Michael Nellums, principal of Mills University Studies High School, has resigned in advance of release of an investigation of his involvement in a plot to make School Board member Gwen Williams look bad.
The School District statement:
On Monday, June 13, 2011, the Pulaski County Special School District completed its investigation of Mills University Studies Principal Michael Nellums following his recent suspension by Superintendent Charles Hopson, and submitted the findings to the Superintendent’s Office. However, earlier the same day, Mr. Nellums informed the Human Resources Department of his intention to resign and take early retirement. This afternoon, Mr. Nellums submitted his notice of resignation for early retirement.
Had Nellums not resigned, Hopson would have made a recommendation on whether Nellums deserved further discipline such as firing. The School Board would have had to act on the recommendation. Because he has resigned, the results of that personnel investigation are not open under the state Freedom of Information Act, which allows release of personnel investigation only after completion of action ending in suspension or termination. Nellums was suspended after Prosecutor Larry Jegley’s report sharply criticizing Nellums and School Board member Tim Clark for participating in a scheme that produced a videotape and letter suggesting that Williams took a bribe. She has sued Clark and Nellums and an actor in the video for defamation. Clark has refused to resign from the School Board. Nellums has continued to serve on the Little Rock School Board.
Nellums had worked for the district 26 years and made about $103,000 as principal.
UPDATE: I sought some comments from Nellums. His note to me:
Max I gave the district a statement to release concerning my retirement. Not my resignation, but my planned retirement. And yes you can come with the rest of my friends to my retirement party, O fair and balanced reporting one.
For your final question, Yes, of course I’m staying on the LR board. I am…. going fishing though.
Enjoy your evening.
Mr. Nellums
UPDATE: I responded to this note and got a further response. Read on: