Jemison High School principal Alan Thompson has resigned to serve as principal at Southside Middle School in Tallassee.

Thompson said his decision to leave his position in Chilton County after four years was not easy, but ultimately what he needed to do to advance his career.

“It’s just an opportunity I couldn’t turn down,” Thompson said. “This was an opportunity for me to work at a different level. I’m going to miss Jemison. It’s like a home to me.”

Thompson mentioned Jemison Mayor Eddie Reed and the city council for their commitment and dedication to his students.

“I couldn’t have done it without them,” Thompson said.

He also credited former Superintendent Keith Moore and Willie Mae White at the Central Office for helping him make JHS a “positive learning environment.”

“I get teary-eyed when I think about it,” Thompson said of leaving. “It’s a great faculty and staff. It’s just a great community.”

The Chilton County Board of Education will vote on Thompson’s resignation at its June 19 meeting.

If approved, Thompson’s resignation will be effective June 30, 2012, and the board will post a vacancy for the position of principal at JHS.

“He (Thompson) feels this is best,” Superintendent Dave Hayden said. “Now that we know about this, we’ll get on things and do what needs doing. We’ll be on it diligently.”

Hayden said the position will be filled before school starts in August.