Veteran school administrator Michael Ames will take over as Chapin High School Principal.

Current principal Akil Ross will become District 5 director of secondary education starting July 1.

Ames previously served as an assistant principal at Chapin and other District 5 schools. He is looking forward to returning to Chapin.

“It’s absolutely wonderful. It feels like coming home,” Ames said.

“Chapin High School has a long history of high achievement and success. I’m grateful for the opportunity that the School Board and district has given me and my family, and I look forward to many years of serving Chapin High.”

Between 2009 and 2013, Ames worked as an assistant principal at Dutch Fork High School, Chapin High School and Irmo Middle School. He also worked as a school administrator in Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools.

“We are so proud to welcome Mr. Ames back to Chapin High School and back to School District Five,” said Superintendent-elect Dr. Christina Melton.

“He is a visionary with a proven record of success, and I am confident that Chapin High School’s success will continue under Mr. Ames leadership.”