Knoxville — Knox County Schools security chief Gus Paidousis submitted his resignation in early May but soon rescinded it, according to records and school officials.
Paidousis in a statement Wednesday to 10News said he simply changed his mind in the spring.
"Back in May, I submitted a resignation letter to Chief Operating Officer Russ Oaks that would have been effective at the end of July, allowing time for a smooth transition," his statement reads. "The letter didn't state a reason for resignation, but, honestly, I just thought it might be time to start focusing on spending a little more time with my family.
"After some reflection over the days that followed, I realized there was still a lot of good work to be done as leader of the KCS Security Division and rescinded my resignation. Simple as that."
After Paidousis asked to pull it back, system Chief Operating Officer Russ Oaks recommended he be allowed to stay on, Superintendent Bob Thomas said.
10News obtained an email sent by Paidousis to his security officers May 9 announcing he would not be leaving after all.
Sent at 4:46 a.m., it reads: "All - I have been allowed to withdraw my resignation letter and will be staying on as the chief of security . We have much work to do . Have a great day."
Paidousis, a Knoxville Police Department veteran hired in 2013 by the school system, oversees a force that includes a resource officer in every one of the system's 89 schools. The system recently finished training 24 officers, an addition to the 78 on staff.
The system has set a goal of improving attrition. Some officers have complained of turnover in Knox County.
Thomas told 10News he's happy to have Paidousis.
"We certainly are confident in Chief's abilities," he said. "He's really done a great job in terms of school resource officers, training and making sure our schools are safe and secure."
Paidousis has faced criticism about his leadership. Several veteran officers targeted him in a 2015 complaint and a 2017 lawsuit filed in Knox County Chancery Court.
The action is expected to shift to U.S. District Court in Knoxville.
Paidousis said in his statement Wednesday he enjoys his work.
"This is an integral time in school security and I am fortunate to have been given the opportunity to continue leading a department and staff I am incredibly proud of."