Tuesday, March 19, 2024

Walnut Grove Principal Announces Retirement

After 25 years in public education and five and half years leading Walnut Grove Elementary School, Principal Mike Landers has announced his retirement effective at the end of this school year.

Landers has served Carroll ISD for 16 years. During his time as a Dragon, he served as the Assistant Principal at Jack Johnson Elementary for seven years before he transitioned to Walnut Grove and served as the Assistant Principal for a year and a half. In 2016, Mr. Landers was named the Principal of Walnut Grove Elementary.

Superintendent Dr. Lane Ledbetter recognized Mr. Landers’ impact in the district soon after joining Carroll ISD in January.

“In my short time here in Carroll ISD, It has become apparent to me that Mr. Landers is a very special leader. He has earned the respect of his staff, students, and the parents of Walnut Grove Elementary,” Dr. Ledbetter said. “The impact that Mr. Landers has had on not only his campus but also Carroll ISD, as a whole, will be felt for years to come. We are excited for him in his next phase of life, but he will certainly be missed here in our hallways.”

Landers announced his retirement to his Walnut Grove families through a letter sharing about his time at WGES and his plans moving forward.

“As I transition into the next chapter of my life, people will ask me what I remember about my time in Carroll ISD, and the answer will always be the people I encountered,” Landers said. “I will always remember the great community here in Carroll, and the relationships I was lucky to build here.”

Carroll ISD posted the principal vacancy at Walnut Grove Elementary on March 8. While accepting applications, the Administration will be working with staff and parents to build a profile of what professional traits are important in Mr. Landers’ successor. The Administration will take the feedback received through a ThoughtExchange engagement and use the profile as they begin interviewing potential candidates in early April.

The Administration hopes to recommend a candidate to the Carroll ISD Board of Trustees for final approval by the end of April.

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