Joseph Dean describes himself as a “man in limbo.” In a phone interview with The Greenville Advocate, Dean, who resigned Monday from the principal’s position at Escambia County High School, said on Tuesday he is actually still employed with the Butler County School System.

“I found out the board never acted on my resignation in Butler County,” Dean, former BCMS/Georgiana principal and interim superintendent, said. “I can’t actually be employed in two school systems at the same time.”

Dean said he had spoken at length with the Escambia County superintendent Billy Hines and they had come to the mutual decision Escambia County was not a “good fit” for him.

“I had some concerns and made that decision to give my resignation there,” Dean said.

He had been on the job at ECHS a little less than two weeks.

As to his future in Butler County, that still appears uncertain.

“I’ve spoken briefly to Mr. Douthitt about this, about what is best for the students in Butler County. And that is more important than what is best for me,” Dean said.

As far as Dean returning to helm one of the three county schools minus a principal at present – Greenville High, Georgiana School and Greenville Middle School – he stressed those decisions would be entirely “up to the board and Mr. Douthitt.”

“I want to make it clear that is not up to me. Right now, I am trying to make some decisions regarding my employment and to gain some closure, but time is not my ally. Mr. Douthitt has stressed the students come first, and I wouldn’t have it any other way,” Dean said.

Both Douthitt and Dean said they expected some decision regarding Dean’s continued employment in Butler County to be made this week.

“I have not talked with him at length on this subject, but as of right now, I do believe something will be determined before the end of the week. We certainly hope so,” Douthitt said.

The Butler County BOE’s next board meeting is Thursday night at 7 p.m. at the Central Office boardroom.