NORWICH – Norwich High School students, parents and staff need no longer speculate on whether or not Thomas Knapp will return to the building as principal. After five months, they have their answer.

Norwich High School’s absent principal has tendered his resignation.

The move, which will no doubt come as a surprise to some, was made as part of a settlement agreement negotiated by representatives from both sides.

The Norwich City School Board of Education was informed of Knapp’s resignation during executive session at Tuesday night’s board meeting. Board members returned from the brief closed session just long enough to adopt a resolution approving the settlement and granting School Board President Bob Patterson the authority to “sign all documents necessary to bring the matter to conclusion.”

The motion to adopt the resolution, made by board member Kathy Coates and seconded by Perry Owen, was carried 4-3. Tim Brown, Sally Chirlin and Priscilla Johnson voted in opposition.

As read by Patterson, the resolution stated that Knapp’s notice of claim against the district had “been withdrawn through negotiation, thus avoiding expensive and protracted litigation.”