Westside principal takes job in Gwinnett

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Westside principal takes job in Gwinnett

Posted by

Mike Buffington

in Education Archives, Top Stories & Breaking News

Friday, February 17. 2012

Comments (10)

The principal of Westside Middle School is leaving Barrow County to take a position in neighboring Gwinnett County. Eli Welch, current principal of Westside Middle School in Winder, was hired Feb. 9 by the Gwinnett County Board of Education as the new principal of Shiloh Middle School in Snellville. Welch’s first day of school as the new principal will be Feb. 27.

Barrow County school leaders are working toward ensuring a smooth transition for current Westside Middle School students. Although a permanent principal has not yet been named, Barrow County Schools superintendent Wanda Creel said Tom Odom, who is “a retired experienced educator,” will begin working Feb. 21 as the interim principal overlapping with Welch’s last week ending Friday, Feb. 24.

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#1 Anonymous on 02/17/12 at 03:02 PM [Reply]

We sure can't blame him for getting the hell out Barrow County.

#2 OMG on 02/17/12 at 04:11 PM [Reply]

Gwinnett has taken one of our best. Best of luck to him and he will be missed by parents, teachers, students, and staff.

#3 Really?? on 02/17/12 at 07:17 PM [Reply]

I think is very sad day for us when Barrow has good staff plucked away by our big neighbor, but Gwinnett has the largest system in Georgia, and when they have a need, they can make a good offer and hire good people away. They do it in other positions to not just education. We need to attract some of their people too.

It really too bad that alot of the above comments are so negative. #1-Why are you still in Barrow? & #3-Really?? Do you really believe your statement. 1958 really? --come on.

Your favorite can't always win the job, but this man was considered a candidate, you put us back 54 years just because he might have been a runner-up?

#4 facebook user on 02/17/12 at 10:25 PM [Reply]

Best of luck to you Dr. Welch! You will be missed.... I agree with the above comment can't blame him for getting the Hell out as long as Creel is in charge the system will continue to spiral out of control! If the BOE does not replace her when her contract is up we have no choice but to Vote Them OUT!!! Either Creel goes or the BOE has got to go..... come on Barrow WAKE UP!

#4.1 anon on 02/24/12 at 05:47 PM [Reply]

How do we know it is Creel? Wasn't he passed over for other positions before Creel arrived?

#5 Devera on 02/18/12 at 09:09 AM [Reply]

I used to work for the school system and by FAR, Dr. Welch was the BEST principal in the system. He is an amazing principal and was the reason why I was so proud that my children attended Westside Middle School. I knew when he didn't get the superintendent job or the principal position at AHS that it wouldn't be long. He will be sorely missed. Be Blessed in your new adventure Eli.

#6 Anonymous on 02/18/12 at 08:21 PM [Reply]

He is an amazing principal and was the reason why I was so proud that my children attended West Side Middle School. I knew when he didn't get the superintendent job or the principal position at AHS that it wouldn't be long. He will be sorely missed. Good Luck Mr. Welch..cb

#7 Devera on 02/20/12 at 07:58 PM [Reply]

Bringing in a retired educator as interim principal is the last thing that Dr. Creel should be doing. She should place assistant principal Valerie Rolader to the position and bring in someone of the AP job. Ridiculous.

#8 Tired.... on 02/23/12 at 07:36 AM [Reply]

Here, yet again, we have another QUALITY person who Creel has run off. Mike Buffington is this the kind of change you were speaking of in your editorial about giving Creel a chance?

#9 Best Wishes on 02/23/12 at 08:40 PM [Reply]

Thank you Dr. Welch for all that you have given during your time here in Barrow County. Our children are better for your leadership and expertise. Best wishes to you and your family as you will now have the ability to progress in the educational system. You have given us your best each day and although you will be missed, we understand.

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