County School Board Votes To Accept Offer Of Supt. Rick Smith To Buy Out His Contract

The County School Board voted 6-3 on Thursday night to accept the request of Supt. Rick Smith that his contract be bought out.

Supt. Smith, who has been under fire for his handling of an incident involving the rape of a freshman Ooltewah basketball player by three teammates, opened the meeting by making the request.

A number of board members spoke favorably of Supt. Smith and some who voted to accept his request said they did so reluctantly.

Voting against were Rhonda Thurman, Greg Martin and David Testerman.

Board attorney Scott Bennett will negotiate the terms with Supt. Smith and his counsel.

He had two years left on his contract last July when the board gave him a new four-year term. He makes some $200,000 per year.

Attorney Bennett said the terms will be put in writing and bring them to the board.

He said Supt. Smith remains in charge of the schools until the buyout is complete. 

Ms. Thurman said she believed it was the correct action, but she said she was not yet ready to move forward on it.

Mr. Testerman, shouting at times, called Supt. Smith a good man who had been unfairly treated by the news media.

Joe Galloway termed it a "mob scene" that led to the resignation.

Mr. Ricks said he wished the community had gotten up in arms over other school issues and not just the Ooltewah matter.

Supt. Smith opened the meeting by saying a couple of announcements. He first said it was decided to hold school on Friday, but he said it might have to be let out early depending on when a front arrives.

He then said he loves the county school system and it meant everything to him, but he said he felt it was time for him to step down.