The Kemp Independent School District Board of Trustees called a special meeting Nov. 15 to discuss the employment contract of Supt. Sam Swierc in closed session.

When the trustees returned to open session they announced the approval of a separation agreement with Swierc, and they named Phil Edwards as acting superintendent. There was no explanation for Swierc's departure.

KISD is one of four school districts, including Mabank ISD, Eustace ISD and Malakoff ISD,  that serves the Cedar Creek Lake area.

Swierc's contract first appeared on the agenda Nov. 10, and the superintendent did not attend the school board meeting. Edwards filled in for him, and he attrributed Swierc's absence to "health reasons."

Swierc did not report for work the rest of the week.

Swierc became acting superintendent in December 2012, and the trustees named him superintendent in March 2013.

He took over the district during a time of financial struggle, and the reserve fund grew substantially during his almost two-year tenure.

Trustees scrutinized and criticized district purchasing and contract-awarding policies in recent months.

Edwards said in a telephone interview the trustees will develop a plan for a permanent replacement for Swierc.

"As we go through this transition, my goal is for Kemp Independent School District to focus on student learning," Edwards said.

Swierc could not be reached for comment.