Former superintendent to receive $115K severance payment

NILES, Mich. -- In response to a public records request, a public relations firm has released the separation agreement signed by former Niles Community Schools Superintendent Dr. Richard Weigel.

Weigel resigned as the district superintendent on February 24, but will remain a consultant for the district through June 30, 2014.

Weigel resigned because of "irreconcilable and fundamental differences" between Weigel and members of the administration and the Board of Education.

According to the agreement:

• Weigel will resign as superintendent effective February 24 and will remain on as a consultant through June 30, 2014.


• Weigel will be paid according to his contract through June 30, 2014


• On or about June 30, Weigel will be paid $115,000 severance payment.


• Weigel will receive a positive letter of recommendation


• Weigel promises not to file suit against the district, unless it is for breach of the separation agreement

Weigel signed the agreement on February 25 although he had a 21-day period to sign it.

He had seven days to revoke the signed agreement.

The Board of Education says if they had paid out Weigel's contract it would have cost the district double the separation agreement cost.

The board also said that keeping Weigel on as a consultant while they work to find a permanent replacement would help ensure a smooth transition.