State Representatives Karla Drenner, Viola Davis, and Doreen Carter recently called an emergency meeting of the DeKalb House Delegation to address the indictment of DeKalb County School Superintendent Dr. Devon Horton. Rep. Drenner, who chairs the delegation, also announced the formation of a special subcommittee to collect information, review existing state law, and consider new legislation to prevent similar situations in the future.
“Our first obligation is to the students, parents, teachers and taxpayers of DeKalb County,” said Rep. Drenner. “We are committed to working together, with transparency and fairness, to ensure that our school system remains focused on academic excellence and ethical leadership.”
Rep. Viola Davis, vice chair of the delegation, said, “The citizens of DeKalb deserve both answers and action. We will collaborate with the DeKalb County Board of Education to review what went wrong, identify any gaps in oversight and recommend constructive solutions without overstepping our legislative authority.”
Rep. Carter, who will chair the subcommittee, added, “This subcommittee will listen carefully, act thoughtfully and operate transparently. Our community has spoken loudly and clearly — they expect better from all of us entrusted with the care of our children’s education. We are determined to honor that expectation through thoughtful review and meaningful reform.”
The delegation stated that Dr. Horton has not been convicted and is entitled to due process. However, members said their responsibility is to protect the integrity of DeKalb County’s education system and public trust in school governance. The group also reiterated plans to work with the DeKalb County Board of Education, state education agencies, and community members to address policy and oversight gaps.
Rep. Carter will chair the subcommittee, with Reps. Karen Lupton and Billy Mitchell serving as members. Delegation officers Drenner, Davis, and Secretary Long Tran will serve as ex-officio members.
Further updates are expected once the subcommittee completes its review and presents recommendations.
Jon G. Burns was elected to the Georgia State House in 2005 to represent the 159th House District after Ray Holland.
