There may not have been a lot of discussion during Columbia’s school board meeting Feb. 13, but the board of trustees did accept the resignation of one of its principals.
Columbia Primary School Principal Heather Singley tendered her resignation to pursue teaching in college. She completed her doctorate last summer. She said Tuesday she’s enjoyed her time as principal and that it’s been a really productive three years, especially with adding the pre-K program.
In an email sent to the school district staff, Singley said, “While it is bittersweet, I have decided to follow my dream of working in higher education. Columbia School District has terrific teachers and administrators, and I will continue to support you all while watching my children continue their schooling.”
She didn’t indicate what college she will work for.
Superintendent Jason Harris said Tuesday that Singley will remain in charge at the primary school through the end of the school year, and he’s excited for Singley and her future. In his statement in the email, he thanked Singley for her years of dedication to the Columbia School District and said he believes she will succeed at teaching in college.
Several rumors circulated about the reason for the departure, but Harris said there is no truth to any of them.
“(The rumors) are incorrect. If people bought into all that mess all the time … it’s just crazy. It blows my mind,” he said.
Singley had come to the primary school in 2017 after previously being the principal at West Marion Primary for seven years.
The district has begun its search for a new principal for the next school year, according to the letter.
The school board did not discuss the issue during its Feb. 13 meeting, but it accepted the resignation in a block along with other personnel changes.
The board also accepted the resignation of Columbia High School’s Brian Cloys, Brandon Thompson, Donna Rackley (retirement) and Sara Russell; Jefferson Middle School’s Monika Ford and Haley Sones; Columbia Elementary’s Gregory Ulland and Maria Green and Columbia Primary’s Melissa Arinder (retirement).
Pending background checks, the board approved the hiring of substitute teachers Sherry Elizabeth Anderson, Monica Berry, Jennifer Edwards, Bailey Fornea, Quentin Gibson, Courtney Greenlee, Nytisha Lampton, Jena Lee, John Lindem, Camillia McCraw and Hartence Patton for the remainder of the current school year; Amy Dewitt and Deannia James as child nutrition program workers and Ashlee Moody as a special education teacher at the high school. Substitute Child Nutrition Program Worker Mikeal Johnson was transferred from part-time to full-time at the elementary school.
Also during the meeting, the board was recognized for their hard work by the various principals in the district, and more than 30 teachers, coaches and students were also recognized for their efforts.
