By Rupert Howell
South Panola High School principal Roy Ballentine will be leaving after the current school year and Superintendent Tim Wilder’s contract was extended to four years following Tuesday’s meeting of South Panola’s trustees.

Although Ballentine’s resignation was not discussed in detail during Tuesday’s meeting, Superintendent Wilder said afterward, “I want to thank him (Ballentine) for his service and what he has done for this school district.”

Wilder also said Ballentine had other opportunities he wanted to explore as his reason for his resignation.

Asked when he would begin a search for a new high school principal, Wilder said, “I began yesterday (Wednesday following Tuesday night’s board meeting.)”