SALT LAKE CITY — Timothy Gadson III has resigned as superintendent of the Salt Lake City School District, ending months of controversy that began almost immediately after he took the job.
The move comes the same day the board of education voted 7-0 on an agreement to part ways with Gadson. Following mediation between the two parties, both the district and Gadson agreed to come up with settlement terms to end his brief tenure.
Gadson will remain with the district as a consultant until June 30. Whether he receives his full salary is something that will be determined in the settlement and announced sometime next week.
Despite being appointed to the position in Feb. 2021 after spending time as the associate superintendent of high schools with Anoka-Hennepin Schools in Anoka, Minnesota. Gadson didn't officially begin in the role until July 1, 2021.
At the time, Gadson was hailed as an education official who put students first and was the district's first-ever Black superintendent. But his brief time in the position was marked by several complaints ranging from travel issues, favoritism, and inappropriate workplace behavior.
A FOX 13 Investigative report showed that the district had spent over $60,000 to investigate complaints against Gadson, but only issued verbal warnings for undisclosed offenses.
In July, Gadson was placed on administrative leave by the district, with many sources claiming the board had asked for resignation. Weeks later, associate superintendent Gwendolyn Johnson-White tendered her resignation.
Following Gadson's dismissal, the Salt Lake County School District will now be looking for its fourth superintendent in a span of four years.
