BROOKINGS, S.D.(KJJQ)- The Brookings School Board votes to accept the resignation of Superintendent Klint Willert, effective June 2nd. He has served in the post since 2015.

The action came at a special meeting Wednesday. Prior to the vote, Willert made a statement and it is clear this was not his choice.

A number of people attended and gave Willert a standing ovation at the conclusion of his sometimes-emotional statement.

District resident Jason Bowes (BOZE) asked a question of the board.

He urged the Board to not accept Willert’s resignation.

There had been some speculation that the resignation may be connected with the district recently being placed on accreditation probation by the South Dakota Department of Education. However, that involves some fairly minor reporting and policy upgrades that will be cleared up by the end of the month.

After meeting in executive session for about 40-minutes, the Board returned and their attorney Rich Helsper spoke. He says the parties have entered into a “release and settlement” agreement.

He says after that agreement is approved, it will be released and it sets forth the grounds for the resignation.

The board voted 5-0 to accept the resignation. They also voted to hire a search firm to find the next superintendent.