The DeKalb County School District has shared with Rough Draft Atlanta the details of the one-year contract with Norman C. Sauce III, interim superintendent of the DeKalb County School District.
Sauce, who previously served as chief of student services, began the interim role Nov. 16, and his contract is valid until Nov. 15, 2026. His contract reveals details about his salary and stipend as interim superintendent, professional review dates, and expectations for his supervision over the district, which serves more than 90,000 students.
In a video released Nov. 19, Sauce spoke about “how truly humbled and honored” he was to take on the role that he began in October when former DCSD superintendent Devon Q. Horton was indicted on 17 charges by the U.S. Attorney for acts he allegedly committed while serving as the superintendent of Evanston-Skokie School District 65 in Illinois. His appointment as interim superintendent marks the sixth time in less than 10 years that DCSD has named a new superintendent.
“Every day I’m inspired by the passion, the dedication, and the heart of our DCSD community,” Sauce said in the three-minute video. “I see it every day in the streets, and my commitment to you, our students, families, and staff, is to lead with integrity, transparency, and an unwavering focus on student success.”
Contract salary and stipend
Sauce’s annual base salary will be paid month-to-month in the amount of $27,083.33, for a base salary of $325,000. The raise equates to about a 67 percent pay bump, with his salary sitting at $218, 565 as student services chief. Sauce will be paid the difference between his salary as chief of student services and interim superintendent from Oct. 10, 2025 to Nov. 15, 2025.
The board also agreed to offer the interim superintendent a monthly expense allotment of $1,500. The contract also calls for Sauce being supplied with the full-time use of an automobile and a driver for business-related travel. Other expenses for professional development and, if requested, security, will also be funded by the board.
Job expectations
By Jan. 31, 2026, the contract said the board and Sauce will meet to discuss the process and procedures involved with serving as interim superintendent and determine whether any changes are necessary.
His duties will include:
• Appointing the administrative and supervisory staff at the level below director, including the instructional and non-instructional personnel;
• Terminating, organizing, and reorganizing the administrative and supervisory staff at the level above director;
• Suggesting policies, rules, and procedures deemed necessary for the well ordering of the district;Â
•Assuming responsibility for the overall financial planning of the district, and for the preparation and submission of an annual budget to the board for review and approval;
If the board decides not to elevate Sauce as permanent superintendent in November 2026, and he’s in good standing, he will remain with the district and be paid the salary he received as chief of student services.