CSD superintendent under investigation
The superintendent of City Schools of Decatur (CSD) is under investigation following a special called meeting by the district’s board of education, held May 28.
After spending more than two hours in executive session (all CSD Board members were present except James Herndon), CSD Board Chair Carmen Sulton made the following statement before adjourning the meeting:
“In light of concerns that have come to our attention, a decision has been made by this board to conduct an independent investigation by a third party. We will provide updates as appropriate.”
No details were given by board members during the meeting about who was under investigation or why, but CSD Superintendent Gyimah Whitaker released her own statement after the meeting, making clear she was the person of interest in the inquiry.
“I understand the board of education has determined an inquiry is necessary, and I respect that process,” Whitaker said, in part. “I welcome a fair, thorough, and timely review because our students, staff, families, and community deserve clarity. I will cooperate fully and provide any information needed to ensure the facts are understood. At the same time, my unwavering dedication remains focused on serving all children, all families, and all staff as your superintendent.”
The investigation comes just weeks after Decaturish published articles about a controversy over podcasts featuring the superintendent and her husband. “The meeting was called after parents learned that Gyimah Whitaker’s podcasts were recorded at a studio owned by her husband, Jason. His podcast, The JWhit~ Podcast, espoused negative views toward Muslim and transgender people,” the Decaturish article states.
Some community members have also expressed concerns that CSD funds may have been used to record the superintendent’s podcasts at her husband’s studio.
In response to these allegations, Whitaker said, in part, “leaders must be judged by the merit of their work and the content of their character, not by their spouse’s personal views. Marriage is a partnership, not a mandate for identical thinking. I don’t agree with my husband’s political and social views. Every child and every member of our community deserves to be safe, seen, and successful.”
Before the special called meeting, a group of teachers, parents and students took place in a virtual meeting followed by a protest at Electric Avenue and West Trinity Place – the location of a proposed Early Childhood Learning Center that has also been the center of controversy for the school district.
Protestors held signs, some calling for the dismal of Whitaker, while others asked for more equity and transparency.
“We are calling for independent oversight and renewed community-centered leadership following ongoing controversies surrounding district financial decisions, public communication practices, and concerns about how families, students, and educators are being heard and represented,” stated the organizers of the virtual meeting.
Some of the group’s demands discussed during the meeting included a full independent investigation into CSD financial practices and expenditures as well as a public recommitment to diversity, equity and inclusion policies.
This is a developing story.
