GENEVA COUNTY, Ala (WDHN)— Despite a community protest, the Geneva County Board of Education has officially decided to fire Samson Middle School Principal Edie Hand.

During a quick Thursday afternoon meeting, the board voted 3-1 not to renew the contract of principal Hand.

Board members declined to comment on the matter.

Recently, Hand received a letter from the BEO stating she would not be retained as principal. Her contract is up for renewal at the end of the school year.

The Geneva County BOE first brought up the matter during its March 9 meeting but tabled the discussion after going into an executive session.

Both meetings had a massive community turnout.

Many of Hand’s staff and students showed up to support their beloved principal during the first meeting, saying she has created a positive learning environment at the school. Supporters say Hand has been a welcome, steadying force after the school saw a constant turnover in principals over the past decade.

Hand says she is heartbroken and she hopes she represented the school well.