The Poplarville School Board accepted the resignation of Poplarville High School soccer coach Adam Smith on Monday.
Smith was arrested by Purvis School District Police Sept. 23 for public intoxication, according to previous coverage. Poplarville linebacker coach Troy Davis was also arrested at the same time for public intoxication.
“He submitted that resignation this morning,” said Poplarville Superintendent Carl Merritt.
The Board did not comment on the resignation because “it was a personnel matter.”
About 30 students and parents were present at the meeting on behalf of Smith, carrying signs of support or wearing T-shirts with similar messages.
Some parents, including Corey Smith and Wanda Carter, submitted letters to the Board on Adam Smith’s behalf before the meeting began.
After the meeting adjourned, many of the coach’s advocates were visibly upset. Carter and other parents said they were disappointed.
“Coach Smith has given his all to the school…I’m truly grateful for all he’s done,” Carter said.
Merritt said he had plans to hire a replacement before soccer season begins in a few weeks.
The varsity football coach arrested at the same time as Smith, 47-year-old Troy Davis, was not mentioned during Monday’s meeting.
Prior to the Board entering executive session to discuss the personnel issue, Merrit announced Poplarville High School had been awarded a bronze award from U.S. News and World Report for its academic performance.
The Board congratulated Principal Jonathan Will for the accomplishment.
The Board also approved an amended budget from the 2016 fiscal year which district Finance Director Samantha Sandifer said was “fiscally sound.”
Merritt also announced the district received their accreditation without deficiencies for the 10th consecutive year.
The Board approved professional development and assessment plans for teachers to continue improvements to attendance and other aspects.
Merritt proposed the Board accept a change at PHS that would add a marine biology class, which he said was of great interest to the students, especially being so close to the Gulf Coast.
In other news, the Board approved financial reports dated Aug. 31. Sandifer said those reports close out the fiscal year.
They also approved several of Merritt’s agenda items, including travel, accepting donations, approving bus turnarounds and Board minutes.