The Kearsarge Regional School Board voted this week to terminate the contract of Superintendent John Fortney.
The termination was “not for cause,” Fortney wrote in a message to staff on Tuesday.
“While this was not my decision, I respect the board’s authority to make it and remain committed to supporting a smooth transition over the coming days,” Fortney wrote.
His contract had been set to expire at the end of the 2026-27 school year. Instead, his last day will be Friday.
Fortney declined to comment beyond sharing the message he sent to staff.
“I am proud of what we have been able to accomplish together and wish the district nothing but success,” he wrote.
School Board Chair Alison Mastin confirmed the accuracy of the information shared by Fortney but declined to comment further. She said the school board would release a statement about their decision next week, following the conclusion of Fortney’s employment.
The board approved Fortney’s termination at a closed-session meeting on Monday. It was not immediately clear who would succeed Fortney as superintendent.
Fortney wrote that the board’s decision was made “pursuant to the termination with payment provision” of his contract. As a result, Kearsarge may be on the hook for the entirety of Fortney’s salary next year, which was set to be $175,049, according to the contract, which was obtained through a public records request.
Fortney has a responsibility to attempt to find other employment, according to the contract. If he does, the district would be responsible for the difference between any new compensation he receives and what he is owed.
It is possible, as well, that Fortney and the board reached a separation agreement that contains another financial arrangement.
Fortney was in his second year as superintendent. He relocated from Missouri to take the job in 2024.
Previously, he served as the superintendent of the Van-Far R-1 School District in Vandalia, Mo.
