OXFORD – Dedication, commitment, passionate, respected, no nonsense and motivational leader were some of the words Oxford Special Programs Director Dawn Hover used to describe fellow administrator Christine Pierce as she expressed her feelings about the high school principal’s resignation.

“I value and appreciate all you’ve done,” Hover told Pierce, who tendered her resignation on Friday. “You’ll be greatly missed.

Pierce has worked at Oxford for 13 years as an educator, dean of students, internal claims auditor and administrator, and most recently high school principal. Her resignation was accepted “with regret” by members of the board of education on Monday. Her final day will be April 1.

“We’re going to miss Chris,” Superintendent Randy Squier said. “She was a fun part of our team.”

Pierce, who remained composed as her colleagues and members of the board bid her a teary farewell, is leaving the district for a position outside of education. Her new employer will be the Village of Greene, where she will replace Suzanne Jones as the municipality’s clerk/treasurer.

Jones, who has worked for the village for 31 years, is due to retire in mid-July. Pierce is slated to begin her new job on April 5 and will work alongside Jones until her retirement.