GATESVILLE – Geneva Saunders first year as principal at Gates County High School ended abruptly here last week.

Saunders was removed as the administrative leader at the county’s largest school. She was reassigned as a Social Worker, responsible for the county’s three elementary schools (Buckland, Gatesville and T.S. Cooper).

Gates County Schools Superintendent Dr. Zenobia Smallwood made no comment when asked by the Gates County Index of why the change was made regarding the leadership at the high school.

The superintendent was also asked if the removal of Saunders as GCHS principal was approved by the Gates County Board of Education.

“I did not need their approval,” Dr. Smallwood replied. “It comes under my contract as superintendent to make changes such as these.”

Dr. Smallwood said she promoted former GCHS Assistant Principal Tammi Ward to the role of Interim Principal at the high school. Ward’s former assistant duties will now be filled by Jennifer Hill, the high school’s Career Technical Education (CTE) coordinator. The superintendent said Hill will remain as the CTE coordinator as well as handling the assistant principal duties.

Prior to serving as GCHS principal, Saunders was an assistant principal at the school.