After working at Dadeville schools for over 20 years and being principal of Dadeville High School for 12 years, Chris Hands' contract was not renewed for the 2023-2024 school year. Back in June, Hand said he was shocked when he heard the decision, but he feels he has done the best he can for Dadeville High School.“At DHS, I would say it’s getting to know the students more than just how they did on a particular test or how they did on an ACT test for instance,” Hand said in a previous article. “Because really I got to know them on a level that they wanted to come to school, hopefully, and wanted to learn.”Initially a petition for Hand’s renewal was started by a DHS parent and within four days the online petition received 1,500 signatures. The signatures went beyond the Dadeville and Alexander City community and some came from former students who have moved out of the area.Parent Rhonda Ogletree said Hand has been there for her kids, even during a difficult time when her son got in a car accident before school.“Mr. Hand is one of those people I can honestly say without a doubt if it came down to him and those kids, he would protect those kids with everything in him,” Ogletree said back in June. In addition to his responsibilities as principal, Hand was also the track and field coach at DHS and was heavily involved with the AHSAA.
