FRANKLIN

Following a brief debate in closed session, held Friday in the school board chambers of city hall, Franklin’s school board voted unanimously to terminate Superintendent Dr. Willie J. Bell’s contract with the school division without cause, effective Monday, Nov. 7.

Dr. Bell will receive a severance package of his full salary plus benefits for 120 days.

The board also voted unanimously to name Kelvin Edwards Sr., the division’s current director of teaching, learning and accountability, as interim superintendent.

“We want to thank you for your service to Franklin City schools since 2014; the division has seen tremendous gains,” school board chairwoman Dr. Andrea Hall-Leonard said to Dr. Bell. “We do believe this is the best decision for the school division at this time.”

Hall-Leonard also thanked Executive Assistant Pamela Kindred for working with Dr. Bell before adjourning for the evening. The school division will release an official statement next week.