Polk County Superintendent Katie Thomas announced her resignation to employees late Tuesday evening.
In an email sent to employees Thomas said, “It is with heavy heart that I write to share some personal news. On Tuesday of next week, I will undergo hip replacement surgery and, as a result, will be on medical leave for a minimum of twelve weeks. In considering my recovery time, and with much prayer and consideration, I have decided to resign from my position as Superintendent at the end of this school year.”
Assistant Superintendent Mark Lumpkin was approved as the district’s interim schools chief following the vote to accept Thomas’ conditions of resignation.
Also, former Superintendent, and current Chief Executive Officer Laurie Atkins, whom Thomas took over for in 2021, also resigned.
Others that resigned included: Shawn Barnette, Central Office Secretary, and Todd Tillery, Executive Director of Operations.
Atkins and Barnette’s resignation go into effect March 4 with Tillery’s April 1st.
The move comes days after several letters (see below) was released in which Thomas had sent to several community members regarding comments they made on the job she has done.
