The DeKalb County School Board voted 6-to-1 Wednesday to hire Devon Horton, current Superintendent of the Evanston/Skokie School District 65 in Illinois, as the next superintendent of Dekalb County Schools.
Joyce Morley, the only board member to vote against Horton’s selection, called it a “grave mistake,” specifically noting the difference in size between Dekalb and the school district Horton currently leads in Illinois.
The Evanston/Skokie website has 6,500 students and 1,400 employees listed in the district compared to the 92,000 students and 14,000 employees within Dekalb County Schools.
In addition to his current position, Horton has also held leading roles in districts in Louisville, Kentucky and East St. Louis, Illinois.
Morley also referred to the high turnover of superintendents when addressing the board on their vote.
“We always think that the grass is greener on the other side, and what we found out is that when we look for that green grass, it’s artificial turf. It’s not even real,” said Morley.
“But to have the record that’s coming with this guy. Do you hate yourselves and hate the district and the person who’s in there doing the job that badly that you’re willing to sacrifice? Would have this person running your household.”
Republican State School Superintendent Richard Woods had asked the school board to pause the selection process and allow Vasanne Tinsley to continue as the interim superintendent, a sentiment echoed by some at recent town halls.
“I understand, they have a right to feel that way. I think that the whole piece around not knowing, right, the unexpected, it’s always it’s always going to be a factor,” said Horton. “But I will make sure that in a short amount of time, it’s those individuals that is just not sure about the leadership. They’ll see what the board has seen in me as well.”
School Board Chair Diijon DaCosta spoke to reporters after Wednesday’s board meeting. Surrounded by Horton and the other four board members that voted for him, DaCosta explained why he believes that their choice will work out in the long-term.
“We have committed board members that have been elected by their constituents to get the job done,” he said. “And as I am the Chair of the Board, I do give all respect to us because we work collaboratively together, and this is a great relationship.”
The incoming superintendent, who was recently honored with the prestigious 2022 RTM National EdTech All-Star award, says he intends on making himself available to the community to answer any concerns that residents may have regarding his hiring and the state of the school system.
A contract between Horton and the school system still has to be finalized. The expectation is to have Horton on board by July, if not sooner.
