Two years just isn't long enough.

Following six years with RISD, the last two of which were spent at Lake Highlands High School, principal Walter Kelly has announced he's departing Lake Highlands for the Park Cities.

Highland Park ISD trustees made it official at the school board meeting last night.

Beginning the first of next month, Kelly will assume the head principal position at Highland Park High School.

"I didn't plan to move out of LHHS so quickly," said Kelly late yesterday evening. "Just a month ago this wasn't even a thought."

"While I'm very proud of the major accomplishments, that together with the Lake Highlands staff we've been able to accomplish in the last couple of years, I also consider myself blessed to be presented with such an opportunity at this point in my career."

RISD superintendent Dr. Kay Waggoner, who just recently assumed her new position with the district, spoke highly of Kelly's accomplishments at LHHS.

"Walter Kelly has been an exceptional principal during his six years in the district, and we appreciate his service."

“We’ll miss his talents and leadership, and wish him well in his new position.”

Recent notable highlights include a record $6.9 million in scholarships being made available to LHHS seniors this year, up $2.7 million from last year - which was also a record year.

Kelly also points to the continued success of working to address the needs of at-risk learners, while preparing all Lake Highlands students for a future beyond the high school's halls.

"I've never worked with more dedicated and hard-working people, and I'm proud to have served as principal at Lake Highlands," he said.

Also departing the administrative staff is Assistant Principal, Joe Copeland, who has accepted a position as principal of Long Middle School in the Carrollton-Farmers Branch Independent School District.

Work begins immediately for the search committee to replace Kelly.

According to RISD policy, when a high school principal is promoted, resigns or retires, the position is posted both within the district and externally.

Simultaneously, a Campus Reflector Committee is formed to provide input toward the selection process.

Together with a Screening Committee selected by the superintendent, members of the Campus Reflector Committee will select candidates to be interviewed for the principal position.

The committee will meet Thursday, June 17th to begin the process.

Those interested in serving on the Campus Reflector Committee, or who have questions about the process, are encouraged to contact Bob DeVoll at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) by June 15th.

We know we speak for much of the Lake Highlands community when we say we're saddened by the departure of two of our top LHHS administrators.

We wish them the best in their new endeavors and will continue to update readers on the progress of the replacement process.

Stay tuned.