News
Tolly Bowles has been named interim principal at East Franklin Elementary School following the resignation of Landon Holland earlier this month.
Bowles is currently the school’s interim assistant principal.
Holland said Wednesday that he has felt a need to return to teaching for some time. He has accepted a position in the classroom at Blue Ridge Elementary School in Jackson County. His last day at East Franklin will be Thursday, Oct. 31.
Holland said he has enjoyed his time at East Franklin and is looking forward to the next chapter in his career.
“For the past two years I have had the opportunity to serve as principal of East Franklin Elementary,” he said. “I have enjoyed getting to know and love your children as principal. However, I am a teacher at heart.”
Holland announced his decision to his faculty on Monday, Oct. 14 and sent home information with his students for their parents shortly after. He made his intentions known 30 days in advance to superintendent Chris Baldwin, who announced it to the board of education at a special called session on Tuesday, Oct. 15.
Baldwin wishes Holland the best going
forward, but he feels the circumstances are less than ideal.
“I understand why he’s doing it and I support him, but I do feel that he was the right fit for East Franklin Elementary School,” Baldwin said. “It’s unfortunate that the school is now in a position where they need a new principal at this point in the year.”