EDUCATION + SCHOOLS

Salt Lake City School District is parting ways with its superintendent

Sep 23, 2022, 5:58 PM | Updated: 6:23 pm

(Exterior of the Salt Lake City School District offices. Photo: Paul Nelson)

KSLNewsRadio

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.

#BREAKING @slcschools is parting ways with Superintendent Dr. Timothy Gadson. Expecting an updated statement soon.

There was no discussion. Just a motion approving drafting “a settlement and release agreement.” @kslnewsradio

— Lindsay Aerts (@LindsayOnAir) September 23, 2022

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.

Statement from Salt Lake City School District

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.

#BREAKING. Updated info from @slcschools…who’s Superintendent has now stepped down, and the board has accepted. @kslnewsradio https://t.co/bwJt0DAabD pic.twitter.com/tSYd4kFUQS

— Lindsay Aerts (@LindsayOnAir) September 23, 2022