MOUNT VERNON — Dr. Margie Bennett confirmed with the News on Friday that Knox County Career Center Superintendent Ray Richardson has submitted a letter of resignation.
In Richardson’s letter, dated Oct. 29 and addressed to the KCCC Board of Education, he said “I have enjoyed very much the 20 years that I have worked with the career center and the community. Unfortunately, my values and my mission prohibit me from working in a school where I cannot create a safe and drug free environment.”
He went on to say, “I am not angry nor am I holding any kind of grudge. I have been at the career center almost 20 years and never lost in any legal situation. But you apparently are not confident in my decision making ability. Therefore, I do not want to put you in a position of uncertainty about the operation of this facility.”
Bennett, vice president of the career center’s board of education, said Friday afternoon that she had yet to see the letter, and couldn’t expound on Richardson’s reasons for leaving.
“It is not official because the board hasn’t tendered it,” Bennett said.
The board intends to meet Wednesday to go over the letter and decide whether to accept or reject it.
When asked if the board could reject Richardson’s resignation, Bennett said that yes, as long as he is under contract, that could be an option for the board. His contract is set to expire July 31, 2010.
Richardson was not at the career center Friday. According to his resignation, he intends to “be on sick leave dealing with the recovery from the accident which I neglected to do in a proper manner.” He then plans to use his remaining vacation time.
Calls to Richardson have not been returned.
