Adrian Martinez-De La Cruz

GARY — Lake Ridge New Tech Schools paid at least $323,000 to buy out the contract of former Superintendent Sharon Johnson-Shirley, public records show.

The school board approved the July 1 retirement of Johnson-Shirley on June 26, as well as a settlement agreement with the longtime district leader.

The Times obtained a copy of the settlement agreement through a public records request.

As part of the terms of the settlement agreement, the board agreed to pay a lump sum of $180,670 to Johnson-Shirley, one year's worth of her annual salary. They also agreed to contribute $11,743 to her teacher retirement account and an annuity of $18,800 to her 403(b) account.

The agreement also states that the board paid for Johnson-Shirley's unused sick days at a daily rate

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