x
Breaking News
More () »

Waco ISD superintendent resigns in wake of marijuana charge

The Waco Independent School District Board of Trustees announced Dr. Marcus Nelson's resignation in its special meeting Thursday.

WACO, Texas — Waco Independent School District superintendent Dr. Marcus Nelson resigned Thursday, the ISD Board of Trustees said in its special meeting.

The board adjourned its special meeting on Tuesdayfollowing a closed session that lasted longer than four hours. When it continued Thursday, the board immediately went into closed session. More than two hours later, the board came out and ISD board president Pat Atkins announced Nelson made the choice to resign.

Atkins then read Nelson's resignation letter.

March 21, 2019 Mr. Pat Atkins, Board President on behalf of the Waco ISD Board of Trustees 501 Franklin Ave Waco TX. 76701 Dear Mr. Atkins and members of the Waco ISD Board of Trustees, Together, over the past 21 months, we have sparked a dramatic transformation in Waco ISD.

Waco ISD said it agreed to release Nelson from his contract, and will pay him $96,000 over the course of four months. He will receive four checks of $24,000 in that time frame, the ISD said.

School board president Pat Atkins sent KCEN Channel 6 the following statement before Thursday's meeting: 

"Yes, I am hopeful we will have a resolution of this situation today.

Board members met with Dr. Nelson for approximately an hour. During the meeting, he seemed contrite and embarrassed, and he attempted to lay out ideas for a path forward for the district.

The board spent the remainder of the time in closed session discussing the matter among ourselves."

Nelson was arrested on a misdemeanor marijuana charge on March 6, the Robertson County Sheriff's Office said. A state trooper pulled him over for driving in the passing lane on US 190, the probable cause statement said.  

RELATED: Waco ISD superintendent makes plea to drop marijuana charge

RELATED: Waco ISD Superintendent arrested for possession of marijuana, school board to hold special meeting

RELATED: Waco pastors stand by superintendent arrested on drug charge

Before You Leave, Check This Out