LAKEVILLE, Mass. (WPRI) — Freetown Lakeville Regional School District Superintendent Alan Strauss resigned last week, citing the "public mistreatment" he claims he faced at the hands of district leaders following his cancer diagnosis. Strauss, who was diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukemia nearly a year after being named superintendent, accused two school committee members of making "defamatory statements" about his health. "While the vast majority of people in the district community ... have been incredibly compassionate and understanding about my health challenges, I've discovered that this level of care is not universal," Strauss explained prior to stepping down at last week's school committee meeting. Strauss claimed the school committee members, as well as certain elected and appointed town officials, demanded proof of his illness and requested to review how he used his sick time and medical leave. He also accused them of suggesting he wasn't really sick since he hadn't lost his hair, as well as requesting the school committee get a second opinion on his health. "These actions and other actions by these individuals have created a toxic environment that hascompromised my ability to prioritize my health," Strauss said. "The stress imposed by the actions of these individual officials has hindered the effectiveness of my treatments and therapies." Strauss noted that, while he missed work days and used his medical leave, he never neglected his responsibilities to the district. "My commitment to the students and staff of our district is so great that I have frequently worked from a treatment chair at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute," Strauss said. "In leaving the district, I am choosing to live and fight. I have arrived at this moment and I am choosing my family, my health and my need to work in an environment that allows me to lead with the joy and passion that I have always done throughout my career." Strauss asked the public to respect his privacy going forward. "Please remember that kindness always wins, joy is essential, people matter most, and how we treat others is the clearest indicator of who we are," he said. "Our students and staff deserve nothing less than being treated with dignity, respect and kindness, even when we disagree." The school committee thanked Strauss for his service and leadership in a public statement following his resignation. "Your hard work and dedication have clearly moved the district forward and for that we are forever grateful," the statement said. "This committee wishes you all the best as it relates to your health, happiness and success in future endeavors." The school committee explained that it has reached an agreement with Strauss to settle his claims and allow him to part ways "on terms that are fair and acceptable." "We are aware this agreement will likely be scrutinized by the community," the statement continued. "We want to be very clear to the school community that this outcome is not about Strauss' performance. This is a mutual decision made in the best interest of the parties." The school committee also acknowledged that two members did not participate in the discussions surrounding Strauss' contract. It's unclear if those were the same two members he said made disparaging comments about his health, but the school committee stressed that their decision not to participate was made on their own accord. In a letter to the district, the school committee promised to try to fill the superintendent position as soon as possible. In the meantime, Director of Curriculum and Assessment Teri Fleming, Director of Finance and Operations John Higgins and Director of Student Services Kelly Steele will split the superintendent's responsibilities. "This committee has no doubt the Freetown Lakeville School District will continue to thrive as wenavigate a change in leadership," the statement concluded. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily Roundup SIGN UP NOW