Perry resigns as Portage superintendent

PORTAGE, Mich. (WOOD) - One month after Ric Perry, the superintendent of Portage Public Schools, was suspended with pay for having "an inappropriate relationship with a district employee," he submitted his resignation under protest.

His resignation is effective Jan. 25, according to district documents.

In a statement, Perry said, "Today, I resigned my position as Superintendent of Portage Public Schools under protest. I am resigning at this time to minimize further disruption for the District and Community. I am looking forward to the arbitration process that will allow the Board and me to resolve our dispute. During my administration, I am pleased that, dispute unprecedented economic challenges the District has continued to make progress toward continued academic excellence. New programming such as all day kindergarten and young fives, world language instruction in our elementary schools, and the implementation of supports for every PPS student have contributed to increasing success for our students. Through building strong relationships with our employees we have reached contractual agreements for everyone in an amicable manner. It is a tribute to their dedication to students and to our community that they have voluntarily made adjustments in compensation that have allowed PPS to maintain important programs and services. I am proud of many non-instructional initiatives in District such as; the agreement with Adams Outdoor Advertising that will provide over 2 million dollars of additional revenue; increased savings of over 1 million dollars and growing in energy costs through a systemic energy conservation program; and increased efficiency and cost savings through facility consolidation with the recent closing of the Administration Building. I am extremely grateful for the work of PPS employees and the positive impact of so many supportive parents and community members in the District. It has been my honor to serve the past 16 years as a Principal, Assistant Superintendent, and Superintendent of Portage Public Schools with so many outstanding professionals. Thank you and remember, We Are All Educators."

When he was suspended in December 2012, Portage Board of Education President Bo Snyder said Perry was in "material breach of his contract" and that the board was unable to "negotiate a mutual separation agreement."

The board suspended Perry with pay and set up a public meeting before the board.

But the board is now releasing few details about the incident or Perry's resignation.

"Our Board of Education, we do know the details in that report and we have made a determination that it is in the best interests of this school district not to release those details, and sometimes that's just the call you have to make," board president Bo Snyder told 24 Hour News 8 Monday.

Perry became Portage superintendent in July 2011. At that same time, Rob Olsen became assistant superintendent. The board has now named Olsen to the post of acting superintendent.