FRANKLIN (AP) — A Middle Tennessee school board chairman has decided to step down from his leadership role over a controversy due to his involvement in a business that created a novelty bottle opener shaped like a woman's behind.

The Tennessean (http://tnne.ws/ZA4yS8) reports Williamson County School Board Chairman Mark Gregory said in an email to other board members that he made the decision because of the issue has become an "incredible distraction" and has interfered with the board's focus on education. Gregory will remain on the board, but won't serve as chairman.

Since he was elected chairman by fellow board members this month, nearly 1,000 parents signed a petition seeking his resignation and board member P.J. Mezera resigned Monday as vice chairman.

Gregory has apologized for his role in making the novelty item.