Inola school superintendent leaving

INOLA, Okla. (AP) _ The superintendent of Inola schools plans to leave at the end of the school term, even though two years remain on his contract. <br><br>Tom Strickland's resignation comes just as

Saturday, March 30th 2002, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

INOLA, Okla. (AP) _ The superintendent of Inola schools plans to leave at the end of the school term, even though two years remain on his contract.

Tom Strickland's resignation comes just as a state audit of the district is nearing completion. School patrons requested the investigation via the Attorney General's Office last fall.

The audit report could be presented to state auditor Clifton Scott and the AG's office next week.

``We know they (auditors) found a few things here and there,'' school board President Ken Froese said, but the specifics are still unknown. Froese is confident nothing criminal will be found in the audit.

Strickland's contract will not be bought out, Froese said, but the board and Strickland did agree on the timing of his departure.

He will be allowed some time away from school to seek other employment.

The board will rely on the Oklahoma State School Board Association's professional recruiting division to find and interview candidates for the post and submit a narrowed list for the board to consider, Froese said.