Marlboro County Board of Education members voted 5-1 to accept the resignation of Superintendent Dr. Gregory McCord and to approve the proposed confidential settlement and mutual release at a special called meeting Wednesday afternoon.
Vice-chairman Michael Coachman, Secretary Katherine Manville, Jackie Branch, David Flowers, and Reginald Gaymon voted yes, while Rev. James Smith voted no.
Board member Danny Driggers abstained from voting, Chairman Larry McNeil did not vote, and Janice Bright was not at the meeting.
McCord made a statement and said it had been a great privilege and an honor to serve as superintendent in Marlboro County for more than three years with the help and support of the school board, administrators, staff, teachers, and the community.
“Together, we have been able to do remarkable work on behalf of serving our greatest asset and first priority – our students.”
He added Marlboro County would always hold a special place in his heart.
“I wish you all the best as you continue with the great work you have in front of you,” he said. “As well as your efforts to always keep students first.”
McNeil read a statement on behalf of the board members.
“Now that the majority of the board has approved the confidential agreement and mutual release, the board had a legal and professional obligation to engage in this process in good faith,” McNeil read. “While each board member has their own opinion, each board member met their obligation to participate in good faith. This was a difficult process for every board member. Now the board has spoken and determined that this agreement is in the best interest of all concerned.”
McNeil said they thanked McCord for his service to Marlboro County and all that he has done.
“We would like to wish you well in your future endeavors,” he said.
Board members spent almost three hours in executive session on Monday but adjourned without any action.
McCord’s resignation happened a little over a week after he returned from being on a two-week administrative leave stemming from allowing the Omega Psi Phi fraternity to have a building on the school property.
Earlier this month, the board voted 5-3 to reinstate McCord, to issue a reprimand to be placed in his permanent record, and to put him on a six-month improvement plan.