Gaston County Schools superintendent announces resignation

GASTON COUNTY, N.C. — The superintendent of Gaston County Schools has resigned to “transition to a new career opportunity,” according to the district.

Superintendent W. Jeffrey Booker, Ed.D., will leave GCS at the end of this school year. He announced the decision during Monday night’s board meeting, school officials said.

“It has been a distinct honor and privilege to serve as Superintendent of Gaston County Schools,” Booker said in a news release Tuesday. “I am extremely proud of what we have accomplished over the past 14 years during my tenure as Deputy Superintendent and Superintendent of Schools.”

The news comes amid a monthslong Channel 9 investigation into the district’s payroll system, which has frustrated teachers and school staff members for almost a year and a half. The issues began after the system the county adopted last year caused some employees to not get paid on time. It’s also creating problems with W-2s.

Officials said they are taking steps to resolve the issues but meanwhile, a lawsuit has also been filed against the school board.

In Tuesday’s announcement, Booker said since he turned 60 years old, he began to reflect on his career and decided he wanted to make an impact in another way.

According to the district, Booker joined GCS in May 2009. He was selected by the Board of Education in November 2013 to be the district’s eighth superintendent.

“Together, we have accomplished much since I became Superintendent on January 1, 2014,” Booker said. “From focusing on academic progress and expanding programs for students to building strong partnerships and celebrating countless achievements, we have moved Gaston County Schools forward, and this makes me extremely proud. I am grateful for all employees – our school system is strong, productive, and successful because of our employees’ steadfast commitment to the students of our community.”

(WATCH BELOW: Payroll issues persist for Gaston County educators)