DeKalb County Board of Education approves Norman C. Sauce III as interim superintendent

DEKALB COUNTY, GA – Dr. Norman C. Sauce III has been appointed interim superintendent of the DeKalb County School District (DCSD) effective Nov.16, the DeKalb Board of Education announced today (Nov. 14).

“Our Board was pleased to extend Dr. Sauce a one-year contract,” Board Chair Deirdre Pierce said in a news release. “The move ensures stable leadership and continuity in the district’s progress. Over the past month, Dr. Sauce has demonstrated strong leadership, a clear vision for student success, and a commitment to transparency and collaboration. Formalizing his role through a contract provides the consistency needed to maintain momentum on key initiatives, support our schools and staff, and keep the district moving forward together in service of students, families, and staff.”

Since 2023, the district has achieved significant gains in academic performance, graduation outcomes, and staff retention, the board said. This year, DCSD reached a historic graduation rate of 81.4%, with four schools achieving a perfect 100%, and students outperforming both state and national averages on the ACT. The district also saw a 47% increase in newly identified gifted students and a notable reduction in disproportionality by ethnicity and special programs.

In addition, DCSD recorded the fewest staff vacancies in years, reflecting strong employee engagement and stability. To support digital learning, the district launched one of the nation’s largest technology initiatives, distributing more than 110,000 student devices to expand equitable access. Together, these accomplishments underscore DCSD’s ongoing commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and student success.

“I am deeply humbled and honored by the Board of Education’s confidence in appointing me as Interim Superintendent of DCSD,” Dr. Sauce said.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to serve our students, families, and staff in this new role. I look forward to continuing the vital work of advancing academic excellence and student success. With the Board’s support and the dedication of our talented educators and staff, we will move forward together, building on the strong momentum already underway across the district.”

Highlights of Dr. Sauce’s career as a teacher, coach, assistant principal, principal, and district administrator with more than 26 years in public education include:

• Served as DCSD’s Chief of Student Services for 20 months, overseeing and supporting the Departments of Exceptional Education, English Language Learners, Gifted Education, and Early Learning and Pre-K.
• Served as Area Superintendent for High Schools during most of the 2023–24 school year, supervising principals and Area team focused on academics and school climate across 22 of DeKalb’s high schools.

• Led as Region IV Superintendent during the 2022–23 school year, providing leadership and support to 17 schools and centers, supervising principals, and guiding a Micro-Cabinet team to advance student success throughout the region.
• Held executive leadership roles in the Griffin-Spalding County School System for 5.5 years, serving as Executive Director of Student Support Services and Executive Director of Elementary Education.
• Served as principal of Chamblee High School in DeKalb County and as an elementary principal in Fulton County Schools for a combined five years.
• Began his career as a social studies teacher, coach, and assistant principal in Southern California, where he was recognized as Teacher of the Year.

Dr. Sauce’s leadership experience includes completing The Forum for Educational Leadership’s Superintendent Development Program and the District Office Professional Development Program with the Georgia School Superintendents Association. A first-generation college graduate, he earned his bachelor’s degree from California State University, Long Beach, a master’s from the University of California, Los Angeles, and a doctorate from the University of Southern California.

Dr. Sauce has published works on educational inclusivity, leadership, and school performance, including The Distinguishing Characteristics of a High-Performing Urban School, contributions to And Justice for ELs, and research featured in Education California. He has also presented at numerous state conferences and university courses, including at his alma mater.

Dr. Sauce was vetted prior to this appointment. This comprehensive process included a full background check, verification of professional credentials, review of credit history, and confirmation of eligibility for the district’s bonding and insurance policies.

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