A superintendent of one of the largest school systems in Georgia is stepping down.

Bibb County school superintendent Sharon Patterson is leaving at the end of the month. She says allegations reported to the Georgia Professional Standards Commission have become a distraction.

In recent months she has been under investigation for allegedly failing to report principal misconduct. She says she will fight those allegations.

“I intend to devote my full time and energy in clearing my name and defending myself against the merit-less charges that have been made against me. It would be unfair for me to continue serving as superintendent while having to do so.”

The school board voted to accept her resignation and will pay Patterson a lump sum of nearly $200,000. She leaves as superintendent at the end of the month.

Tags: Georgia Professional Standards Commission, Bibb County, superintendent, school board, Sharon Patterson, stepping down