By STEVE REAGAN
Staff Writer

Citing "distractions" caused by an ongoing state investigation, Michael Downes and the Big Spring Independent School District reached a mutual parting of the ways Thursday night. District trustees emerged from a marathon special meeting to announce that Downes, the district's superintendent since 2002, had resigned.

 
His resignation is effective June 30. No timetable has been announced for naming a replacement.

See Friday's Big Spring Herald for details.