CULPEPER -- David Cox, superintendent of Culpeper County Public Schools, is expected to vacate his position immediately and officially resign next summer, the School Board announced yesterday.

According to a statement from the district, Cox and the School Board have entered an agreement calling for the 46-year-old superintendent to provide "consulting and transition services" to the board during a one-year sabbatical. He is then expected to resign as superintendent on June 30, 2009.

The news came at the School Board's annual retreat at Graves Mountain Lodge. Board members indicated they expected to convene in closed session to discuss the matter further.

"I have greatly enjoyed my tenure with Culpeper County Public Schools over the past seven years, and I look forward to continuing that relationship in a different capacity this year, as I provide appropriate support to the upcoming transition process," Cox said in a statement.

"I am proud of the significant academic achievement gains, program improvements and tremendous facility additions that have been achieved during my term as the leader of Culpeper County Public Schools," Cox's statement said.

"I plan to use this sabbatical as a time of professional growth and look forward to continuing my commitment to public education as an advocate for maximizing the potential for all children."

The statement did not identify who might replace Cox in the interim, nor were the exact terms of the sabbatical agreement disclosed. Instead, the terms will be released once both sides have reviewed the terms, the statement said.

School Board Chairman George Dasher praised Cox in the statement.

"The School Board has had an excellent working relationship with Dr. Cox and we are pleased that he will be able to pursue his education and career objectives during this sabbatical. We appreciate his efforts to make the transfer to new leadership as smooth as possible."

The board will hold a special meeting tomorrow at 6:30 p.m. at the School Board office.
Nate Delesline III is a staff writer for the Culpeper Star-Exponent.