By Christian Coffman

The Natchez Democrat

Ferriday — Delta Charter School administrator Buddy Givens has resigned from the Ferriday school.

Givens said Friday his resignation had nothing to do with a recent ruling from a federal judge that said the school violated the order that allowed the formation of the school.

“It absolutely does not,” Givens said. “I regret that that would be a question at this time. Struggling with the decision to leave was something going on long before (the lawsuit.) I really want to make that clear.”

U.S. District Judge Dee Drell ruled in early June that Delta Charter School had violated the consent order and initially mandated the school’s enrollment be cut. The judge subsequently issued a stay that would allow the school to open without reducing its enrollment for the upcoming school year.

Givens said the resignation had been on his mind for a while.

“It was something that I’ve been contemplating for the bigger part of the school year,” Givens said. “It just seemed to me that it was the best for all people that I look elsewhere.”

Givens said to his knowledge no one else is in line for his former position at Delta Charter School, although board members have begun the process of looking for his replacement and a new elementary principal.

Givens said he is seeking new opportunities, but is not certain what his next career move will be.

“That is yet to be determined at this point,” Givens said “I’m in the waning years of my educational professional life.”

Givens said he was not asked to leave, so he has no hard feelings with the school.

“Part of me hates to leave when they’re in need, but this is for the best for all involved,” Givens said. “There is a great group of teachers there. I’ll miss working with them.”