DeKalb schools superintendent appointed to county development authority seat

Nicole Messiah, District 3 county commissioner and chair of the Planning, Economic Development and Community Services (PECS) Committee, opened the committee’s consideration of item 2025-0924 and introduced an interview with Devon Horton, superintendent of the DeKalb County School District, as a nominee for Post 3 on multiple county development authorities.

Horton described his three years as superintendent and said he views economic development and schools as interrelated, arguing the county and school system can partner on housing, shelters and workforce opportunities tied to school sites and surplus real estate. He noted the district’s student assignment planning and the likelihood of consolidations that could create real estate opportunities for county partnership.

Committee members asked how Horton would advise the development authority on education-related priorities. Horton suggested applying the district’s community-engagement models, including broad stakeholder groups and interactive tools such as ThoughtExchange, and said the district could bring perspective on housing stability, food access and teacher housing needs when the authority reviews projects.

After questions from Commissioners Long Spears, Terry, Patrick and Ladina Bolton, the committee moved and approved the appointment by voice vote. The motion recommended that Dr. Horton be appointed to Post 3 of the DeKalb County Development Authority, Post 3 of the Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly Authority, and Post 3 of the Private Hospital Authority (agenda item 2025-0924).