The Putnam County Board of Education voted unanimously at its regularly scheduled meeting Thursday night to accept a proposed severance package from former Director of Schools Michael Martin.

The agreement will become effective at 5:00 pm on May 31st and will be in the amount of $172,000, which includes the remainder of his contracted salary, retirement and benefits.

Martin’s Employment Contract with the Board of Education otherwise would continue until June 30, 2009.

“I feel like this is best for the school system and all parties involved,” said Board Chairman Jerry Maynard.

According to school officials, the complete terms of the severance package agreement will be disclosed at a later date.

Martin has remained within the school system in a different capacity since being replaced as director.

Martin was replaced by an interim director prior to the school board hiring the current director Kathleen Airhart to fill the position permanently.