After nearly two weeks of public outcry after the termination of North Oconee principal John Osborne, he and schools superintendent John Jackson have come to an agreement that will reinstate Osborne as principal. 

Osborne and Jackson met and decided Osborne would take a leave of absence and return to his position no later than December 31. 

“I have come to a conclusion that a recommendation for termination is not the proper course of action and John Osborne should continue as an administor in the school system,” said Jackson in a statement released by the school system Tuesday. “In the final analysis, the more appropriate response was a lesser form of discipline.”

Osborne was recommended for termination by Jackson on August 28. The reason given was insubordination, after Osborne made comments to the press about what he perceives as disparities between NOHS and Oconee County High School’s athletic facilities. He also suggested that NOHS coaches not schedule athletic competitions with OCHS for four years. 

“While the intent of my actions was solely to assume blame for starting the Oconee County High School versus North Oconee High School rivalry before it started, my actions actually set off a firestorm of emotions within both communities that was neither warranted nor healthy,” said Osborne in a statement released by the school system Tuesday. 

Osborne and Jackson agreed that representatives from both of the county’s public high schools will meet periodically to discuss matters of mutual concern. 

Malcom Bridge Middle School principal Tom Odom is currently acting as interim principal at NOHS, and will act as Osborne’s mentor upon his return toNOHS – one of the stipulations of the agreement. 

“Let me say to all of Oconee County that I am sorry for my actions,” said Osborne. “Let’s pull these two high schools, this system and BOE together.” 

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