Lawmaker Concerned About Honoring Superintendent

Thompson Resolution Honors Retired Leader For Service

Terry-Thompson-26629075.jpg

Posted: 02/03/2011
Last Updated: 841 days ago

Two months before 6News' Kara Kenney broke the story about retired Wayne Township Superintendent Terry Thompson’s $1 million payout, lawmakers adopted a resolution honoring him for his service.

Part of the resolution reads "that the Indiana House of Representatives thanks Dr. Terry J. Thompson for his years of dedicated service to the children of Wayne Township and the state of Indiana and his many contributions to the educational system of our state. We wish him continued success and happiness during his retirement."

Read: Thompson Statement

House Resolution 0001 was approved by the Indiana Legislature on their organization day, Nov. 16, 2010.

Rep. Phil Hinkle, R-Indianapolis, also a member of the Wayne Township Education Foundation Board, authored the resolution, but he told 6News Thursday that he did not know about Thompson’s severance or superintendent emeritus position.

"At the time, we were honoring him for his accomplishments, and quite candidly, if this had come to light prior to the resolution being offered, I’m not sure I would have offered the resolution,” said Hinkle.

Last week, the 6News Watchdogs reported on Thompson’s $800,000 severance, $15,000 for retirement, $35,000 early retirement incentive, and $1,352 a day “superintendent emeritus” position he is scheduled to have for the next seven months.

In a statement, Thompson said, "The compensation is based on accumulation of deferred compensation directly tied to a number of factors, including accumulated sick leave and vacation, as well as based in part on my record of service."

After 6News' story aired, school board members asked Thompson to resign his consulting position.

The school district's attorney, Jon Bailey, and school district spokesperson Mary McDermott said they are still working out an agreement, but Thompson is expected to resign the superintendent emeritus position.

If Thompson does resign, that could save the district up to $200,000.


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