MANSFIELD, La. (AP) — The newly retired superintendent of DeSoto Parish schools got a $275,000 severance payment when he retired last week.

The Times reports that Walter Lee still had 14 months left on his contract, which paid $187,500 a year, and got more than $100,000 for about 100 days of unused annual and sick leave.

The one-time payment of nearly $175,000 means the school system won't have to pay one-quarter of Lee's $65,000-a-year retirement. Over 10 years, that would have come to $162,500.

Lee is 77 years old. He retired Thursday after 21 years as superintendent.

As part of his severance agreement, he agreed to act as a free consultant if needed during the transition to a new administration, and releases the school system from all future claims.

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