The Bibb County School Board has voted to buy out Superintendent Romain Dallemand.

The board voted 7-1 Monday and agreed to pay Dallemand a lump sum of $350,000. Dallemand took office in 2011 and ignited controversies when he announced plans to close schools, cut teacher staffs, teach Mandarin to all students and institute a year-round school calendar.

Part of the severance package includes a two-page recommendation letter — which is signed by four members of the board.

After receiving payment, Dallemand will no longer be employed as superintendent, but is required to help facilitate the transition to a new superintendent through June 30.

The agreement also requires the board to pay Dallemand's attorney fees in three lawsuits pending against him and the district in Bibb County Superior Court.