Richmond County schools Superintendent Charles Larke received an unsatisfactory annual evaluation, The Augusta Chronicle learned from more than one school board member Friday.

Board members said little after leaving their second two-hour closed-door session Thursday because they were advised that the evaluation is confidential and exempt from Georgia's open records law.

As it is written, Dr. Larke's contract stipulates that the school board "shall" offer him a new three-year contract should he receive a satisfactory annual evaluation. Without a new contract, his current contract would remain in effect.

Dr. Larke has received only satisfactory evaluations previously. It is unclear what an unsatisfactory evaluation may mean for the superintendent.

He took the day off Friday, according to his secretary. The Chronicle attempted to contact him on his cell phone for comment, but he didn't answer, and his voicemail was full.

The issue of the evaluation has been discussed by school board members for a while and isn't over.

In early February, board member Jimmy Atkins asked the panel to review its procedures for evaluating the superintendent. A month later, board member A.K. Hasan began publicly questioning the way in which the evaluation is tied to Dr. Larke's contract.

The superintendent has 10 days from the time he receives his evaluation in which to respond. Questions regarding the superintendent's future could linger until May 1, the deadline for the board to offer him a contract.

Reach Greg Gelpi at (706) 828-3851 or greg.gelpi@augustachronicle.com.