NEW MARTINSVILLE, W.Va. — Following months of controversy in the school district, the Wetzel County Board of Education on Thursday voted to buy out Superintendent Leatha Williams’ contract.
The decision was made during a special meeting, after a closed-door executive session that lasted slightly more than an hour.
Williams’ employment will last through June 30. She will receive about $143,000, according to terms of the agreement.
Board member Carolyn Gatian was the only board member who voted against the measure.
Board President Mike Blair said after Williams signs the buyout agreement, the interim superintendent’s position will be posted Tuesday.
Wetzel County Education Association Co-President Joshua Weekley said the board’s action Thursday was “a very positive, hopeful move.”
The measure comes after several months of tension between Williams and Wetzel County teachers, who have expressed criticism of an increase in assessments at the county’s schools.
The move by the board also comes on the heels of the May 10 election of Warren Grace, Bill Jones and Amy Cooley to the board of education. They will not officially begin their terms on the board until July, but all three expressed disapproval of Williams’ performance and the increase in testing during their campaigns.
Williams said she plans to release a statement today.
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