Habersham County school leaders got a little emotional on Friday as they accepted the resignation of Clarkesville Elementary School Principal Tim Goss. “He has some opportunities that he’s pursuing outside K-12 education,” Superintendent Matthew Cooper explains about Goss’ retirement.
Leaders say, after 26 years here, Goss’ absence will be felt deeply, “He’s been a great leader for Habersham County,” says Cooper. “He leaves some big shoes to fill at Clarkesville Elementary that’s for sure.”
Goss started with the Habersham School System right out of college in 1989. He taught 8th grade at North Habersham Middle School for 15 years before becoming assistant principal at Clarkesville Elementary in 2004, then principal at Hazel Grove. He returned to Clarkesville as principal in 2013.
This is the second time in recent memory that CES has lost its leader to higher education. Goss’ predecessor, Susan Turpin, resigned her job as principal at the school to accept a job at Truett McConnell College in Cleveland.
Board members say they didn’t want to accept Goss’ retirement. “We are heartbroken,” says BOE Member Pat Taylor. Vice Chairperson Don Corbett agrees, “He’s a good friend. My son went through Clarkesville and Tim was a great leader at that school.” Board member Rick Williams worked alongside Goss, “I taught with him for 10 years. He’s a good man.”
Clarkesville Elementary teachers and staff were informed of Goss’ exit prior to Friday’s called meeting. Cooper says the search for a new principal for Clarkesville Elementary will begin on Monday. “He will be greatly missed,” says Taylor, “but we wish him well at Piedmont.”
UPDATE: Tim Goss released a statement Saturday morning to Now Habersham about his retirement –
“I have enjoyed serving in the Habersham County School System for almost 26 years as a teacher and an administrator. I have had the opportunity to work with many wonderful students, teachers, parents, community members, and administrators throughout this time, and have developed many life-long friendships. This is a great school system, and I would like thank Mr. Cooper and the Board of Education for their support over the years. I am looking forward to retirement and beginning the next phase of my life.”
