BARTON COUNTY – USD 428 Superintendent Brad Reed confirmed during Monday night’s school board meeting that he was leaving the district.

Reed, dressed casually, addressed board members at the beginning of the meeting, “We’ve come to a good agreement and I’ve given the board president my resignation, retirement effective June 30,” he said.

The Board then voted to appoint Kris Thexton, current Assistant Superintendent of Business and Operations as the acting interim superintendent.

Board President Joyce Carter refused to comment on the circumstances surrounding Reed’s departure. She did say that the district would contact the Kansas Association of School Boards and let them know about the opening that would be filled for the 2017-2018 school year.

The district hired Reed in January of 2014.

Earlier this year, Reed was criticized for how he handled the district’s response when students assaulted another during two separate swim team bus trips.  At that time, parents pressured the district to fire Reed.  Two students were charged in the assault case in Ellsworth County and one was convicted of misdemeanor battery.