ANDERSON — The Anderson Community School Board Thursday recalled Antony “Ty” Bibbs, a physical education teacher who was laid off earlier this year and then filed a complaint claiming racial discrimination.

Bibbs’ recall was facilitated after the board last night accepted the resignation of another PE teacher, Chris Williams. Williams was laid off at the same time as Bibbs, but was to be called back ahead of Bibbs.

With Williams’ resignation, Bibbs was the next qualified recall candidate in terms of seniority and certification, ACS Personnel Director Richard Dickerson told the board at a special meeting.

Bibbs did not return a call seeking comment Thursday evening, but in an e-mail he wrote, “I am absolutely overjoyed to have been vindicated in this unfortunate lay-off matter that was unjustly thrust upon me. Sunlight truly is the best disinfectant!”

Dickerson and ACS Superintendent Mikella Lowe said they had not spoken with Bibbs, and neither said they knew the status of Bibbs’ complaint.

Earlier this month, Bibbs filed a federal claim alleging that he was terminated due to race and had more seniority than another similarly qualified teacher who was retained. That claim rests with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

Bibbs was denied an opportunity to file a grievance with the Anderson Federation of Teachers. ACS and AFT officials said they followed procedures to determine seniority that were put in place as a result of a decades-old lawsuit.

Bibbs unsuccessfully ran for Madison County Council in 2008. He previously lost a race for mayor of Anderson as a write-in candidate in 2007, after an unsuccessful Democratic bid for Anderson City Council.

Contact Dave Stafford: 648-4250, dave.stafford @heraldbulletin.com