Sole finalist named for DCSD superintendent position

The DeKalb County School District’s Board of Education approved Dr. Norman C. Sauce III as the sole finalist for superintendent, advancing the interim leader toward the district’s top job after a public debate over how the board conducted its selection.

The action came during the board’s Sept. 14 monthly meeting.

Multiple board members said their concerns centered on transparency and the process rather than Sauce’s qualifications. Board member Diijon DaCosta said the district needs to rebuild public trust and follow best practices that align with the law as well as procedures used by other school systems.

“This is principles over personalities,” DaCosta said, adding that he would abstain from voting on the agenda item because he could not support the process.

After being asked multiple questions by fellow board members, chair Allyson Gevertz said discussion of the process, including evaluation and decision-making, occurred in executive session and that she was not comfortable disclosing those conversations publicly. However, board member Awet Eyasu criticized the lack of an open application process, saying the board could have invited candidates and considered additional names.

Board member Tiffany Hogan asked whether the selection was competitive and how many applications the district received. An attorney advising the board said he was not aware of any applications for the position and said Georgia law does not require a national search.

“We reached this point under extreme duress,” said board member Deirdre Pierce, referencing the resignation of previous DCSD Superintendent Devon Horton last year after being charged with multiple counts of fraud and embezzlement related to his time as the leader of Evanston/Skokie School District 65 in Illinois before coming to DeKalb.

Supporters of the decision to approve Sauce as the sole finalist said they felt he had earned confidence during his interim tenure.

Board member Whitney McGinniss said she surveyed constituents about Sauce and the superintendent search process. More than 100 people responded, she said, and more than 70 percent favored appointing Sauce without conducting a search.

The final vote to name Norman as the sole finalist for superintendent passed 4-3 with Hogan, DaCosta, and Eyasu opposing the decision.

Sauce has served as interim superintendent since November 2025. He was previously the district’s chief of student services, overseeing exceptional education, English language learners, gifted education, and early learning and prekindergarten programs.

His experience at DCSD also includes serving as area superintendent for high schools, regional superintendent, and principal of Chamblee High School.

“I am grateful for the confidence the board has placed in me by selecting me as the sole finalist for superintendent,” said Sauce. “Serving the DeKalb County School District and its students, employees, families, and communities is a tremendous responsibility and an honor. I remain focused on the work ahead and on building a strong future for our District by working together to ensure every student has the opportunity to thrive.”

The board’s final vote on the superintendent position is scheduled to take place on Oct. 5. According to multiple board members, Sauce’s contract with DCSD is set to expire in November.

For more information, visit dekalbschoolsga.org.