The Jefferson County Board of Education confirmed in a statement Saturday morning that it is cutting ties with Superintendent Stephen Nowlin.

The statement said that the board was seeking an “orderly and amicable transition in the superintendency… [A]ny Board action that might be taken would not be based on any wrongdoing or neglect of duty, but on philosophical differences about how best to maintain educational progress for the school system.”

The statement further quoted JefCoEd President Jennifer Parsons as saying, “Dr. Nowlin has made important contributions to public education over the course of a distinguished career and we expect him to continue to do so. If the Board approves making a change in the position, our focus will be on employing a superintendent whose vision and leadership style will best meet the needs of this district and the students it serves,”

The North Jefferson News first reported exclusively on Friday evening that Nowlin had been asked to step down after almost 16 months in office. That report came on the basis of information from two sources who confirmed the move, but who asked to remain anonymous because they were not authorized to speak publicly about the matter. Nowlin later confirmed the move in other media reports.

Parsons said in the statement that once Nowlin’s departure is finalized, the board would be able to name an interim superintendent for up to 180 days, as permitted by Alabama law. The permanent position would have to be advertised for at least 30 days. No timetable is yet in place for that process, Parsons added.

“Parents and patrons of the district can be assured that, no matter what happens, our students will remain under the care and supervision of competent and conscientious educators,” Parsons concluded.

Nowlin came to the JefCoEd system after serving as Lee County Scgools superintendent. He was chosen by the board in October 2012 to replace longtime superintendent Phil Hammonds.