West Hall Middle School Principal Ethan Banks will not be returning as principal of the school next school year.
The Hall County School Board did not give a reason but confirmed the change at their meeting Monday evening.
“I don't make comments on personnel situations but it was good to see a community come in and speak on behalf of one of our team members,” Superintendent Will Schofield said. “Will there be a change of principal at West Hall Middle School next year? The answer is yes.”
Several parents, teachers and students attended the school board meeting to speak against the personnel change. Lindsey Foster, the band director at West Hall Middle School, said many West Hall community members felt disheartened by the decision. Foster requested a year extension for Banks, to set “attainable goals and show improvement.”
“It is rare in not just education or in leadership, but in life to meet someone with the character or work ethic of Mr. Banks,” Foster said. “We recognize that West Hall Middle School has improvements to make regarding test scores behavior.”
Elizabeth Andrews was a secretary at West Hall Middle School for two and a half years. She asked the board to think carefully about their decision.
“The only thing I ask as a West Hall parent is to please think carefully and prayerfully, who you choose to fill this position, because his [Banks] shoes are unfillable. He has truly made a positive influence,” Andrews said.
Banks started at West Hall High School in 2005. From 2010 to 2018 he served as assistant principal and from 2014 to 2018 he also served as athletic director. In 2018, Banks became principal of West Hall Middle School.
There is no other information on who will replace Banks and when he will officially step down.
