The principals at Riverdale High School and Christiana Elementary have had their contracts rescinded.

Ryan Nance at Riverdale and Angie Templeton at Christiana Elementary will be reassigned.

James Evans with Rutherford County Schools said "principals are on a year-to-year contract, which can be reinstated or rescinded at the end of each school year."

Evans added "both principals had been placed on a Plan of Assistance for the 2019-2020 school year because of poor academic performance at their schools. During the year, many resources were provided by the district to assist in improving the performance. However, after thorough evaluations of both schools' direction, the decision was made to begin a fresh start with new leadership."

Evans also noted "both schools have experienced a great deal of employee migration and turnover, including two assistant principals at Riverdale who have left the school for positions with Murfreesboro City Schools. Riverdale, in particular, is a legacy school and has always been one of the top schools in our district, and we are confident it will return to that status."

The schools spokesman also said "both schools are currently rated as a Level 1 out of 5 for growth on the most recent Tennessee Department of Education Report Card. In contrast, Rutherford County Schools is rated Level 5 for student growth as a district."

A search for new principals is under way.