InTucker Magazine

New Kid on the Block

Welcome Dr. Devon Horton to DCSD

At a Called Board Meeting on April 19, the DeKalb County Board of Education overwhelmingly selected Dr. Devon Horton as the next superintendent of the DeKalb County School District (DCSD) by a vote of 6-1. Now that the Board has approved him, his contract will be negotiated to include salary, benefits, and an official start date.

Dr. Horton expressed his gratitude for being confirmed as the new DCSD superintendent and reaffirmed his commitment to improving student achievement with integrity and excellence.

“Being chosen as the superintendent of DeKalb County Schools and becoming a part of this vibrant school district and deeply caring community is both humbling and exhilarating,” Dr. Horton said. “Everything I have seen, everything I have learned, and everyone I have met throughout this process have done nothing but solidify my belief that this is a District with a substantial foundation upon which to build. Working with our Board, teachers, students, and many invested community partners, I am confident we will deliver on the promise to provide the finest public education for all students in every school.”

Board Chair Diijon DaCosta, Sr. explained the Board’s support of Dr. Horton’s experience, leadership, and vision to oversee DCSD’s nearly 93,000 scholars and 14,500 employees.

“Throughout the selection process, Dr. Horton stood out as an exceptional candidate. I am confident that he is the right person at the right time to lead our District and ensure that every scholar receives a high-quality education,” Mr. DaCosta said. “As a Board of Education, we remain determined to work together and find consensus to improve on our current challenges while being intentional about building on the successes across our District.”

Dr. Horton is known for his dedication to student success and his ability to unite people to achieve common goals. An education veteran, Dr. Horton has over 23 years of experience and has held various positions throughout his career, including teacher, principal, and school and district administrator. Currently, Dr. Horton serves as superintendent of the Evanston/Skokie School District 65 in Illinois and brings a wealth of experience and governance to the district. Before accepting that leadership role in 2020, he was the chief of schools for Jefferson County Public Schools in Kentucky, with over 100,000 students.

The selection process was extensive and included input from various stakeholders, including staff, parents, students, and community members. The Board of Education received many highly qualified applications and conducted multiple rounds of interviews before announcing Dr. Horton as its sole finalist on April 4.

At its Regular Business Meeting on April 17, the Board extended Dr. Vasanne Tinsley’s contract through June 30, 2023, to ensure a smooth transition for the incoming superintendent. The DeKalb Board of Education wishes to thank Interim Superintendent Dr. Tinsley for her service to our District and her commitment to our scholars and the education profession.