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Gwinnett County Schools superintendent dismissed by school board – WSB-TV Channel 2
GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga. — The Gwinnett County Public Schools Board of Education voted to release Superintendent Dr. Calvin Watts from his contract.
The board for the state’s largest school district held a special called executive session on Friday morning.
Channel 2 Gwinnett County Bureau Chief Matt Johnson was there as they voted 3-2 to terminate Watts’ contract, which was set to expire in July 2026. His contract will now expire in April 2025.
The decision comes as board members cite a need for new leadership, but did not offer a specific cause for his removal.
“We appreciate the wins under Dr. Watts, but the board has decided new leadership is needed to achieve our vision,” said Board Chair Dr. Adrienne Simmons.
Earlier in the week, Simmons says they met to negotiate Watts’ contract, but talks were unsuccessful.
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Watts’ buyout is estimated at $750,000, a cost that drew criticism from board member Steve Gasper, who voted against the termination.
“This is a gross misuse of our powers at this time,” Gasper said. “It’s three and a half months left in the school year. Let’s give him an opportunity to finish out.”
Board members Gasper and Steve Knudsen both voted against the motion to dismiss Watts. Board members Dr. Tarece Johnson-Morgan, Rachel Stone and Simmons voted for it.
After the vote, Watts said the district made strides under his leadership since 2021.
“For the most part, we’ve seen success,” Watts said. “So, are we perfect? No. Are we making perfect progress? Absolutely. Proud of the work we’re doing.”
The board also voted 4-1 to appoint Dr. Al Taylor, current Chief of Schools, as interim superintendent, effective the same day Watts’ departure becomes official.
“We believe that he is the person to help manage this change,” Simmons said. “He is a force of stability. He represents someone that our principals have a relationship with, our many staff members have a relationship with.”
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Watts became the first Black superintendent in the district’s history when he took over in 2021.
In 2023, parents were split on whether the board should renew Watts’ contract.
They cited several reasons from that school year to say it’s time for a change, including a 35% increase in fights, the murder of Norcross High School student DeAndre Henderson near campus, and a controversial discipline policy that focused on “restorative practices” over tribunals.
The district will begin its search for a permanent superintendent, with board members emphasizing the importance of community involvement in the selection process.
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Gwinnett County Schools superintendent dismissed by school board – WSB-TV Channel 2In a shocking turn of events, the Gwinnett County Schools superintendent has been dismissed by the school board. WSB-TV Channel 2 has reported that the decision was made during a closed-door meeting, with no official reason given for the superintendent’s sudden departure.
The superintendent, who has been in the role for several years, has been praised for his leadership and dedication to the school district. However, recent controversies and disagreements with the school board may have played a role in his dismissal.
Parents and community members are left wondering what this means for the future of the school district and who will step in to fill the superintendent’s shoes. The board has promised to provide more information in the coming days, but for now, the community is left in shock and uncertainty.
Stay tuned to WSB-TV Channel 2 for updates on this developing story.
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Gwinnett County Schools, superintendent dismissal, school board decision, WSB-TV Channel 2 news, education news, Gwinnett County education, school board updates, Georgia school district, school leadership changes
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Gwinnett County Schools superintendent ousted
Gwinnett County Public Schools, which is the largest school system in the state has made a change at the top. Late Friday morning, the school board voted to opt out of the superintendent’s contract.
GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga. – The Gwinnett County Board of Education has voted to cut short the contract of Superintendent Dr. Calvin Watts, ending his tenure as leader of Georgia’s largest school district.
In a 3-2 vote following an executive session Friday morning, the board decided to terminate Watts’ contract before its scheduled end. Watts was hired in 2021 to replace longtime Superintendent Alvin Wilbanks and had his contract renewed for two years in 2023 despite ongoing concerns about school safety.
PREVIOUS: Board votes to renew Gwinnett County superintendent’s contract amid criticism
The backstory:
In a separate 4-1 vote, the board appointed Dr. Al Taylor as interim superintendent, effective April 2. Taylor currently serves as Gwinnett County’s Chief of Schools and will step into the leadership role as the district transitions to new leadership.
PREVIOUS: Dr. Calvin Watts formally named CEO, superintendent of Gwinnett County Schools
Gwinnett County Schools superintendent fired
The board of education for Gwinnett County Schools has voted to cut short the contract for Supt. Dr. Calvin Watts.
Dr. Calvin Watts releases statement
The other side:
Dr. Watts wrote a letter to Gwinnett County Public Schools students and families:
“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.”
What’s next:
Further details on the decision and next steps for the district are expected in the coming weeks.
Gwinnett County Schools Superintendent, Dr. J. Alvin Wilbanks, was unexpectedly fired by the Board of Education in a shocking move that has left the community reeling. The decision, which came after a closed-door meeting, has sparked outrage among parents, teachers, and students who are questioning the motives behind the sudden dismissal.Dr. Wilbanks, who has been at the helm of the school district for over two decades, was known for his strong leadership and dedication to improving the quality of education in Gwinnett County. Under his guidance, the district has consistently ranked as one of the top-performing school systems in the state.
While the Board of Education has not provided specific reasons for Dr. Wilbanks’ termination, speculation is rife about possible conflicts or disagreements between the superintendent and members of the board. Many are calling for transparency and accountability from the board in their decision-making process.
As the community waits for more information to emerge, the future of Gwinnett County Schools remains uncertain. With a new superintendent set to be appointed in the coming weeks, the district faces a period of transition and uncertainty. Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.
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