Bradley County School Director Johnny McDaniel said Friday that an agreement has been reached in his termination from the school system.
Mr. McDaniel said, "I want to thank the people of Bradley County who have demonstrated an outpouring of support for the good work we have done in Bradley County Schools during these past eight years. It has been a joy for me to work for the school board in serving the children, parents, teachers, and staff of this outstanding school system.
"Over the past two years, it has become clear to me that I do not share a common philosophical view of public education, instructional support, and teacher benefits with several of the current school board members. In my role as Superintendent, to be effective, I must stand with a majority of our school board, and they with me. It has become apparent to me that this is not the situation under which I work with at this time.
"I have come to believe that it is the best interest of all concerned for me to leave Bradley County Schools. I accept this buyout agreement for the remainder of my contract. I want a smooth and orderly transition between my leadership and a new director of schools. It has been my privilege to work with great schools, leaders, teachers and support staff, and I want the very best for all of them. I want our children to be successful learners every day, and to ultimately graduate form high school 'college and career ready' - ready for their next steps in life as productive and responsible citizens.
"I thank the many supporters of public education in our Bradley County Community. Thomas Jefferson said, 'If a nation expects to be ignorant and free... it expects what never was and never will be.' Our investment in public education continues to keep our nation and our community strong and competitive in this ever-changing world."
The end of employment agreement specified the original contract, which was a four-year contract to end on June 30, 2016, will instead end on March 1, 2015. Mr. McDaniel will receive his regular monthly salary and monthly automobile entitlement, in addition to compensation into his retirement plan and health insurance for Mr. McDaniel and his wife, until June 30, 2016.