DEKALB COUNTY, GA — The DeKalb County School Board appointed the district’s next superintendent on Monday, as its former leader prepares to return to federal court in Illinois.

Interim Superintendent Dr. Norman Sauce was approved in a 4-1 vote with one abstention. He was named the finalist last month after serving as interim superintendent since November, following the resignation of former Superintendent Dr. Devon Horton.

Under Georgia law, the name of a superintendent finalist must be made public at least 14 days before a final vote.

Sauce said he is deeply humbled and honored to be considered for the opportunity to continue serving the district’s students, employees, families and communities.

School Board Chair Allyson Gevertz said Sauce has demonstrated steady leadership and a deep understanding of the district.

The board vote came on the same day Horton is due to appear in federal court in Illinois. After initially pleading not guilty, Horton’s attorney says he will change his plea Monday.

Horton faces 17 counts, including wire fraud and tax evasion allegations stemming from his time overseeing a school district outside Chicago. His trial is scheduled to begin Oct. 21.

One of Horton’s co-defendants has pleaded guilty and agreed to cooperate and testify for the prosecution.

Horton resigned from the DeKalb County School District after the allegations came to light in October 2025. He had led the district since July 2023.

Horton is also awaiting trial in DeKalb County on an aggravated assault charge stemming from a domestic incident involving his wife in January.

He was arraigned in September, and a final pretrial hearing in that case is scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 8.

WSB Radio’s Bill Caiaccio, Miles Montgomery, and Ashley Simmons contributed to this story.