New WCHS principal

CLEVELAND - A former principal at North Oconee High, who resigned under pressure last year, has been named principal at White County High.

John Osborne will replace Bryan Dorsey, who recently accepted a position with the Gilmer County School System. 

At Thursday night's  White County Board of Education meeting, Superintendent Dr. Paul Shaw made the announcement following an executive session.  Shaw said they had about 50 applicants for the position and they narrowed it down to three before making their selection.   

Osborne met with school personnel and the media Friday afternoon.  He  said  he isn't coming to White County to make any big changes... that he wants to listen to parents and staff and learn.   He also said he has some early ties to White County - 27 years ago he gave his wife Robin an engagement ring while they were visiting in White County.

Published reports last year said that Osborne was given the option of resigning or being fired from his position at North Oconee for what was labeled by Oconee County School Superintendent John Jackson as insubordination and willful neglect of his duties after he complained to an Athens newspaper about his school's lack of athletic facilities.  Osborne received the backing of parents and students.  

He resigned as principal last December and said the whole thing had been blown way out of proportion.  Friday he told reporters that's all behind him and that he and Superintendent Jackson are good friends. 
 
Osborne is set to assume his new duties October 4.