This story is developing.
Just shy of her two year anniversary on the job, Asheville City Schools Superintendent Denise Patterson has resigned effective immediately. In her letter of resignation Patterson cited medical reasons. In January 2018 she spoke with BPR's Matt Bush. You can find that story here.
Below is the announcement from the Asheville City Board of Education:
June 12, 2019
Good Afternoon. This is Shaunda Sandford, Chair of the Asheville City Board of Education with an update about our district.
Today, Superintendent Dr. Denise Patterson submitted her letter of resignation. The Board and Dr. Patterson agreed to terms of separation which include two months’ severance pay and approving sick leave for Dr. Patterson until November 15, 2019. Effective immediately, the duties of Superintendent will be covered by Assistant Superintendents, Dr. Mark Dickerson and Dr. Terrence McAllister.
At a future Board Meeting, the Asheville City Board of Education will vote on a contract for Dr. Bobbie Short to serve as Interim Superintendent beginning in July 2019.
By law, the details of personnel matters are confidential. Therefore, the Board asks parents and stakeholders understand that neither the school district nor Board Members can discuss any personnel issues. The Board is focused on ensuring a successful start to the 2019-2020 school years and will begin the search process for a new superintendent immediately.
The Board would like to express its gratitude and appreciation to our families, students, staff and stakeholders.
