VHS Principal Announces Retirement
mrandolphadvance@gmail.com
On Friday, November 21, Vidalia High School Principal Ellis Strobridge announced that he will be retiring at the end of the 2025/2026 school year.
Strobridge made the announcement during the lunch meeting of the Vidalia City Schools Board of Education, which was held at J.D. Dickerson Primary School on Friday. The principal – who began leading the school in July – shared that the decision was one that came after a lot of thought and prayer.
“I have always been told that you know when it's time, and I know it's my time. I'm at a point in my life where I feel like God has been leading me in another direction. I know I’ve just got to be obedient to what God is leading me to do. I’ve got to be true to God. He's first and foremost in my life, and so I want to do what he has called me to do, and I'm planning to do that,” he explained.
Strobridge has spent several decades in education, having begun as a middle grades math and science teacher, then serving as the Metter Middle School Assistant Principal for 6 years, Metter High School Assistant Principal for 6 years, and the Metter High School Principal for 7 years before leading Vidalia High School. In addition to working in education, he has also spent 22 years serving in ministry.
“I know at this point in my life now, education's not where God wants me, even though I will be in education in some form in ministry, but not in the public education arena,” Strobridge added.
Vidalia City Schools Superintendent Sandy Reid commented on Strobridge’s decision and contributions to the school. 'Although Mr. Strobridge has been with our district for only a short time, he has contributed meaningfully through his warmth, professionalism, and deep commitment to students and staff,” she remarked. “We are grateful for Mr. Strobridge’s positive impact on the VHS community and for the strong relationships he has built during his time here. Vidalia City Schools extends its sincere appreciation to Mr. Strobridge and looks forward to supporting him throughout the remainder of the school year as he prepares for this next chapter.”
Strobridge will finish leading the school for the remainder of the school year. Reid stated that the school will be posting the job opening within the next week and hopes to soon complete interviews with potential candidates. She said the district hopes to name Strobridge’s successor by the end of January.
