SHERMAN, Texas — Sherman ISD trustees Wednesday voted to accept a voluntary separation agreement with Superintendent Dr. Tyson Bennett.
Bennett was previously suspended with pay on March 8 amid an investigation into a Sherman High School production of “Oklahoma!” that started after a transgender student was initially removed from a role in the show. The school board at that time voted to appoint Deputy Superintendent Dr. Thomas O’Neal as acting superintendent. District officials said Wednesday that O'Neal will continue to serve in that role until the board hires a new superintendent.
"The school district will continue to operate as normal in the best interest of students, staff and families," a statement from the district read.
Trustees did not discuss the details of the separation agreement.
The decision to recast the show last year based on a district rule barring students from playing roles that didn’t match their gender assigned at birth drew national media attention and backlash. It prompted protests calling for Sherman High School senior Max Hightower, who is transgender, to be allowed to play in the show.
After the backlash, the district walked back the decision within weeks, saying, "by utilizing a new version that’s age-appropriate, sex will not be considered when casting the new production." The show reportedly continued with the original cast and Hightower in the leading role.
Sherman ISD trustees at that time removed fine arts from Bennett’s purview and hired a law firm to investigate the decision.
(Note: This video was posted March 8)
