Patterson to reside in Macon, says she won't seek new superintendent job

Bibb County school Superintendent Sharon Patterson sat at her desk Tuesday eating Jelly Bellies from a big canister while well-wishers popped in to bid her farewell.

After she leaves the job Feb. 26, she said she plans to remain in Macon.

Patterson, the county’s first female superintendent, said she asked the school board about two weeks ago to consider a settlement to end her superintendent’s contract 17 months early. A state ethics complaint against her and two assistants, she said, had created too much turmoil.

Patterson said she could no longer work in tandem with the school board to operate an effective school system.