NATCHEZ — Natchez High School principal Fred Butcher turned in his letter of resignation Tuesday and will complete his last day at the school Friday.

The long-time educator confirmed Tuesday afternoon that he was resigning from the position, but declined to comment further on the reason or circumstances of the decision.

“All I want to say is that my last day will be Friday,” Butcher said.

Natchez-Adams School District Superintendent Frederick Hill did not return phone calls Tuesday for comment.

NASD Board of Trustees President Tim Blalock said Hill notified him of Butcher’s resignation Tuesday morning, but details behind the decision weren’t discussed.

“(Hill) didn’t say why, but now I believe it’s a matter of finding someone to replace him and I think that’s what they’ve been doing all (Tuesday),” Blalock said. “We have a lot of teachers and faculty who, in order to spite the district, declare they’re going to retire in the middle of the semester and really they’re hurting the kids.”

A native of Concordia Parish, Butcher spent 24 years as principal at Ferriday High School before being named NASD athletic director. He served in that capacity until being named NHS principal in May.

Butcher is also a member of the Concordia Parish School Board.