Embattled Phenix City superintendent to retire. What to know
The Phenix City Board of Education has recently navigated leadership difficulties as Superintendent Janet Sherrod's job performance and management have been questioned.
Sherrod faced repeated criticisms, including concerns that she had failed to plan for curriculum changes affecting the Accelerated Academy.
Sherrod elected to retire after multiple instances of her job performance coming up at school board meetings.
Sherrod hasn’t replied to the Ledger-Enquirer’s requests for comment. Here's a timeline of what has unfolded over the last several weeks:
Aug. 19: The board met but delayed discussion of "the superintendent’s job performance and contract."
Aug. 21: The board met but the agenda item about discussing Sherrod’s job performance and contract was removed with a board vote.
Aug. 22: The board announced it has accepted the retirement of Sherrod, effective Dec. 31. Sherrod praised the district's progress and teamwork in a statement.
Sept. 2: The board met and voted to transfer Sherrod's authority to assistant superintendent Nathan Walters. Walters expressed gratitude and commended the community.
Read more in the stories below:
NO. 1: PHENIX CITY SUPERINTENDENT’S JOB ON THE LINE WHEN SCHOOL BOARD MEETS. HERE’S WHY
Two weeks into the school year, the job security for the superintendent of Phenix City Schools appears to be on the line when the Phenix City Board of Education convenes Thursday. | Published August 20, 2025 | Read Full Story by Mark Rice
NO. 2: IN SURPRISE MOVE, PHENIX CITY BOARD SPARES SUPERINTENDENT JOB TALK — ‘FOR NOW’
The Phenix City Board of Education and embattled superintendent Janet Sherrod were scheduled to discuss her job performance and contract during Thursday night’s meeting. | Published August 22, 2025 | Read Full Story by Mark Rice
NO. 3: PHENIX CITY BOARD OF EDUCATION ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT OF EMBATTLED SUPERINTENDENT
The Phenix City Board of Education announced Friday it has accepted the retirement of superintendent Janet Sherrod, effective Dec. | Published August 22, 2025 | Read Full Story by Mark Rice
NO. 4: PHENIX CITY BOARD OF EDUCATION TRANSFERS SUPERINTENDENT’S AUTHORITY TO DESIGNEE
The Phenix City Board of Education and Superintendent Janet Sherrod have taken another step toward her departure from the school system. | Published September 2, 2025 | Read Full Story by Mark Rice
The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.