Excel Christian Academy begins its 2012-2013 school year today without a head master.

Davis Nelson, who got the job in January 2011, days after he was elected chairman of Bartow County's board of education, has resigned.

"They asked me to come there for 30 days and I stayed two years and it's a good school but Wesley Roach, the principal, has been there now for a year and he's got a good handle on the whole situation," Nelson told Cartersville Patch last night.

Excel will move back to a single administrator, the principal, Nelson said, adding nearly 300 students are enrolled in the K-12 private school.

"That would help them financially," Davis said. "They're ready to move forward and I think this will be a good move for them to go to one administrator. I think they can do that in a positive way and still have a very effective school."

Nelson said he has a grandson, jobs with the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and Berry College, and "two or three other things," in addition to his post on the county school board.

"It had gotten [to be] too much, but this was good timing for Excel," he added. "I've enjoyed it. Excel's been fun. It's been a good experience and it's a good, little school. 

"It's nice at my age people think you still have some expertise you can share and help places."

Nelson has been suspected of violating school board policy when he became head master, faced criticism for alleged conflicts of interest related to his various positions and recently was involved in a SACS complaint filed by fellow board member, Wanda Cagle Gray.

What's your reaction to Nelson's resignation? Tell us in the comments.

Gray’s concerns involved Nelson and included the use of school system facilities by Excel and Rome Volleyball Club and plan reviews for the new Emerson Elementary and Adairsville Middle Schools Nelson signed on behalf of the Coosa River Soil and Water Conservation District, of which he is a field supervisor.

While officials found no cause for further action, the school system's response to Gray's concerns indicated "one of the board members has exhibited actions that are in violation of [the system's Code of Ethics]," said Jay Wansley, associate state director of AdvancED Georgia, SACS' parent organization, in the letter to Superintendent John Harper dated July 24.

Nelson is nearly half way through his four-year term on the school board and said he'll continue to serve in that capacity.

Roach, an educator of 20 years and Kennesaw State University grad who earned masters and specialist degrees, has worked in both public and private schools.

You may also be interested in reading:

• SACS to School Board: 'Work in a Spirit of Harmony and Cooperation'
• SACS Complaint Dominates School Board Discussion
• Bartow Schools' Gray Files SACS Complaint
• Attorney: Chairman Didn't Violate School Board Policy

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