NEWPORT, Ky. — Tony Watts will conclude his role as the superintendent of Newport Independent Schools at the end of this school year after he and the district’s Board of Education agreed to mutually part ways.
The board members and Watts came to the agreement after over two hours of deliberation in closed session at a special meeting Thursday evening.
When asked if he had anything he wanted to say to the school community, Watts told our partners at LINK nky, “It’s been a pleasure, and I just hope and wish the district success.”
The move comes only a day after the board voted to slash seven administrative positions from the district amid broader financial troubles.
"That's another fear, like you're going to cut all this staff. You've got people who learn at different paces, and then you've got kids who will act out to get attention because they're not getting it elsewhere," said Chris Myers, a concerned parent. "Teachers can only reprimand so much, but when they do that, the whole class stops."
Specifically, the board voted to allow the board attorney, in this case Brandon Voelker, to amend the portion of Watt’s contract related to resignation. This is a roundabout way of saying that the board will need to work out a deal with Watts to allow him to step down with conditions. The details of that deal still need to be worked out, but Watts confirmed with LINK nky that he would still be involved with the district in the future.
“I’ll still be around,” Watts said. “I’m still going to help the district out in certain ways.”
The vote to amend his contract was unanimous, and the board members declined to comment.
Newport parents voice concern over lack of transparency with Newport Independent School District:
It’s been a rough year for the district. In January, former district Finance Director Jennifer Hoover said the school district was facing a $3.9 million budget deficit for the 2026 school year, a state of affairs that would likely lead to the loss of jobs in the district.
On May 2, according to information from the superintendent’s office, the district sent out 30 non-renewal letters to teachers at several schools throughout the district, and then just this week, the board cut the administrative positions. While statements from district staff suggest that the district will begin the next school year in the green, the long-term financial health of the district is unclear, and the board likely has more difficult decisions ahead of it.
The Newport Teachers Association, the district’s teachers union, called for a “no confidence” vote in Watts at the board meeting on Feb. 26, which failed to garner support among the board members.
In a statement, the association noted that while the scenario isn't what anyone would hope for, "it is important to acknowledge that the call for a vote of no confidence arose for a reason."
"As stewards of the district's well-being, both the Superintendent and the Board bear the responsibility of maintaining fiscal integrity. The financial health of our schools directly impacts the livelihood of over 200 dedicated employees and the students we serve," NTA President Esther Fatsy said in a statement. "Unfortunately, there has been a clear failure in fiscal responsibility, which has placed the district in a troubling financial position. This moment calls for a renewed commitment to transparency, accountability, and sound financial stewardship. Our community, staff, and students deserve no less."
For parents like Amy Lawson, there are still questions about the board's decision-making.
"I have personally witnessed teachers invite them into the classrooms, into the buildings, begging them to come and see what they are approving with responses of it wasn't on the calendar. I will need you to send, send it to my calendar, " Lawson said. "How are you, as to serve a community district, and you have to be reminded to check in on the same people you are funding?"
She and other parents, teachers and community members are encouraged to meet before the district's board meeting planned for 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 28, to voice their concerns.
This story originally appeared on our partner's website LINK nky.
