SAMSON, Ala (WDHN) — A new principal will step in at Samson Middle School.

During the May 11 Geneva County School Board Meeting, Chris Littleton was introduced as the new Samson Middle School principal.

A former coach at Samson, Littleton replaces principal Edie Hand, who went through a battle with the Geneva County BOE after finding out in February that her contract would not be renewed at the end of this school year.

The matter was first brought up publically at a BOE meeting on March 9, but the board tabled the discussion after going into an executive session. It was brought back up during the March 23 meeting, during which the board members voted 3-1 not to renew Hand’s contract.

Many of Hand’s now former staff and students showed up to support their beloved principal during both meetings, saying she has created a positive learning environment at the school. After the meeting, Hand said she was heartbroken at the decision.

Littleton will officially start in his new position on Thursday, June 1.

Also during the meeting, the Geneva County BOE welcomed Bryan Peacock as the new Samson High School Principal. He will also start on June 1.