Simi Valley School Board Accepts Superintendent’s Resignation

Two weeks after they suddenly placed their superintendent on leave, Simi Valley school district trustees announced late Thursday they had accepted his resignation.

Board President Norm Walker said Supt. Tate Parker’s resignation would be effective Aug. 31.

Until then, Parker will continue to receive his $108,000 annual salary. On or about Sept. 1, Parker will also receive an $81,000 lump-sum payment from the district to end his contract.

“We understand that he is agreeable to these conditions,” Walker said. Parker did not attend the board’s closed-door session.

Further details of the agreement will be released late today or early Monday.

Trustees declined again on Thursday to say why Parker, who took over the Simi superintendent’s job in January, had been placed on leave.

Since taking that action June 4, board members have been trying to decide whether to fire Parker, a move that would require showing just cause, or buying out his contract, which could have cost the district as much as $162,000.

Trustees also interviewed a second candidate Thursday to serve as the district’s interim superintendent, but no selection was made. During a closed session Monday, trustees interviewed the first candidate for the temporary position.