Dr. Will Hoffman, who became to Tyrrell Schools superintendent in 2015, on April 13 announced his resignation to return to his home to be superintendent in Madison County.

Dr. Hoffman informed the school staff of his decision in an email sent Friday afternoon. It reads:

:TCS Staff,

“I am writing to inform you that effective June 30, 2018 I am resigning as superintendent of Tyrrell County Schools to accept the position of superintendent of Madison County Schools. This decision was difficult and I want to assure you that it was made entirely for personal reasons. As you may know, Madison County is my home where I grew up and came up through the ranks as a principal and curriculum director. For so many of us the connection home is strong, I am returning to a place that gave me so much in my childhood, and I feel that it is my time now to give something back. Most importantly our family is there, and they are reaching a crucial stage of life, so this opportunity to get “closer” to loved ones has, again, been the key reason for this decision.

“I want to thank this faculty, staff and community for accepting our family with open arms, from day one. I can honestly say that I have enjoyed coming to work each day, building relationships with you, seeing our students grow and, along with you, making decisions that impact their education. I want to sincerely thank the Tyrrell County Board of Education for seeing in me “the right fit, at the right time,” for Tyrrell County Schools. I have been honored to be in this leadership role. We have worked together to add new curriculum initiatives, increase college participation and graduation rates, update finance systems and technology systems, upgrade facilities, add new positions (art, music, social worker, and athletic trainer), and establish a renewed focus on school safety. I leave keenly aware that there is much work to be done, and I will fully support the board as we transition to a new superintendent. Over the remaining months of the school year we will continue to stay focused on student achievement, Inspire Excellence in our classrooms, on our campuses and in our community, and “finish strong.”

“Finally, it has been my great honor to be your superintendent. There are not words to express my gratitude and respect that I have for all of you. As public school educators you chose a more challenging path, a path that is sometimes messy and chaotic, but a rewarding path that provides hope for those who really need it. As educators you will live on in the children you have touched.  As our Resolution Upholding Our Core Values states: “We all must strive, harder than before, to give each of our students the opportunity for an excellent education, and to protect them from discrimination and bigotry.” This is a value that I will take with me, a daily reminder to be hopeful about the world, and all of our possibilities to impact the world, as God uniquely made us to do.

“Thank You All!  Will.”

The board of education is expected to immediately commence a search for Hoffman’s successor. Board members are Lee Scripture (chairman), Carlos Armstrong, Karen Clough, Robin Dunbar, and Janie Spencer.

Armstrong, Clough, and Dunbar, seeking another term in the nonpartisan election on May 8, are being challenged by Kisha Norman, pitting four candidates in a race for three at-large board seats.