LaBrae schools chief resigns; replacement sought

STAFF REPORT

LEAVITTSBURG — The Trumbull County Educational Service Center is working to find an interim superintendent for the LaBrae school district to replace Ronald J. Joseph, who resigned Monday.

Joseph, superintendent for the past 13 years, has worked for the school system for 34 years.

A joint statement issued by Joseph and the school board says the two parties agreed to the resignation and retirement.

School board members approved the resignation by a 3-2 vote.

Joseph will remain on paid leave of absence until Oct. 1, 2009, when his retirement becomes effective, the statement says.

School board member Rusty Sewell, who voted against the resignation, said the school board’s attorney worked out the resignation with Joseph’s attorney Friday.

Sewell said the resignation was initiated by two other board members, Debbie Roth and Amy Crowder, with whom Joseph has clashed for several years. Roth and Crowder could not be reached to comment.