WATERVILLE -- Waterville Senior High School Principal Christopher W. Hollingsworth has announced his resignation, effective June 30.

Hollingsworth, 39, said he plans to spend more time with his children, and one employment option is to return to teaching elementary school, which he said he has missed.

Hollingsworth said the distance from his Farmington home to Waterville also factored into his decision to resign.

"I have four young kids and the principal job -- I love the job -- but it takes a lot of time to do it and do it right," Hollingsworth said Wednesday. "I found myself not seeing my kids except on weekends. I had to make a decision."

Hollingsworth came to Waterville Senior High three years ago from Sanford High School, where he was assistant principal for six years. Before that, he served as assistant principal at Medomak Valley High School and Warren Elementary School; he also taught elementary school.

While at Waterville High, Hollingsworth launched a literacy initiative across the curriculum to help build student literacy skills and also student achievement.

"That's something that'll live on even after I have gone," he said.

Superintendent Eric L. Haley said Hollingsworth did an impressive job with the literacy project, which is easier to institute at the elementary and middle school levels and more difficult at the high school level.

"He has done a really nice job with that," Haley said. "I would definitely say that's a big feather in his cap."

Hollingsworth said he enjoyed his time in Waterville.

"The teachers and the community have been great," he said.

Hollingsworth said he and his family plan to continue to live in Farmington.

High School Assistant Principal Paul Pooler has announced he will retire at the end of the year, which leaves both positions to be filled.

Pooler has been working for Waterville schools 36 years in various capacities including as a science teacher, physical education teacher, athletic director and assistant principal. He started working for the school system in 1971.

Through the years, Pooler also has coached football, baseball, track and basketball for the schools.

Haley characterized Pooler as an "institution" and said he frequently consults Pooler when he needs to know about something that happened in the past.

"Losing Paul is losing a lot of institutional memory," he said.

Haley said the schools will advertise for both positions. A search committee will be formed within two weeks and then applications will be considered. If appropriate candidates are identified, nominations will be made to the Board of Education, Haley said.

Amy Calder -- 861-9247

acalder@centralmaine.com