Mar. 3—VINCENNES — A southern Indiana school corporation is searching for a new superintendent. The South Knox school board agreed during a special meeting to buy out the contract of long-time superintendent Tim Grove.

The action came on a 4-1 vote during a meeting in front of 200 patrons and teachers. The board declined to give a reason for the action.

Grove will continue to work as school superintendent through the end of the school year.

In a joint statement by Grove and the school board, officials praised his 11-year tenure as superintendent.

"Tim Grove has been a strong advocate for education and has moved South Knox forward during his years at South Knox. We thank him and wish him nothing but success in his future endeavors. Board Chair Eric Carter.

Under Grove's leadership the school system conducted a $15 million remodeling project, put in place a pre-kindergarten program and negotiated contracts that provided raises for school personnel. The graduation rate at South Knox has been above 95% during Grove's tenure and in 2021 it hit 100%.

During 2020 Grove was named the District 3 Indiana Basketball Coaches Association Administrator of the year.

The joint statement included a comment from Grove praising the school community for its work on the improvements.

"I wish the very best for the community and for South Knox schools. I want to thank the community and Boards for which I have served for the opportunity that I have had to lead the South Knox Schools for the past 11 years. I am proud of our accomplishments and know that the Corporation is in a great position to continue to move forward under new leadership. I will miss the students, teachers, and staff. I look forward to a strong finish to this school year and do not want my departure to be a distraction to the important work to be done between now and June 30."

The school system is now beginning the search for Grove's replacement.