The Lancaster ISD Board of Trustees voted in favor of releasing the superintendent from his position during a virtual meeting Monday afternoon.
Three members voted against and four voted in favor of voluntarily ending the contract with Superintendent Dr. Elijah Granger, who has been leading the district for three years.
"I want to thank the board for doing what I believe is in the best interest of students and district," Granger said. "It's bigger than any one person and I want Lancaster ISD to move forward, be successful and I want the leadership that's chosen to continue to take it to the next level."
Trustees decided on the "proposed voluntary separation agreement" of Granger during open and closed sessions.
"I'm praying for the children of Lancaster ISD," said Trustee Carolyn Ann Morris. "It's a sad day, financially."
Carolyn Ann Morris, Marion Hamilton and Ty G. Jones voted against ending his contract. LaRhonda Mays, Rhonda Davis, LaShonjia Harris and Ellen Clark voted in favor of ending it.
Jones, Hamilton and Morris filed a temporary restraining order in Dallas County Monday, claiming that they had requested to see the separation agreement and were denied.
"I'm not in support of this agreement because it's not in the best interest of students, staff, community," Trustee Marion Hamilton said. "I'm not in support because I'm very concerned by the financial impact for our district."
The board members also selected Shemeka Milner-Williams as an interim superintendent.
The district had 7,467 students enrolled last year.
