Starkville School District board members spent two and a half hours behind closed doors Wednesday before voting unanimously to accept the resignation of superintendent Judy Couey, effective June 30.
In a resignation letter dated April 27, Couey cited “a need and desire” to focus on her health, saying the superintendency “is a demanding job requiring total focus on the position.”
Board president Pickett Wilson declined to further explain Couey”s resignation but said the board did not ask her to resign.
“It”s a personnel matter; it”s confidential,” Wilson said.
She also denied rumors that Couey was barred from district campuses after being placed on administrative leave April 20.
Beth Sewell will serve as acting superintendent, receiving a 15 percent salary supplement for her additional duties. Dr. Walter Gonsulin, assistant superintendent of operations and federal programs, will receive a 10 percent salary supplement.
Couey has served as superintendent of the Starkville School District since July 2008.
Carmen K. Sisson is the former news editor at The Dispatch.
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