ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) - Parents whose children attend DeKalb County schools held nothing back after finding out Superintendent Dr. Devon Horton had been indicted on fraud charges in Illinois.
Some parents called the indictment nothing out of the ordinary.
"Honestly there is so much going on in the district right now, that this is just one of the things that is news today," said parent Jeannette Fusia.
Court documents show Horton's charges stem from his time as a school superintendent in a Chicago suburb from 2020 to 2023. Documents accuse Horton of scheming to defraud his former school district of money and property with his alleged friends.
"It's disappointing to know that you can hold those types of positions and be in a position to serve, and instead, potentially looking for a way to serve yourself," said parent Phaylicia Murphy.
Parents said they had a hint of that information before Horton started in 2023.
In an April 2023 Facebook post, school board member Allyson Gevertz wrote the board had been aware of litigation involving Dr. Horton, but the board decided to move forward.
The indictment "almost makes it feel like there's something going on that's bigger," said Fusia, "I'm wondering what else is going to be uncovered in this process."
Murphy said she was unhappy with how management concerns at Smoke Rise Elementary School were being handled.
"I've not been a fan, just in terms of some of the things that I've specifically encountered with him, some of the challenges that we faced at our local school and how it was handled," said Murphy.
In 2024 Atlanta News First reporting partner Decaturish, reports the district responded to parents they will continue to monitor events at Smoke Rise.
"And expecting the district, the superintendent to lead by example, and this information just does not lend well because he also lives in the community," said Murphy.
Atlanta News First went to Dr. Horton's home to see if he would want to talk address the indictment and see if he'd want to chat about parents' concerns. However, no one answered the door.
"Dr. Horton has served the DeKalb County School District honorably and with the highest integrity over the past few years as Superintendent," said Dr. Horton's attorney, Terence Campbell. "Under his leadership in DeKalb County, graduation rates have gone up, student attendance has risen, student performance has improved, and hundreds of teacher vacancies have been filled with high-quality educators."
Campbell said, "The allegations in Chicago relate to conduct that is several years old and have nothing whatsoever to do with his very successful work on behalf of the students, families, and teachers in DeKalb County. Dr. Horton is eager to address his case in court so he can return his focus to bettering the lives and education of children, which has been his passion throughout his professional career."