Sam Marek has resigned as the principal of Riverside Elementary School in Jackson after three years in that role and 11 years as a teacher there. His resignation is expected to be approved by the school board Monday night, along with the resignation of girls' basketball coach Steph Bot.
Marek is headed to the Ada-Borup School District northeast of Moorhead to become activities director and elementary principal for the smaller school system - half the size of Jackson County Central.
Marek is originally from that area and said that though he wasn't actively looking to leave, the opportunity was one he couldn't pass on.
"It was really a tough decision," he said. "I've lived here longer than any other place in my teaching career. The people are fantastic and the kids are great. ... I'm going to leave a fantastic staff."
In addition to administering the 270-student K-6 elementary school, Marek will oversee the district's fine arts and successful sports programs. The Cougar girls' basketball team he will inherit is the reigning back-to-back Class A champion.
This week is his last at Riverside and he will officially start at Ada-Borup on Aug. 1 alongside a new superintendent.
