Clayton County board accepts superintendent's separation, names Douglas Hendricks interim
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Summary
The Clayton County Board of Education voted to accept Superintendent Dr. Anthony Smith's separation agreement and unanimously appointed Deputy Superintendent Dr. Douglas Hendricks as interim superintendent; the board directed counsel and staff to finalize transition details.
The Clayton County Board of Education on Jan. 12 accepted a retirement and separation agreement for Superintendent Dr. Anthony Smith and unanimously appointed Deputy Superintendent Dr. Douglas Hendricks as interim superintendent.
Superintendent Dr. Anthony Smith opened his remarks by thanking the board and reflecting on his tenure: "First, I want to thank the board for the support given to me during the past 3 years and throughout my nearly 4 decades of professional service and leadership in Clayton County Public Schools." He said he leaves the district "in the hands of a consummate professional" in Dr. Hendricks and praised the district's foundation for continued growth.
The motion to accept the separation agreement was moved by Miss Bose and seconded by Miss Telus Cooper. During the roll call Miss Goree announced she would abstain, saying she did not "accept his retirement." Despite some procedural confusion during polling, the chair announced that the separation agreement passed. The board did not read the agreement aloud in public; the superintendent said the terms had been discussed in executive session.
Board members then voted to offer the interim superintendent contract to Dr. Douglas Hendricks. Miss Blooms moved to approve the contract and the board voted unanimously to appoint Dr. Hendricks. After the vote, Dr. Hendricks told the board, "First and foremost, let me say thank you, to the Board of Education for your support," and pledged to honor the district's work and lead through the transition.
Chair Benjamin Straker thanked Dr. Smith and welcomed Dr. Hendricks, noting the board's expectation that administration and counsel finalize logistical details for the transition. The board signaled that the district and counsel will work out the separation implementation and any reporting or follow-up required.
The board's public record shows an abstention on the separation agreement and otherwise unanimous support for the interim appointment. No statutory citations or contract text were read into the record during the meeting; the board indicated those details were handled in executive session and to be memorialized in the minutes.