Nelson Co. superintendent resigns; board creates a new administrative position for him at same salary and most benefits through next June 30; acting schools chief to be named
Kentucky Standard, Bardstown, July 21, 2017
Orr resigns
Nelson County Schools Superintendent Anthony Orr resigned his position Thursday evening, effective July 31, but will remain part of the school system in some fashion.
At a special-called meeting of the Nelson County Board of Education, Orr handed representatives of the media a resignation letter.
“When I was hired just over seven years ago, I was given a mission by the members of the board of education to move the Nelson County Schools forward on behalf of our children and our community,” he wrote.
“While there is still room for growth, we have come a long way. At the same time, the board has grown and changed and has a new direction in view. As is often the case, a new direction requires new leadership. I understand that and choose to resign my duties as superintendent effective at the close of business July 31, 2017. I retain my right to continued employment as a tenured, certified employee of the Nelson County Schools, and await reassignment to other duties.
“I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to learn, grow, and lead in Nelson County. The people in the Nelson County Schools and community have made our growth possible. Thank you for the investment you make in children every single day. As you continue to put children first, you will continue to grow as a school district and a community.”
Orr handed the media his resignation letter after the school board approved entering an agreement and approved the creation of a Director of Process, Research and Improvement position in under a minute with no public discussion, before entering closed session.
The meeting started at 5 p.m. and at 5:40 p.m., the board returned from closed session with no comment. Copies of the agreement and job description were presented to media representatives and can be viewed below.
According to the agreement, the district created the director position and duties for Orr in exchange for his agreeing to resign. Orr shall be appointed to the position effective Aug. 1 and shall report directly to the Chief Operating Officer. His position term will end June 30, 2018.
According to the agreement, Orr shall provide monthly reports of research and information directly related to the process of improvement for the district, work that is “normally contracted for with outside providers.”
Pursuant to the agreement, Orr’s current salary and benefits present in his superintendent contract shall continue through June 30, 2018, as long has he is still employed with the district, though he will not be provided a vehicle or fuel benefit. If Orr leaves district employment before Jan. 1, 2018, he will be provided additional payment or compensation for relocation expenses for $25,000, the agreement states. Compensation for the same will decrease if he leaves after that date.
Following Thursday’s meeting, attorney Terry Geoghegan issued a statement on behalf of the Board of Education.
“We are deeply thankful for Anthony Orr’s service. We appreciate his strong efforts over the past seven years for our district, and everyone in the school system desires to put the children of our county first and continue for us to grow as a school district and a community,” Geoghegan said.
The board made not other comments and Orr did not return to the room following the closed session. Board member Damon Jackey was not present.
A special called meeting will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 22, 2017 at the Central Office to name an acting superintendent.
Posted: Friday, July 21, 2017