DECATUR, Ga. — Eston Melton, City Schools of Decatur’s chief of safety and technology services, is leaving the district, the district announced in a news release.
He’s worked for the district for 10 years and is taking on a new role at The Westminster Schools in Atlanta. His last day is June 15.
Melton praised Superintendent Gyimah Whitaker.
“The work undertaken by Dr. Whitaker and the executive cabinet over the last few years is what made me ready for this new opportunity,” Melton said. “Although I am leaving district employment, my family is happily remaining in Decatur and entrusting the district with my daughter’s continued education.”
Whitaker praised Melton.
“Mr. Melton’s efforts have laid a foundation that consistently delivers enterprise-level solutions to improve student outcomes and enhance institutional security,” Whitaker said. “Through his strategic vision, he transformed IT operations from fragmented systems into cohesive, high-performing environments, providing educators and leaders with real-time insights into student performance and wellness.”
Melton’s most recent work involved AI use in the classroom. Melton began conducting informal discussions regarding AI use in 2023 and developed ethical-use guidelines for employees last year. He collaborated with City of Decatur leaders to create a jointly operated 12-mile fiber optic network that is projected to save $1 million over 20 years. He also secured E-rate funding to improve connectivity districtwide, the news release noted.
He played a crucial role during the COVID-19 pandemic as students switched to virtual learning.
“The Georgia State Board of Education recognized Melton’s agile leadership during the pandemic, naming him one of the few CIOs recognized for innovative remote learning solutions,” the news release said. “He was also selected as an inaugural member of Google for Education’s North American Customer Advisory Board and contributed to the statewide team that developed Georgia’s 21st-century K-12 technology infrastructure standards. Additionally, his peers elected him vice president of the state chapter of the Consortium for School Networking.”
City Schools of Decatur is looking for his replacement.
