Former Green Bay superintendent Claude Tiller to receive $250K payout; doesn't rescind resignation by deadline

GREEN BAY — Former Green Bay superintendent Claude Tiller, who resigned earlier this month, had the opportunity to rescind his resignation by Feb. 25, according to a resignation agreement between the Green Bay School Board and Tiller.

He did not provide notice to the board that he wanted to rescind his Feb. 17 resignation by the deadline, according to the board's attorney, Geoffrey Lacy.

"Had he done so, his resignation would have been void, regardless of any action or inaction by the board," Lacy wrote in a statement accompanying a public records request including the resignation agreement.

Tiller resigned amid an investigation into comments he made on an Atlanta radio show during a teacher recruitment trip earlier in February.

Tiller still open to conversation of returning, despite deadline passing

Community members have been calling for the School Board to reinstate Tiller, and a representative from Tiller's team told the Press-Gazette on Saturday that he is open to the conversation of reconsidering his resignation.

Tiller had until the end of day Sunday to void his resignation.

But a representative for Tiller told the Press-Gazette on Tuesday that he informed the board after the deadline that Tiller is open to the conversation of rescinding the resignation. Just because that deadline has passed does not mean the door is closed on Tiller wanting to return, the representative said.

In a Tuesday statement to the community, Tiller said he's received an overwhelming number of heartwarming messages through email, text, phone calls and social media.

"The incredible outpouring of support and love has caused me deep reflection," he wrote. "I have come to realize that the sacred trust the Green Bay community has placed in me has shown how this is much bigger than myself.  Although out of my control, I want to provide an answer to the pressing question so many continue to ask, by publicly expressing my willingness to engage in conversations regarding the possibility of my return."

More: Radio show interview of former Green Bay School District Superintendent Claude Tiller released

Over 100 community members gathered Saturday to support Tiller, and Monday's board meeting had another similar showing of community support.

Tiller watched the livestream of Monday's meeting with his family, saying that some speakers brought tears to their eyes.

"Despite the uncertainty surrounding the near future, one truth stands out very clearly: Those who spoke and continue to speak so courageously have given voice to the voiceless — a principle that resonates deep within me. May this serve as a lifetime reminder of the powerful influence a single voice can wield," Tiller said in his statement.

Tiller to receive $250,834 lump sum as part of resignation agreement.

Tiller is to receive a lump sum from the district totaling $250,834 as part of his resignation agreement. A copy of the agreement was obtained by the Press-Gazette through an open records request.

That amount is equivalent to 10 months of pay and medical, vision and dental benefits for the remaining 15 months of Tiller's contract, according to the agreement. It also includes unused sick and vacation days as well as the Green Bay School District's retirement contributions required by Tiller's contract.

The district is also paying for Tiller's legal representation throughout the investigation and negotiation process, a total of $5,000.

Here's what else Tiller's resignation agreement says

In exchange for the payment, Tiller agreed not to file any complaints or lawsuits against the district or School Board. He also relinquished any claims of liability against the board and district for wrongful discharge, emotional distress, breach of contract and other damages.

For employment references, the district will provide only the dates of Tiller's employment and no further information to prospective employers.

If a court finds that either Tiller or the district and board say disparaging comments about the other, the offending party must pay $50,000. This includes comments made in public, private or believed-to-be-private situations.

Danielle DuClos is a Report for America corps member who covers K-12 education for the Green Bay Press-Gazette. Contact her at dduclos@gannett.com. Follow on Twitter @danielle_duclos. You can directly support her work with a tax-deductible donation at GreenBayPressGazette.com/RFA or by check made out to The GroundTruth Project with subject line Report for America Green Bay Press Gazette Campaign. Address: The GroundTruth Project, Lockbox Services, 9450 SW Gemini Drive, PMB 46837, Beaverton, Oregon 97008-7105.

This article originally appeared on Green Bay Press-Gazette: Claude Tiller to receive over $250K as part of resignation settlement