Skiatook School Board Accepts Resignation Of Its Superintendent

By Ashli Sims, The News On 6

SKIATOOK, OK -- After a thirty-minute closed door session, the Skiatook Public School board voted unanimously Monday night to vote to accept the resignation of suspended superintendent Dr. Gary Johnson.

The school board accepted Dr. Gary Johnson's resignation "with deep regret," according to a news release from the school district.

The news release went on to say Johnson "has been instrumental in improving the quality of education for our students."

Read the news release

The district accepted a resignation agreement that allows Johnson to remain on paid leave until June 30th. He will receive full pay and benefits until that time.

In a statement through his attorney Dr. Johnson says "at no time prior to the receipt of the School District's independent audit report in March 2009 was I aware of any overcharges from E & E Sales or Austin Security." Johnson goes on to say "I accept responsibility for failing to insure the proper expenditure of School District funds. To all of the patrons of the Skiatook School District I extend my sincerest apologies for that professional failing and the turmoil it has caused."

Read the statement from Dr. Johnson's attorney

"It is the board's belief that this agreement is in the best interests of the Skiatook community," John Priddy, Skiatook school board's attorney, said.

Priddy also said the agreement avoids a "potentially lengthy and very expensive legal battle that would have mot certainly resulted in significant disruption to the educational process."

5/7/2010 Related Story: Skiatook School Board To Consider Resignation Agreement For Superintendent Johnson

The school board suspended Johnson with pay in March.

He came under fire after a state audit revealed Skiatook schools wasted half a million dollars on overpriced goods and services.

He was in charge of purchases and he had ties to the company that was selling the district the overpriced supplies. Johnson has said previously that he had no idea that the district wasn't getting a good deal.

According to the news release from the district, the school board believes "Dr. Johnson is a man of character and integrity, and that these errors were made unintentionally."

Read the resignation agreement

Read the statement from the Skiatook School Board