Dr. Godfrey Saunders was introduced as the director of the Principal Leadership Academy during a meeting at Unum in this file photo.

Dr. Godfrey Saunders has resigned as director of the Principal Leadership Academy, effective Oct. 31, according to a news release.

Saunders said he wanted to be with his family in Montana.

"We had all planned to relocate to Chattanooga," said Saunders. "When that fell through, I was faced with a difficult decision. Working with the Principal Leadership Academy was an opportunity to do something I love, but in the end, family comes first."

Saunders will continue to be involved in the program to ensure a smooth transition, the news release stated. He will lead academy sessions through October.

Launched in 2010, the Principal Leadership Academy prepares aspiring principals to lead schools through a groundbreaking combination of coursework in business skills and best practices in educational leadership along with two years of mentoring by highly experienced business executives, the release stated. The program is the result of a partnership by the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce, Hamilton County Schools, the Public Education Foundation, and the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.

Rick Smith, schools superintendent, said Saunders did a "tremendous job in helping us launch the Principal Leadership Academy."

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