The Board of Education accepted Joseph Eiland’s resignation as principal of Highland Home School at Monday night’s meeting.

The resignation is effective on April 2, and Eiland will take a job with the State Department of Education as an education specialist in the Special Education Division.

“Being principal has been the highlight of my career in education so far,” he said. “Sometimes people leave a job with regret and disappointments, but that’s not the case here. It’s bittersweet.”

“I couldn’t have had a better staff to work with, and the children of Highland Home School are outstanding,” Eiland added. “I owe a huge debt to the Highland Home parents and community.”

Superintendent Randy Wilkes said that Eiland has served Highland Home admirably during the last seven years.

“During this time, student enrollment has increased, and last year’s student test scores were the highest in the system,” Wilkes said. “Mr. Eiland’s community involvement and collaborative efforts are perhaps best evidenced by the placement of the F-16 fighter jet on the southern end of campus.”

“We are proud of Mr. Eiland’s recent appointment to the Alabama State Department of Education and wish him well as he continues to serve the young people of our state,” he added.