School Board Policies Under Fire After Former Superintendent Spending Disclosed

DEKALB COUNTY, GA. — Recent disclosures about spending authorized by former DeKalb County School District Superintendent Dr. Devon Horton have reignited criticism of district policies that allow top administrators wide discretion over taxpayer-funded expenditures.

Records show Horton approved payments totaling $45,000 to a personal acquaintance for a speaking engagement and related book purchases during a district convocation. Under current district policy, expenditures under $100,000 do not require school board approval — a threshold critics say creates unnecessary risk and lacks sufficient oversight.

The spending comes as Horton faces federal charges in Illinois and as DeKalb County Schools conduct a forensic audit to determine how much district money was spent during his two-year tenure. Community watchdogs argue the issue highlights long-standing governance gaps rather than an isolated incident.

“This isn’t just about one payment or one person,” said Joel Edwards of Renew DeKalb, a group focused on accountability and responsible use of public funds. “It’s about policies that allow unchecked authority over taxpayer money.”

When Horton was hired, the school board was aware he was under federal investigation, raising further questions about why additional financial safeguards were not implemented. In response to inquiries, district officials confirmed the board approved an external audit following Horton’s resignation, citing a commitment to transparency and accountability.

Advocates say repeated leadership turnover and financial controversies have damaged public trust in the district. They are calling for revised spending policies, lower approval thresholds, and stronger oversight to prevent similar situations in the future.

As the audit continues, community members say meaningful reform will be necessary to restore confidence and ensure public funds are protected.