The Newton County community is still in shock in regards to the sudden resignation Dr. Roderick Sams as principal of Newton County High School. His resignation on Sept. 1 followed on the heels of the dismissal of the Newton High Football Coach Nick Collins.

The football coach was replaced quickly by assistant coach Cortez Allen, who has a much different personality and style and is doing a fine job running the Rams.

Replacing Dr. Sams is another story.

So far we have been more than impressed by the open approach that new Newton County Schools Superintendant Gary Mathews has taken in the search for Sams’ replacement.

Students and teachers at Newton High deserve a strong leader and the quicker that it is accomplished the better it will be not only for the school but also for the community.

Dr. Mathews has a chance to put his stamp of leadership on this new principal; we are rooting for him to do so.