(Exterior of the Salt Lake City School District offices. Photo: Paul Nelson)
SALT LAKE CITY — The Salt Lake City School District announced it is parting ways with its superintendent, Timothy Gadson, during a board meeting Friday evening.
The board meeting lasted all of five minutes. There was no discussion, simply a motion requesting that a memorandum of understanding is updated based on what was agreed on in mediation. Additionally, the motion calls for the board’s council to draft a settlement and release agreement.
Gadson has been at odds with the board over an unresolved dispute stemming from a trip he took and some recent hires.
He was placed on leave in July. The two parties agreed to mediation in the months since.
The NAACP of Utah has alleged that Gadson, who is the district’s first-ever black superintendent, has faced racial harassment and discrimination from the board.
The school district issued a statement regarding Gadson’s departure.
“Dr. Timothy Gadson asked the Board to accept his resignation from the position of Superintendent of the Salt Lake City School District, effective October [first], citing personal reasons,” the district wrote.
Salt Lake City School District says it accepted Gadson’s resignation but has asked him to remain on as a consultant through the term of his contract.
Furthermore, the district says there has been no finding of any wrongdoing from Gadson, despite public speculation.
Gadson will be taking personal time next week while the agreement is made final.
Devin Oldroyd contributed to this article.