Oakland Mills Principal Eastham Leaving for New Position

In a letter to parents, Oakland Mills High School Principal Frank V. Eastham Jr. announced he'd be leaving the school after being promoted to the position of executive director of school administration and school improvement for Howard County Public Schools.

Eastham served as the principal for Oakland Mills for nine years and before that was assistant principal for three years.

"It is with both sadness and excitement that I share this news," wrote Eastham. "The number of parents, students, business owners, community organization leaders and faith leaders who have been by my side helping me to guide the work of our school has been too significant to count or properly acknowledge in a personal way. I would not be who I am today without the powerful influence of this entire community."

Eastham will be replacing William Ryan, who is leaving the school system for a new position in another district.

Eastham will manage the school system's administration, athletics, security and improvement policies in his new role.

Karim Shortridge, the former principal of Smithsburg High School in Washington County, was appointed to replace Eastham at Oakland Mills.

"I am truly grateful to everyone in the Oakland Mills community who has helped me grow personally and professionally," wrote Eastham. "Thank you Oakland Mills! I will always remember there's no place like hOMe."