Gwinnett BOE ousts Superintendent Calvin Watts, ending contract early effective April 1

GWINNETT COUNTY, GA—The Gwinnett County Board of Education (BOE) has decided to cut ties with Superintendent Calvin J. Watts, who became the first black superintendent of Georgia’s largest school district when he was appointed in July 2021. 

The decision to end Watts’ contract, effective April 1, 2025, came after a special executive session on Friday, Jan. 31, in which the board voted 3-2 to terminate his leadership early. His contract was set to expire in July 2026. 

The board did not state a reason for Watts’ termination with  BOE Chair Adrienne Simmons only  saying that new leadership is needed to move the school district forward.  Simmons and board members Tarece  Johnson-Morgan and Rachel Stone voted for Watt’s dismissal, while  board members Steven B. Knudsen and Steve Gasper voted against the move.

Gasper voiced concern over Watts’ buyout estimated at $750,000, calling it an inappropriate use of district resources.

“This is a gross misuse of our powers at this time,” Gasper told WSB-TV. “It’s three and a half months left in the school year. Let’s give him an opportunity to finish out.”

There were several reasons that some Gwinnett County parents cited that it was time for new leadership, among them a 35 percent rise in school fights this year, the murder of Norcross High School student DeAndre Henderson near campus, and a controversial discipline policy that focused on “restorative practices” over tribunals.

Despite the district’s challenges, Watts, who worked for the school district from 2001 to 2014 before becoming superintendent in 2021, maintained that his focus has been on ensuring long-term success for students. He wrote a letter to the students and families regarding his departure following the school board’s decision:

“I am writing to share an important update regarding the future of Gwinnett County Public Schools (GCPS). In a 3-2 vote this morning, the Gwinnett County Board of Education (BOE) decided that new leadership is needed to move our district forward. Based on my contract, I will continue to serve as our superintendent until April 1, 2025.  

“To ensure a seamless transition, the BOE has appointed Dr. Al Taylor, Chief of Schools, as interim superintendent, effective April 2, 2025. Dr. Taylor has served in GCPS since 2002; he has spent his entire educational career in Gwinnett. Dr. Taylor will serve as interim superintendent through April 2, 2026, or until the board hires a permanent superintendent. In support of Dr. Taylor’s successful transition to interim superintendent, I am committed to continuing to work with Dr. Taylor and supporting him. 

“During this time, our teachers, principals, staff, and district leaders will remain steadfast in delivering the high-quality education and support each and every student deserves. 

“Please know it has been my absolute honor and privilege to serve GCPS from 2001-2014 and as our superintendent since July 2021. I look forward to continuing to serve our students, families, staff, and community over the next 60 days. 

“I want to assure you that this transition will not impact the daily operations of our schools or the quality of education students receive. The success and well-being of each and every student remains our top priority.” 

BOE Chair Adrienne Simmons issued the following  statement regarding Watts’ removal:  

“As a board, we are charged with establishing vision, which entails looking forward and not solely backward. We appreciate the wins that we have accomplished as a district with Dr. Watts. In light of our vision, the board has determined that new leadership is needed at the helm. Our vote represents the pursuit of sustaining the success of GCPS learners while enhancing educational outcomes, particularly for multilingual learners, students receiving special education services, and students from low-income families. I want to reassure our community that the success of the district as a whole is our priority, and we made a choice that we believe is in the best interest of each and every student. Dr. Al Taylor has our full support as interim superintendent. We look forward to engaging stakeholders in a transparent, nationwide superintendent search in the months ahead.”

The BOE will begin the search for a permanent superintendent with a focus on transparency and community engagement. Details of the search process, including opportunities for public input, will be shared in the coming months.

The board has appointed Al Taylor, Chief of Schools, as interim superintendent, effective April 2. Taylor will serve as interim superintendent through April 2, 2026, or until the board hires a permanent superintendent 

Taylor has served in GCPS since 2002 and has spent his entire educational career in Gwinnett. Prior to his current position, he held positions as a middle and high school teacher, a high school assistant principal, a middle and high school principal, and a middle school assistant superintendent. He also served as an adjunct professor at Piedmont University, where he taught a myriad of graduate-level courses. Taylor holds a bachelor’s degree in business education from Georgia Southern University, a master’s degree in educational leadership from Georgia State University, and a doctoral degree in Educational Policy Studies also from Georgia State University.