After five years serving as principal at Elkin High School, Mark Byrd will be leaving Elkin City Schools to take a position with Wilkes County Schools.
Byrd announced to staff last week that he is resigning to take a position as director of high school education/dean of students with Wilkes County Schools.
“I think this (Wilkes County) position is an opportunity to learn a lot about the central office level, and it’s also going to help me understand a little more about the entire educational program,” Byrd said. “I think that it will make me stronger down the road, but it was certainly a pretty hard decision.”
His last day will be June 30, 2012.
“There is so much I will miss,” Byrd said. “We have an awesome group of kids that are a lot of fun every day. I’ll miss the teaching staff. It’s hands down the best teaching staff I’ve ever worked with. And I’ll miss the community. I’m going to miss everyone, to be honest.”
Superintendent Dr. Randy Bledsoe said Byrd will be equally missed.
“Mr. Byrd has been a model for all high school principals across the state. He has led the students and staff to astonishing academic heights as evidenced in Elkin High School and the Elkin City Schools being recognized as having the ‘Highest Graduation Rate and a Top Ten School system’ for the past four years. He will definitely be missed. “
A search for Byrd’s replacement has already begun.
“We have opened up the search and have applications coming in,” Bledsoe said. “I have established a search committee, and we’ll be reviewing applications and doing interviews in the next two weeks.”
Byrd’s biggest piece of advice for his replacement is to take time to get to know everyone. “Whoever it may be is certainly coming into a great job, and I hope they’ll take the time to talk to the students, talk to the teachers, and talk with people in the community, because there is a whole lot of support in this community,” he said.
“I would like to thank the staff, students, parents and entire Elkin community for five great years working in this school system.I could not have asked for better support. I am very proud of the accomplishments of the students and staff during this time, and look forward to watching the outstanding traditions of this high school continue. I would like to thank Dr. Bledsoe, the school board and all of the administrators for their support.”
Though Byrd may be leaving the school system, he won’t be far. “I actually live in Wilkes County so I’ll stay where I am. I’m sure I’ll still talk to a lot of people, and see a lot of people and of course I’ll always keep an eye on things.”
Reach Darcie Dyer at 835-1513 or ddyer@heartlandpublications.com.
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