at end of December

By BRIAN BLACKLEY

Managing Editor

Published Oct. 24, 1999

Mike Hall, principal of Charles Henderson Middle School, will resign his position effective Dec. 31, 1999, as he seeks to make a career change.

Hall plans to go to work in the banking and finance industry, working for Troy Bank and Trust at its Elba branch.

"I will be working in finance, insurance and a variety of other finance-related areas and that is an opportunity I look forward to," Hall said.

Despite the career challenge and opportunity, Hall said making the decision to leave Charles Henderson Middle School was difficult.

"This was not an easy decision to make, but I saw this as a tremendous opportunity," Hall said. "The staff here at the middle school is one of the strongest I have ever been associated with, and I hate to depart for that reason. But banking and finance is an area that I was always interested in and I felt as if it would be a good change of direction."

Hall has been at Charles Henderson Middle School most of his 18 years in education. He has spent 13 years there as a teacher, coach, assistant principal and later principal. Hall has been principal of the school for four years.

Hall said he plans for Dec. 31 to officially be his last day as principal, though he expects to be out of the office beginning Dec. 1.

"With Christmas break and other days off I have earned, I expect Nov. 30 to be my last day at the school," Hall said.

Moving on is something he looks forward to, he said, but doing it is no easy matter.

"I’m anxious and excited about the opportunities in front of me," he said. "At the same time I am nervous and concerned as well. I have made many great friends and met a lot of wonderful people here and I hate to let go of that part. But this is something I feel as if I must do because this chance may not be there for me down the line."

Hall also said he has appreciated the support the parents have given him at CHMS, as a teacher, coach and principal.

"They have been extremely supportive and I appreciate all they have done to make my job easier," Hall said.

The Troy Board of Education is expected to accept Hall’s resignation at its board meeting next week

Hall said though the resignation hasn’t been accepted, he has made the announcement to his staff.