PARKERSBURG — Former Parkersburg High School Principal Kenneth DeMoss released a statement on his resignation.

“I depart from this esteemed position with pride, knowing my integrity, dedication, and service-oriented mindset have always stood firm, regardless of support or understanding,” DeMoss said in his statement. “I have learned from each of you, striving always to foster better relationships first.”

In the statement, received early Friday morning, DeMoss says he is “embarking on a new chapter in Ohio.” Numerous requests sent to DeMoss on why he resigned were never returned and the statement does not say this is the reason for his resignation.

The Wood County Board of Education accepted a settlement agreement with DeMoss on July 11 with some members of the board showing concern for the agreement.

“Have we done this before,” Olcott asked during the settlement hearing. “I can never recall an arrangement like this before.”

Olcott was also concerned that this agreement “also wipes the slate clean, especially” and Superintendent Christie Willis said just for the 2023-2024 school year.

Board member Sarah Townsend asked if the agreement had been discussed with DeMoss’ attorney and questioned whether he believed everything that was written in the agreement. Board President Justin Raber said he was unsure of what DeMoss had knowledge of.

The News and Sentinel is waiting on a response from a FOIA (Freedom of Information Act) request submitted to the school district on the settlement agreement.

In the statement received by DeMoss Friday he said he had served eight years with honor and was “deeply humbled to be known as the Principal of PHS.”

“I will sincerely miss each and every one of you, regardless of our interactions, friendships, perceptions of support, or judgments of my performance,” DeMoss said in his statement. “It has always been about prioritizing students above all else.”

Douglass Huxley can be reached at dhuxley@newsandsentinel.com