Allen Strauss, superintendent of the Freetown-Lakeville Regional School District, announced at the Dec. 11 school committee meeting that he is resigning from his position and has entered into a settlement agreement with the district.

Strauss opened his remarks by disclosing a July 2023 diagnosis of chronic lymphocytic leukemia and describing the toll that treatment and public scrutiny took on him. “When I when I was diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukemia in July of 2023, I was scared and worried first for my children and grandchildren, for my future, and for balancing my role here in the district,” he said. He later quoted broadcaster Stuart Scott: “When you get too tired to fight, then lay down and rest and let somebody else fight for you.”

Strauss told the committee that a small group of elected and appointed officials had publicly questioned his illness and sought proof of his diagnosis, reviewed his sick-day usage, and urged a second medical opinion. He said those actions created a “toxic environment” that hindered his treatments and his ability to lead. “The stress imposed by the actions of these individual officials has hindered the effectiveness of my treatments and my therapies,” he said.

He said he had discussed the situation with his attorney and district counsel and that the parties reached a separation agreement. Strauss emphasized that he is not releasing claims against towns or town officials individually; he said the agreement resolves his claims against the district and committee only. “I am not releasing claims against the towns or town officials individually for their actions,” he said.

The school committee then read a prepared statement thanking Strauss for his service and describing the separation as an agreement “fair and acceptable to both Mr. Strauss and the committee.” The committee said it had met in several executive sessions and that the agreement was drafted by counsel and would be posted with minutes when approved. The committee added that two members chose not to participate in the discussions or votes related to the separation.

The committee said interim duties will be shared by Terry Fleming, director of curriculum and assessment; John Higgins, director of finance and operations; and Kelly Steele, director of student services, “to ensure continuity of services” while a superintendent search is undertaken.

Strauss closed by thanking staff, students and families and asking for privacy. “I won't be making further comment on my agreement with the committee, and I would appreciate the public's respect for what little is left of my privacy,” he said.

Notes: the committee said the votes in executive session were unanimous among participating members; two members did not participate in the votes. The settlement agreement and the executive-session minutes addressing it will be placed on a future agenda for public approval and posting, the committee said.