricting process that could close schools, change programs and reassign thousands of children across DeKalb. Brookhaven families were unlikely to see closures, but could be assigned to different schools or see popular programs changed or eliminated.

What Horton is accused of

The indictment accuses Horton of taking kickbacks from companies owned by his friends in exchange for awarding them school district contracts. (Horton later tried unsuccessfully to hire one of the friends for a role in DeKalb.) He's also accused of stealing thousands of dollars from the district to pay for personal meals and travel expenses — and of cheating on his taxes. Horton’s attorney has said the charges are “unfounded and unrelated” to his work in DeKalb.

The board knew

Few of the allegations are new: The DeKalb school board was aware of allegations that Horton had awarded contracts to his friends when they hired him in 2023.

“Everything that the media, the public has perceived has been consulted with our attorneys,” then-board chair Diijon DaCosta told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution at the time. “And as far as we know at this point, those are just allegations.”

What happens now

The board has placed Horton on paid leave. Norman Sauce III, previously DeKalb's chief of student services and a former principal of Chamblee High School, was sworn in as interim superintendent Friday.

Sen. Emanuel Jones (D-Decatur) called Friday for Horton to resign and for board members to be "held accountable" for their recent decision to extend Horton’s contract and increase his salary if they knew about the allegations. The school board member representing Brookhaven, Andrew Ziffer, was not in office when Horton was hired. He did vote in favor of Horton’s contract extension and raise.

What it means for redistricting

Before the indictment, the board was expected to consider recommendations related to the redistricting process, called the Student Assignment Project, early next year.

Sarita Smith, who leads the project, has close ties to Horton. She served as student assignments manager in Horton’s previous district. She also served as a financial pass-through for payments Horton owed his previous district connected to the costs of hiring a new superintendent.

A Student Assignment Project community meeting scheduled for Thursday night was canceled without notice or explanation.

🎬 Free Animated Movies
Saturday, Oct. 11 | 10:30 a.m.-8:30 p.m.
LOOK Cinema Brookhaven, 1004 Town Blvd.
ASIFA-South, the regional arm of an international association that works to bridge divides through animated films, is celebrating International Animation Day with a free day of screenings, including content for adults and kids.

🦆 10th Annual Duck Duck Goose 5K
Saturday, Oct. 11 | Race starts at 8 a.m.
Murphey Candler Park
The 10th Annual Duck Duck Goose 5K and one-mile fun run supports the Murphey Candler Park Conservancy. Come run, rain or shine! Fun run starts at 8:30 a.m.

👮 Faith & Blue Health, Wellness and Community Fair
Saturday, Oct. 11 | 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Northeast Plaza, 3267 Buford Highway NE
Join the Brookhaven Police Department and local organizations for a family-friendly event. Free health screenings, fitness, nutrition and mental health resources, music, games and snacks. Free and open to the public.

Want to see your event featured? Email [email protected]

🥤 “Dirty Sodas” Coming to Brookhaven
Cambridge Square Shopping Center, Ashford Dunwoody Road at Johnson Ferry Road
The McDonald’s at the Cambridge Square shopping center will be replaced by a Swig location, part of a Utah-based chain of stores that sell “dirty sodas,” or soft drinks mixed with cream and flavored syrups, ToNeTo Atlanta reports.

🎨 Sip & Paint Brunch
Sunday, Oct. 12 | Noon
Piraye Kitchen & Bar, 3575 Durden Dr NE Suite 201
Bring your “vibe and creativity” for a sip & paint brunch, and be ready for surprise giveaways. DM Piraye to reserve your spot. Seats are limited.

🍦 Southern Custard Flavors
Fri: Fluffernutter
Sat: Chocolate Cookie Monster
Sun: Lemon Cream
Mon: Butterscotch Chip
Tues: Black Raspberry
Wed: Fudge Mint Oreo
Thurs: Butterfinger

Want to see your food or restaurant event featured? Email [email protected]

Brookhaven News Now is powered by residents like you! Share this newsletter with a neighbor to help us grow.