SOUTH BEND — There was a lot of tension between the South Bend school board and Superintendent Robert Zimmerman just five months ago, but now Zimmerman says the two sides are in a better position.

The board will assess Zimmerman’s performance in June.

The last time that happened, Zimmerman received a lot of support from the community as rumors swirled that the school board wanted him out.

“We're continuing to work through it, and I think we're probably in better shape than last time the evaluations went through,” Zimmerman told WSBT News.

He has received a lot of criticism recently from the community for denying Sen. Hillary Clinton's request to speak at Washington High School during the school day.

He then approved a request from Sen. Barack Obama to speak while students were off for spring break.

“It really was a very simple decision to make,” explained Zimmerman. “We decided in the district that we have an open forum after school hours."

He stands by that decision. School board member Dawn Jones says it has caused no problems with the board, despite some talk in the community.

“Dr. Zimmerman obtained information, opinions and information, from the board as well as his cabinet as well as the people in the school corporation and made the best decision based on the information he had for the students at Washington High School,” said Jones.

In fact, when it comes to talk about possible problems between Zimmerman and the board, school board member Ralph Pieniazkiewicz said, “Put it to rest, put it to rest. This all started before, put it to bed."

Zimmerman says he's staying positive.

“We're working together and we have our challenges but we continue to work together, and hopefully we can put our differences behind us for the sake of the kids.”

Zimmerman is in the middle of a three-year contract. It's set to expire in 2009.