Decatur school board agrees to third-party investigation of district
The City Schools of Decatur board of education voted Thursday to launch a third-party investigation into the district’s operations in the face of mounting public criticism over a lack of transparency and accountability.
Two main issues have roiled residents recently. One is Superintendent Gyimah Whitaker’s use of her husband’s private studio to produce a district-related podcast. The other is the district’s plan to build a $22 million early learning center over public opposition to the project.
Whitaker’s husband, Jason, owns Podium Studios, where he produces the JWhit~ podcast, which describes itself as “social and political commentary from a Christian male perspective.”
Many Decatur residents were upset to learn Jason Whitaker has made inflammatory statements on the show, such as referring to Muslims as “sixth-century goat herders,” stating that transgender people don’t exist and calling Critical Race Theory a “cult.”
“In light of the concerns that have come to our attention, a decision has been made by this board to conduct an independent investigation by a third party,” Chair Carmen Sulton said. “We will provide updates as appropriate.”
Sulton made the comments after the school board met for more than two hours behind closed doors in executive session during a called meeting.
When asked for details about the investigation, such as who will conduct it and how much it will cost, a spokesperson for the school district said those specifics haven’t been determined yet.
Pictures of City Schools of Decatur employees, including Gyimah Whitaker, are posted on Podium’s Instagram account.
Lena Kotler, a parent of transgender children, called the board’s decision to open an investigation “cowardly,” saying they should terminate Whitaker’s contract instead.
“She did not divulge a relationship,” Kotler said. “This is not about the podcast. It is not about her husband’s bigotry. This is about she violated her contract, and she should be fired for cause.”
Gyimah Whitaker’s school district contract includes a clause that says: “(The) Superintendent shall properly notify the board of issues which could result in potential financial or reputational exposure to the district.”
The school district did not make Whitaker available for an interview.
Jason Whitaker posted an apology video in the wake of the controversy.
“The views expressed here on this channel, on this platform, they’re mine,” he said. “They are my views, and my views alone. They’re not my wife’s views, they’re not my family’s views, and sometimes they’re not even my guest’s views. They’re my views, and I take ownership of those views.”
He continued:
“In the process of having civil discord and being able to have those conversations, sometimes people are hurt by things that I say, and that’s never been my intention. So, if you were hurt by anything I said, or anything I said to you was hurtful, or anything I said was hurtful, I do apologize for that, because that’s definitely not my intention.”
Since the controversy erupted, Jason Whitaker has made at least one video private. When questioned by a commenter, Whitaker said he’d received legal advice to do so.
In addition to the podcasting controversy, Decatur residents have questioned the district’s plans to build an early learning center, citing a lack of transparency about funding and construction.
While district officials claim the project is meeting a high demand for early learning, many residents are skeptical. Gov. Brian Kemp recently signed a law requiring a referendum before the district could start working on the center. However, board members have sought alternate ways to fund the project to circumvent the law.
After Thursday’s vote, board member Lorraine Irier said she respects the decision to launch an investigation.
“Our values here in Decatur are to respect diversity and tolerance and this is not a place for hate,” she said. “I’m concerned too as a parent with kids here in the district and we’re trying to do the best we can.”
About the Author
Martha Dalton is a journalist for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, writing about K-12 education. She was previously a senior education reporter at WABE, Atlanta's NPR affiliate. Before that, she was a general assignment reporter at CNN Radio. Martha has worked in media for more than 20 years. She taught elementary school in a previous life.
