Chuck Bell resigning as middle school principal

Bell, who has been with the city school system five years, will work with “focus schools,” that need help with achievement gaps and educational performance and will be designated to each school for a three-year period.

“I’m excited to be able to build capacity throughout a region, rather than focusing on just one school,” said Bell.

Bell became principal of Commerce Middle School in 2007. Since then, CMS has recorded improvements in programs and on standardized test scores. In the 2006-2007 school year, failed to make make state AYP (Adequate Yearly Progress) under the federal No Child Left Behind Act. Since then, CMS has met state standards five years in a row. Bell also implemented a number of programs, including guided study, tutoring for the CRCT, mentoring programs and academic after-school tutoring.

“We’ve accomplished a lot in the last five years,” said Bell. “It’s a testament of what can be achieved when there is a full commitment from everyone — teachers, parents and administrators, to get better and make a difference.”

Superintendent James “Mac” McCoy offered praise for Bell’s accomplishments at CMS.

“Mr. Bell has been a great asset to this school system,” he said.

Although Bell will no longer work directly for the Commerce School System, he plans on being active in community.

“I feel quite privileged to be a part of ‘Georgia’s secret,” said Bell. “I’m still a Commerce Tiger, and I look forward to being a member of the community.”

In other business Monday night, the board: voted to hire Rusty Townsen as an eighth grade math teacher.