Dawson County school officials unanimously approved Jullian “Jute” Wilson last week as its new high school principal.

The vote was held during Tuesday night’s board of education work session following Superintendent Keith Porter’s recommendation of the Cook County administrator.

“We’ve taken our time, and we’ve been meticulous in making this decision,” Porter said. “I really believe Dr. Wilson will do a wonderful job for our school system.”

For the past 2 1/2 years, Wilson has served as the Cook County High School principal. During his tenure, the school earned the Governor’s Cup as Region Champion for SAT improvement. Cook County is in South Georgia, between Albany and Valdosta.

He has served on the Valdosta State University School of Education Board and earned his doctorate in K-12 leadership in 2008.

He plans to move to Dawsonville with wife, Becky, daughter, Hannah, and son, Zeke.

Wilson replaces former principal Wayne Chelf, who resigned Feb. 5 following an ethics investigation.

On Feb. 25, the Ethics Division of the Georgia Professional Standards Commission handed down a nearly monthlong, unpaid suspension of Chelf’s educational certificate. The document addressed alleged matters such as inappropriate contact with students,
favoritism, changed grades and an inappropriate comment to a teacher.

According to his resignation letter, Chelf cited “emerging health issues and personal considerations” for his decision.

The letter stated he “(does) not wish to be considered for, nor will I accept if offered, a contract for employment for the 2010-2011 school year.”