During a special meeting Friday, Polk County School Board members decided to accept school superintendent Kathryn LeRoy’s resignation.

“I think we all know where we’re headed in this situation and I would just really love for all of us to move forward,” said school board member Lori Cunningham.

Leroy wasn’t at the special meeting Friday evening but many of her supporters were. And they sounded off as they spoke at the podium.

“All the dealings I had with Mrs. Leroy were probably the best dealings I had with any superintendent that I had any dealings with at this district,” said one supporter.

“I watched as she tirelessly built teams,” another supporter said.

Leroy was accused and later cleared of wrongdoing in complaints filed by associate superintendent Greg Rivers. The complaints ranged from sexual harassment to job threats and bad business decisions.

At the meeting there were some people who thought Leroy was treated unfairly and shouldn’t have resigned since she was cleared.

“You’re innocent until proven guilty, not guilty even though you’re innocent, you’re still guilty,” one man said.

But some of the board members made it clear, it was either resign or get fired.

Some of Leroy’s critics say the district is better off without her.

“As a parent, I don’t think I should have to expect my children to give anyone another chance after this. I don’t think I should have to explain to my teenage students what’s really going on,” one woman said.

For now board members say the district will begin their search for a new superintendent. Deputy Superintendent Jackie Byrd will serve as interim until then.

As part of her severance package and contract agreement, the district will have to pay Leroy more than $200,000.