Last Updated on July 10, 2019 9:59 am
Valle Crucis School Principal Preston Clarke is leaving to accept the job as Principal of Lincolnton High School in Lincoln County.
Clarke informed parents, faculty and staff of Valle Crucis in an email on Tuesday night.
“On Tuesday evening, July 9th the school board of Lincoln County Schools approved me to be the Principal of Lincolnton High School. This was a very tough decision but ultimately an opportunity that I couldn’t turn down as I seek to continue my own professional growth. This means that I will be resigning my position as Principal of Valle Crucis School. I will continue my duties as Principal of VC until a new Principal is appointed. I will do my best to make this transition as smooth as possible so that VC is able to continue providing our students with the best educational experience.”
Clarke went on to say, “The past five years have been tremendous for me. I am very sad to say good-bye to the many people that I have had the privilege of meeting and working with over the past five years.Valle Crucis School is a special place that is defined by special people, and always will be. I am very appreciative of the support from the school community throughout my tenure as Principal of Valle Crucis. Although my time with you is coming to a close, I know that the faculty and staff will continue to do great work at Valle Crucis School. I am proud of the progress that we were able to make over the past five years with an intent focus on the academic, social, and emotional needs of our students. I am very thankful for my time at Valle Crucis and please know that I love our students dearly. They have brought me so much joy over the past five years. I am very grateful to our faculty and staff for their unwavering support during my time as Principal. I also appreciate the support that I have received from Dr. Elliott and the central office team. I will always cherish this time of my career! Thank you! This is VC! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LaJIBdQCczY“
Dr. Scott Elliott, Superintendent of Watauga County Schools, shares with WataugaOnline.com, “I am very proud of Mr. Clarke and the great work he has done in Watauga and at Valle Crucis. Of course, I hate to see him go, but I understand and absolutely support his professional goal to become a high school principal. Lincoln County Schools is fortunate to have him and he will be missed here in Watauga.”
Dr. Elliott went on to say, “We will begin the search for the next Valle Crucis Principal at once and will have Mr. Clarke’s successor in place as soon as possible. Our goal is to have a new principal by the start of the next school year. Valle Crucis School has a very positive reputation both in our region and across our state, and I expect this position will attract a high quality applicant pool. Valle Crucis is a wonderful school community with an exciting future ahead of it. With the prospect of a new school being built, the coming years will be an exciting time to be the principal of Valle Crucis.”
