PORTAGE (WKZO) -- Dr. Ric Perry denies he violated the morals clause in his contract as Superintendent of Portage Schools, but has resigned “in protest”, he says in a letter, “to minimize disruption to the community and the schools”.

The Board suspended him with pay in December, saying his alleged relationship with a female employee was in breach of contract.

But it’s not over. Lawyers for the district and for Perry will now go to arbitration to determine if he deserves a buy out or a severance and what it might look like.

Trustees say they are relieved but the final price tag to the district is yet to be determined.