By Joyce Kryszak
Buffalo, NY – Turmoil at St. Mary's School for the Deaf could be ending.
WBFO News learned Friday afternoon that embattled Superintendent Bill Johnson will leave his post at the end of the current school year. Staff and parents were informed that Johnson has decided to retire early.
Johnson came under intense from parents, students and staff for some of his controversial decisions and tactics. Tim Kelly will serve as interim superintendent until a permanent replacement is named.
School board member and State Assemblyman Sam Hoyt says they are trying to heal the wounds.
A new board chair was appointed last month.
Hoyt would not say is the board played a role in Johnson's decision to retire, or if they had to buy out the remainder of his contract.
But Hoyt says that Kelly will have full authority to make any additional changes thathe believes are necessary to improve morale and operations at the school.