The Staunton School Board has forced the resignation of Superintendent Steve Nichols, in the wake of an embezzlement scandal at R.E. Lee High School.

Board members met in a closed session Thursday night for four hours before announcing the unanimous decision.

The board says Nichols signed a voluntary resignation agreement.

His last day on the job is December 31, 2011.

The interim superintendent, Edward Clymore, will begin on January 1, 2012.

Board members Amy Darby and Sarah Crenshaw both voted no on the motion to accept Clymore as the interim superintendent, but the motion passed 4-2.

At the end of the meeting, Chairwoman Angela Whitesell read a statement thanking Nichols for his years of service to the school system.

Whitesell labeled Nichols "seasoned" and "capable." She also says the board was attracted to him due to his vast experience in education.

She says Nichols also helped to save the school system about a half a million dollars over the last four years.

Nichols has served as Staunton City Schools superintendent since July 1, 2007.

According to the Superintendent Employment Agreement, back in September 2010, the board unanimously passed a motion to reappoint Nichols to a new four year term.

That decision was due to his "continuing dedicated service," the agreement stated.

Now board members are in the process of transitioning to a new leader in the new year.

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