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Decatur Schools Superintendent Gyimah Whitaker to Depart After Three Years, Board Approves Contract Modification
Superintendent Gyimah Whitaker announced her departure at a Nov. 10 school board meeting, hours after the board unanimously approved a contract modification and resolution agreement. Deputy Superintendent Karen Newton-Scott will serve as interim for 18 months while a search is conducted.
DECATUR, Ga. â City Schools of Decatur Superintendent Gyimah Whitaker is leaving the district after three years, announcing her departure at a Nov. 10 Board of Education meeting in a move that came just moments after the board unanimously approved a contract modification and resolution agreement with her.
The district did not specify whether Whitaker is resigning or whether the board is ending her contract. The board took its vote on the agreement immediately before Whitaker delivered her superintendent's report, according to meeting coverage.
Whitaker, who was hired in 2023, framed her departure as a transition to work on student outcomes at a national level. "For over two decades, I have committed to improving access and exceptional education and creating sustainable outcomes for every student," she said in her announcement. "My core values as a leader, equity, leadership and engagement have guided my professional journey and will continue to do so as I transition to enhancing student outcomes nationally. City Schools of Decatur is a special place defined by a diverse community with shared pride in our schools."
The announcement follows the conclusion of an investigation into Whitaker's use of a podcast studio owned by her husband. That inquiry found insufficient evidence of wrongdoing. Whitaker also oversaw the district's pursuit of a controversial Early Childhood Learning Center project, which the district ultimately abandoned while exploring alternatives.
Board Chair Carmen Sulton praised Whitaker's tenure. "Dr. Whitaker has done everything this board has asked of her when we hired her," Sulton said. "We recognize and appreciate the time, energy, and effort Dr. Whitaker has devoted to our district and the important role she has played in serving our students, staff, and families. We wish Dr. Whitaker the very best in the next chapter of her life and her professional career."
Deputy Superintendent Karen Newton-Scott, who has worked in City Schools of Decatur for 30 years in a range of roles, will serve as interim superintendent for 18 months while the board searches for a permanent replacement. The extended interim period gives the board time to conduct a search while maintaining continuity in a district known for its diverse community and strong parental engagement.
The leadership change comes at a sensitive moment for the district, which had drawn community attention over both the podcast studio inquiry and the now-shelved early childhood project. Parents and staff will be watching closely for how the board handles the transition and whether the search process includes meaningful community input.