Controversial Hopewell MS Principal Resigns

Hopewell Middle School's often controversial Principal Lenora Patterson has turned in her resignation to Fulton County Schools.

"My resignation is effective at the end of the school year, which will allow for a seamless transition for our students," she wrote in an e-mail to parents on Tuesday, April 30.

Patterson, who has been at the school for two years, was perceived to have caused beloved former Assistant Principal Joey Robinson to leave in January. According to a Revue & News article:

"Joey Robinson was forced to resign from Hopewell due to [Patterson]," said parent Eileen Wilson in a widely distributed letter of support for Robinson. "[He] is a man of fine character… who loves our children, teachers and provided our community with 13 and a half years of service in Fulton County. He…has been blindsided by Dr. Patterson who dismissed him to keep his mouth shut regarding several issues that were going on at Hopewell."

Patterson's resignation announcement to the community gave no indication why she was leaving, but said "it has been my joy" to be the principal at Hopewell. She also said that the selection process for a new principal will "include opportunities for stakeholder involvement and input." Surveys and focus groups are also expected to be a part of the process before a final recommendation is made to the school board.