Decatur Superintendent Gyimah Whitaker announces she’ll leave next month
City Schools of Decatur Superintendent Gyimah Whitaker is leaving her position after three years leading the district, an early ending that comes after several particularly tumultuous months.
Whitaker announced her departure during a school board meeting Tuesday, touting a record that she said included improved standardized test scores and more students earning college credit through Advanced Placement courses.
“Our work together shows what is possible when student success remains the unwavering focus,” Whitaker said in a statement. “I thank the board of education for entrusting me with the opportunity to lead in this remarkable community. As I move forward with new opportunities, I am confident that the foundation we have built will serve Decatur students for years to come.”
The school board approved an amended contract during the same meeting. It changes Whitaker’s last day from June 30, 2027, to Dec. 31, 2026. The board tapped Deputy Superintendent Karen Newton-Scott to serve as interim superintendent for the next 18 months.
Whitaker declined a request from The Atlanta Journal-Constitution to comment further. Board Chair Carmen Sulton didn’t immediately respond to a similar request. The AJC has asked for copies of the revised contract and the separation agreement.
The announcement comes weeks after the district wrapped up a third-party investigation of Whitaker’s use of a podcast studio owned by her husband. Some community members were upset to learn Jason Whitaker uses the studio to produce a podcast where he espouses controversial views about marginalized groups, including Muslims and transgender people. Gyimah Whitaker used her husband’s studio to produce district-related podcasts.
The investigation found “insufficient evidence” of wrongdoing. Whitaker has not publicly commented on the investigation or its findings.
The district has faced criticism on other matters, too.
Parents and community members said they were blindsided by a plan to close a K-2 elementary school last year because of declining enrollment. After months of meetings and back-and-forth, the school board decided to shelve the plan.
A proposal to build a new early learning center also was met with opposition, as parents raised concerns about the project and questioned the need for a $22 million building. In September, the board voted to end the project.
Whitaker took over as superintendent in June 2023. She followed Maggie Fehrman, who served as interim superintendent for two years. Fehrman stepped into the role after the turbulent tenure of David Dude, who parted ways with the district in 2021 following allegations he underreported time off and received reimbursements for expenses without providing receipts.
The district says it will launch a national search to find its next superintendent.