Pinecrest High School Principal Joel County announced Tuesday that he is resigning as principal of the county's largest high school effective at the end of the 2012-2013 school year.

County has served in the principal's position for the past seven years after coming to the school in July 2006. Prior to that, he served as a career development coordinator at Green Hope High School in Wake County and approximately two years as principal of Northwood High School in Chatham County prior to assuming the principal's role at Pinecrest.

County announced his resignation to the Pinecrest High School staff Tuesday morning and sent a Connect-ED phone message to parents Tuesday evening.

"Effective with the end of this school year, I will be stepping down as principal of Pinecrest High School," County wrote in a statement. "Working together over the past seven years, we have achieved a lot. Our graduation rate is the highest it has ever been (and) more students are reading on grade level."

County said that test scores are up, more students are taking AP classes and exams, and the school's achievement gap has shrunk

"We can all be proud of these accomplishments because we have achieved them together," he wrote. "That being said, I believe it is time to pass the torch."

County said that the school board accepted his resignation on Tuesday morning.

"My intent and hope in doing this were twofold. First, this will allow me to finish this year at Pinecrest and maintain a sharp focus on teaching and learning so that we will have our best year yet. Second, this will allow the school system sufficient time to ensure a smooth transition in leadership.

"I want you to know that it has truly been an honor working with you and for you. The years I have spent at Pinecrest and the memories that have been created here will be treasured for the rest of my life."

County is presently working toward his doctoral degree and said he will continue in the field of education.

"I'm looking forward to the next milestone in my career and am grateful for the experience I have had here in Moore County."