FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich. (WXYZ) — Farmington Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Robert Herrera has resigned from his position, allegedly following allegations of racism toward Black students and staff in the district from another board member. Two other board members also resigned.
Herrera's resignation came after he filed a complaint against board member Angie Smith for harassment after she made posts online claiming he was racist toward students and staff.
“Farmington Public Schools will continue to serve the students and families well in our community; the District has a strong leadership team that will continue to move the District forward,” Herrera said.
During a special meeting held with the school board Monday evening and streamed on YouTube, a motion was made to amend the agenda to include consideration of entering into a resignation agreement with the superintendent. The motion was requested by board vice president Terry Johnson.
After the motion was requested, board president Pamela Green read a statement regarding "extraordinary developments" since the last meeting.
The resignation comes after claims from board member Angie Smith that say the superintendent was racist toward Black students and staff, however, it's unclear what instances took place.
While apparently emotional, Green read off the statement which mentioned that the resignation would be on mutual terms.
"Dr. Robert Herrera indicated a desire to resign his employment with the district," Green said.
Herrera will continue as superintendent until Jan. 22, which is the end of first semester. Afterwards, Herrera will act in a consulting role until June 30, 2021, when his employment with the district will end. He'll receive a $105,000 severance.
A resolution also passed to censure Smith. The reasoning was cited as "conduct unbecoming of a board member," and was based on Smith's social media posts, which members agreed interfered with the superintendent's ability to perform his duties, among other things, a release states.
Board president Pamela Green resigned following the meeting, as well as vice president Terry Johnson., citing frustrations with specifically two unnamed board members.
Dr. Herrera was appointed as superintendent in 2019.
