Young was outspoken in his criticism of the division while campaigning last year but would not elaborate Wednesday or say whether he found the criticisms of those concerned about transparency to be fair.

Page said, “It was the best decision for the board to make to have a new start and be able to tackle the many issues facing the district.”

Bedden did not answer questions about the terms, which appear to mirror those governing his early departure from the Irving Independent School District in Irving, Texas.

Board members there also cited philosophical differences in media interviews about Bedden’s premature exit. Steven Jones, the president of the Irving ISD’s Board of Trustees, did not immediately return an interview request Wednesday.

In Irving, Bedden locked horns with a tea party faction of the board. Media reports reference an instance in which one member — then a candidate for office — was removed from Bedden’s office after a disagreement.

Irving’s board ultimately agreed to pay Bedden $325,000 to leave after three years at the helm. On Monday, the Richmond School Board voted 7-1-1 to award him nearly $300,000.