Dilworth leaves job Feb. 24
Cites health concerns
East Baton Rouge Parish Schools Superintendent John Dilworth announced Friday morning that he is leaving the job he’s held for almost three years “due to health concerns” and that Feb. 24 will be his last day of work.
Dilworth’s planned last day is more than three months ahead of the expiration of his three-year contract.
School Board President Barbara Freiberg said Dilworth is not technically resigning, but will likely use his accumulated leave.
In May, Dilworth announced he would not stay past his contract, and the School Board is currently seeking his replacement.
In a short three-paragraph message addressed to School Board members, Dilworth did not elaborate on the health problems he alludes to. Instead, he thanks the employees of the school system he has worked with since starting the job in July 2009.
“I have been blessed to work with so many dedicated employees in this district. I applaud the progress you have made. Please keep the focus of serving the students of varied needs entrusted in your care,” Dilworth wrote.
The School Board has called a special meeting for 5 p.m. Wednesday to discuss who will serve in the interim once Dilworth is gone.
Freiberg said she first learned of Dilworth’s leaving this morning at a face-to-face meeting and that he shared with her that he is having personal health problems.
Ordinarily, Chief Academic Officer Herman Brister, the number two person in the school system, would take over temporarily until a permanent replacement is found.
Brister was one of six semifinalists to replace Dilworth, but only Samuel King, superintendent of schools in Rockdale County, Ga., east of Atlanta, is still in the running.
Freiberg said King is likely to come to Baton Rouge on Feb. 14 for his second interview but the schedule for the day is still being developed.