Taylor named assistant director of city schools

By Bob Robinson
Star Staff

   Ronnie Taylor, principal of East Side Elementary School for 13-plus years, has been named assistant director of Elizabethton City Schools, effective Nov. 2, according to Dr. Judy Blevins, director.
   Dr. Blevins said Taylor brings continuity to the position with many years of experience in curriculum and instruction.
   Taylor was principal of Unaka Elementary School for 11 years and teacher and coach at Unaka High School for 11 years.
   Dr. Blevins said Taylor's achievement and value-added scores were other factors leading to his selection.
   "Ronnie Taylor is familiar with the programs, grants, schools and staff in the Elizabethton School System. We are fortunate to have someone of his caliber on the team," Dr. Blevins said.
   Taylor said he was "pleased and honored" to have been chosen. "It is difficult to leave East Side School staff, which has been loyal and supportive over the years. I will also miss the bond and trust which has been developed with parents and the community.
   "I look forward to working with the schools and administrative staff. I accept the challenge of keeping things going in a positive direction," Taylor said.
   The position of interim principal at East Side Elementary School for the remainder of the 2001-2002 school year has been posted, Dr. Blevins said. The application deadline is 4 p.m. on Nov. 2, or until the position is filled, she added.