Longtime Lowndes County School District employee Robert Byrd is out of a job as of Friday afternoon.
Byrd served nearly 20 years with LCSD, including the last four years as assistant principal for Caledonia High School. He also coached 11 seasons of boys basketball with New Hope High School during his tenure.
The board accepted his resignation during a brief executive session during Friday afternoon’s regular meeting, but board attorney Jeff Smith told The Dispatch afterward that Byrd resigned to keep from being fired.
“Mr. Byrd was let go for insubordination (and) for releasing certain confidential matters,” Smith said. “… Rather than having a hearing, he resigned.”
Smith also told The Dispatch CHS principal Andy Stevens served a five-day suspension this week for the “issues” surrounding Byrd.
“Mr. Stevens was his boss, and bosses are responsible for guidance,” Smith said. “(Stevens) wasn’t charged for any wrong. Both waived due process hearings. Dr. Stevens accepted his five-day suspension and has served it.”
As of Friday, Byrd is no longer on the district’s payroll.
Superintendent Lynn Wright would not comment on whether Byrd was forced out of the district.
“He’s resigned,” Wright said. “We appreciated his service to Lowndes County School District.”
Stevens declined to comment on either his suspension or Byrd’s resignation when reached by The Dispatch.
Byrd did not attend Friday’s meeting and could not be reached by The Dispatch by press time.
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