Selma Supt. Quits, Will Drop Suit

SELMA, Ala. —  Selma’s first black schools superintendent resigned Monday and said he would drop his $10-million racial discrimination suit against the city and the school board in return for a cash settlement.

Norward Roussell cited the stress of the turmoil surrounding his case since the school board voted late last year to dismiss him.

He said the settlement was “close to” what he would have received if his three-year, $69,500-a-year contract had been renewed, about $208,500.

The vote by the white-controlled board not to renew Roussell’s contract sparked protests by blacks, some of whom were arrested during demonstrations.

The board said it voted to dismiss Roussell him because of his management style.