Farrelly accepts No. 2 job for schools; Linker named Glade principal

John Farrelly, who most recently served as the director of special programs in the central office of Alleghany County Schools, was named the assistant superintendent May 29.

Farrelly, who fills the position vacated by Janice Linker, who attained the position in July 1999 and was recently named the new principal of Glade Creek School, will officially take on assistant superintendent responsibilities effective July 1.

In a May interview, Linker noted that the position has evolved during her tenure as assistant superintendent. If she were to offer advice to Farrelly it would be to maintain a "high level of professional trust between the central office administrators and particularly the principals, the administrators at the school level."

Farrelly stated, "I am very proud of my contributions to the school system and being a part of the community. My attitude has always been to pour effort, diligence and hard work into anything that I am involved in. Commitment to providing outstanding learning experiences for students is what we are all about."

Farrelly continued, "I am extremely excited about this opportunity and the direction that our school system is heading under the leadership of Dr. (Jeff) Cox. I am looking forward to providing continued guidance and support to all of our schools and working closely with our central office staff. I want to thank the board of education and Dr. Cox for showing their faith and trust in my abilities. Their leadership, vision and support have meant so much to me both personally and professionally. Our school system is among the best in the state. Our community is even better. I am looking forward to rising to the challenges ahead and elevating our school system to be one of the finest in the country."

According to a release from the school system, "In his new role, Farrelly will maintain oversight of middle school instruction but will also take on some new challenges." One of the new duties will be overseeing personnel matters, a primary duty for Brenda Sutherland, who will be retiring this month.

Farrelly came to Alleghany in 2001 after being named assistant principal at Sparta Elementary School and remained in the capacity until the fall of 2006, when he made the transition to the central office.

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