Spurgeon Banyard, the principal of Carencro Middle School, has resigned.

Banyard will finish out the remainder of the school year. His resignation is effective June 17.

Banyard said he is stepping down to be closer to his wife and three daughters in Mississippi, and because he feels it is in the best interest of Carencro Middle.

“I have to put the school and the staff and the student body first,” Banyard said.

Over the past year, Banyard has been named the defendant in two civil lawsuits from former Carencro Middle employees, alleging harassment and improper sexual overtures. Earlier this year, the Louisiana Department of Education suspended his teaching certificate for one day.

Banyard said the “false accusations” against him took a toll, to the point where he often disliked going into work.

“It was just time,” he said.

In addition, Banyard said his family still lives in Mississippi, and he usually commuted more than three hours every Friday and Monday to see them.

“The stress was just not good,” he continued. “Just looking at all of those factors, it was just time for me to step away.”

Banyard is the second Lafayette Parish principal to resign within the past week. Last week, Melinda Voorhies stepped down as the Northside High principal, effective immediately.

Banyard took over at Carencro Middle in fall 2012.