Embattled Colleyville Heritage High School Principal James Whitfield has handed in his resignation as part of the settlement following a months-long dispute between himself and the Grapevine-Colleyville school board.
Trustees met last night and accepted the resignation which is not effective until August 2023. Whitman will remain on paid leave until then.
The controversy has taken on racial overtones because Whitfield is black and his supporters claim that is why the school board wants him out.
"I am utterly heartbroken that he may walk away from this once wonderful district because of the hate that has been brought in this room," one woman said at the meeting.
"This is a disgrace," another man said. "It's unacceptable and we all need to learn from this."
But in September, the district gave more information about this. There were allegations of deleting e-mails that were part of the public record, insubordination, failure to cooperate with a district investigation and being dishonest with the media.
"The board and the district have not missed an opportunity to do the wrong thing throughout this entire sordid episode of special interest bullying," one woman added.
A joint statement was issued last night by Whitfield and the school district:
The Grapevine-Colleyville Independent School District and Dr. James Whitfield have been in the media frequently in recent weeks concerning the disputes between them. Both the district and Dr. Whitfield each strongly believe they are in the right. However, each also agrees that the division in the community about this matter has impacted the education of the district's students. In addition, the time, expense and disruption for both Dr. Whitfield and the district would continue for some time and would further harm the education district students. The district and Dr. Whitfield have mutually agreed to resolve their disputes. Dr. Whitfield and GCISD strongly agree it is important we continue to provide a safe and nurturing education environment to all students no matter their background race or gender. The district and Dr. Whitfield wish the best to each other in the future and the district and Dr. Whitfield have agreed that this will be their only public statement on this matter.
Related
LISTEN on the Audacy App
Sign Up and Follow NewsRadio 1080 KRLD