Bell Elementary principal resigns

On Tuesday, September 1, 2009, the Gilchrist County School Board accepted the resignation of Michelle Smith, principal of Bell Elementary School. Michelle Smith had been the principal there since July 2008 and also the assistant principal from July 2006 to June 2008. Mrs. Smith has dedicated her professional life to education and to Gilchrist County Schools. Superintendent Don Thomas shared, “Michelle Smith has decided to make a change. She has fulfilled all of our expectations and has been doing a great job. However, she feels this is the right move for her right now.”
Mrs. Smith will be joining the Trenton Elementary School faculty as the guidance counselor for the primary grades.
“Michelle Smith has been successful in every position she has been in. I fully expect her positive impact on children and with our schools to continue in her new position,” stated Wendy O’Steen, director of elementary education.
The School Board appointed Sherry Lindsey, assistant principal at Bell Elementary as the interim principal. Mrs. Lindsey has been serving as the assistant principal at Bell Elementary School since July 2008. She has been a shared assistant principal with Bell High School since January 2009. Superintendent Thomas will now begin his search for a new principal for Bell Elementary School.
“I feel confident that with Sherry Lindsey as interim, Bell Elementary School will continue to see good leadership and administrative attention while we go through this transition.”