A convicted sex offender will not be teaching in any Nova Scotia classroom.

The South Shore Regional School Board voted unanimously Wednesday evening to accept Peter Speight’s resignation as part of a settlement agreement. He will also be surrendering his teaching certificate.

“It’s time for Mr. Speight to walk away,” Lunenburg County Coun. Cathy Moore told the Rick Howe Show.

It’s uncertain how much money Speight will receive as part of the settlement agreement. It will be in addition to the $150,000 in back pay the board was ordered to pay him by the courts.

The board had been under a Supreme Court order to rehire Speight after he successfully appealed his dismissal.

Speight pleaded guilty in 2008 to performing an indecent act while sitting in a parked car in Halifax in the fall of 2007. He had called a woman over to his car to watch the act.

The Department of Education also revoked his teaching certificate, but that too was overturned by the Supreme Court on a separate application.

This week, the board and New Germany Elementary School had been trying to develop a reintegration program to reinstate the former Grade 3 teacher, but the matter reached a fever pitch Monday and Tuesday evening during well-attended meetings that saw emotions run high.

“The community has spoken, the parents have spoken,” said Moore. “They don’t want him back here. The parents have said they’re going to take their kids out of school.”

The agreement with Speight was announced last night after school board members moved in-camera for nearly an hour to consult with their lawyer.

Superintendent Nancy Pynch-Worthylake said the board had to protect the best interests of students and the community and the strong feelings on the issue voiced at this week’s public meetings were a significant factor in being able to reach a settlement.

Parent Myra Jodrey has a son in grade six at New Germany Elementary and was overwhelmed with the outcome.

“Our children’s safety is what matters and our peace of mind knowing our kids can go to school and be safe,” said Jodrey. “I’m so emotional right now, I could just break right down. I’m so happy.”

Prior to the settlement agreement, Education Minister Ramona Jennex ordered Speight put on administrative leave Wednesday afternoon.

Speight can still apply to work in other provinces.