DeKalb County Schools Chief Indicted, Placed on Leave

The superintendent of DeKalb County Schools, Dr. Devon Horton, has been placed on paid administrative leave following his indictment on criminal charges in Illinois related to an alleged kickback scheme. The DeKalb County Board of Education announced this decision on March 14, 2024, shortly after receiving notification of the federal indictment against Horton.

Board chair Diedre Pierce expressed concern regarding the allegations but stated, “While we cannot comment on confidential personnel matters, we are concerned by these allegations.” The indictment stems from Horton’s previous role as the superintendent of the Evanston/Skokie School District 65, where the U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois has formally filed charges against him.

The board leaders, Sergio Hernandez and Dr. Nichole Pinkard, noted that the district had been aware of the ongoing investigation and had fully cooperated with federal authorities. In a joint statement, they expressed that the district is “deeply troubled and angered by these allegations.” They are currently reviewing the indictment with their legal counsel and plan to provide further updates once the review is complete.

Leadership Transition and Community Impact

In light of the situation, DeKalb County officials have appointed Dr. Norman C. Sauce III as acting superintendent to ensure that school operations continue without interruption. The board reassured the community that “our leadership and staff remain focused on providing a safe, supportive, and high-quality education for every student.”

Horton’s attorney, Terence Campbell of the Chicago firm Cotsirilos, Poulos & Campbell, defended his client, describing him as “a leader of integrity.” Campbell highlighted that Horton has served DeKalb County Schools honorably and pointed to improvements in graduation rates, attendance, and student performance under his leadership. He emphasized that the allegations relate to conduct from years ago and are not connected to Horton’s successful tenure in DeKalb.

“Dr. Horton looks forward to addressing this case in court and returning to his work improving education for children,” Campbell added.

Previous Controversies and Background

Dr. Horton, who began his role in DeKalb County in 2023, has faced controversy in the past. In 2021, a civil rights lawsuit was filed by a drama teacher from Evanston/Skokie, Stacy Deemar, accusing Horton of promoting race-based programming that allegedly created divisions among staff. Deemar claimed that the district’s equity initiatives portrayed “whiteness as inherently racist” and included practices such as segregated meetings and hiring quotas.

As this situation unfolds, the DeKalb County community is left grappling with the implications of these allegations against their school leader. The board’s commitment to transparency and continued educational quality will be crucial in maintaining public trust during this challenging time.