Michael Mize will resign as principal of Alba-Golden High School at the end of the school year.

(Monitor photo by John Arbter)

“This decision was a year in the making,” Alba-Golden High School principal Michael Mize said. After 18 years of service to Alba-Golden schools, Mize last week informed the faculty that he will be resigning at the end of the school year.

Mize admitted that it took a lot of prayer and came with a lot of tears, but the decision will allow him to refocus on his family first. “I just have not had the time to attend my daughters’ events or be the presence in their lives that I need to be,” Mize explained. 

Mize and his wife Jaclyn have four daughters: Brooke (11), Katelyn (9), Abbey (6) and Macy (4). All but the youngest are students at Alba-Golden schools.  

The pastor of the New Hope Baptist Church, Mize commented that being the principal at Alba-Golden High School was like having two full-time congregations. He explained that it was overwhelming, in a good way. 

“I love this place,” he said, as he gestured with open arms, “Alba-Golden sure has been good to me.”

Mize quickly recalled his favorite memory of his time at the school as the lasting friendships which have been built over time. He explained that the greatest blessings are when former students call on him. 

He acknowledged that the decision to resign was a very difficult one, but it will align his future as it should be: family, faith and church.

“I hope that there will be a place yet for me at Alba-Golden schools,” he said. “It is a special place.”