NEW PLYMOUTH -- New Plymouth High School Principal Clete Edmunson has resigned, after weeks of turmoil in the New Plymouth School District.
Superintendent Kevin Barker said the school board voted unanimously to accept Edmunson's voluntary resignation and separation agreement Tuesday night. Edmunson's wife, a teacher in the district, submitted her resignation last month, he said.
The principal's departure comes in the wake of controversy that roiled the school district for more than a month. Edmunson originally submitted his resignation earlier this year, then withdrew it, claiming he had been forced out.
The superintendent then himself became the target of calls to resign, with more than 80 percent of school staff casting a vote of "no confidence" in Barker in two separate polls.
Pierrette Madrid-Harris, a teacher at New Plymouth High School and executive member of the teacher's union, said Wednesday she was not allowed to comment on Edmunson's resignation. Previously, Madrid-Harris had been among the staff members to call for Barker's ouster, citing bullying and mistreatment by administration.
Barker said then he had no plans on resigning.
After Edmunson withdrew his first resignation, he was placed on paid leave while the district conducted an investigation. Barker said Wednesday that investigation was based on complaints from parents and "other matters."
The superintendent said the district was about halfway through their investigation when Edmunson's legal counsel contacted the district's counsel to seek a resolution.
The New Plymouth School District received Edmunson's resignation letter shortly after.
The principal's resignation is effective immediately.
Barker said he wants to move past the negativity and focus on fostering a positive learning environment for students in the district.
"The Board and the District Administration now intends to move forward with the business of the district which is to continue to provide the outstanding education that the community has come to expect," Barker said in a statement. "It is time for district and community to come together and focus on the educational environment for our students."
Mike Williams has been named interim principal of New Plymouth High while the district searches for a permanent replacement.
Edmunson tells KTVB, "He's ready for the focus to be back on the students, instead of on this issue. It should always be about the kids."