TERRELL, Texas — The Terrell Independent School District (ISD) Board of Trustees voted to accept Superintendent Michael French's voluntary resignation during a special-called meeting earlier today.
TERRELL, Texas — The Terrell Independent School District (ISD) Board of Trustees voted to accept Superintendent Michael French's voluntary resignation during a special-called meeting earlier today.
The resignation is effective at the latest June 2020 and French has agreed to be reassigned from his superintendent position in the event the district names a new superintendent prior to his resignation.
French's previously amended contract was set to expire in June 2024. He's been with the district since 2013.
"The Superintendent has requested to be afforded the opportunity to resign prior to the remaining 5 years of his contract," Terrell ISD Communications Director Olivia Rice told inForney.com earlier this week.
A previously scheduled public hearing to discuss "payments of funds in excess of the contractual amount" was not held due to the fact that there were no payments in excess of the superintendent's contractual amount approved by the board as part of the voluntary resignation agreement.
Following approximately two hours behind closed doors, the board voted 4-1 to accept French's resignation.
“The District has accomplished the goals that my team set forth six years ago, and I believe my season has come to an end in Terrell ISD,” stated French. “I believe in my heart of hearts that it is time for a new leader to continue the positive momentum.”
"During his six-year tenure with Terrell ISD, French and his team have seen tremendous growth across the District including a student enrollment increase of approximately 700 students; the implementation and expansion of various programs including Dual Credit, Career and Technical Education, and Health Sciences; the opening of multiple new and renovated facilities including Memorial Stadium, Terrell ExCEL, and the Global Leadership Academy; and a significant increase in student achievement and the District’s state accountability rating," read a statement from the district following the board's vote.
“I, along with the Board of Trustees, am very proud of what the District has accomplished over the past six years,” stated Dena Risinger, Terrell ISD School Board President. “We wish Mr. French the best in his future endeavors and thank him for his service to our students and community.”
“I am confident in the future of Terrell ISD,” continued Risinger. “We have a great leadership team in place, and our students, staff, and community have much to celebrate. There are many exciting days ahead for all Terrell Tigers.”
The Board of Trustees will begin the search for a new superintendent in the coming weeks.