Jason Marshall, the principal at Fernbank Elementary School, is leaving at the end of the school year to lead an area charter school.

DeKalb County School District leaders confirmed the news, with Superintendent Steve Green saying during a visit to the school for his occasional town-hall style meet-up with parents and others that he tried hard to keep Marshall at Fernbank.

"We are grateful for Mr. Marshall's longstanding contributions to the DeKalb County School District, especially to the students, families and staff of Fernbank Elementary School, his alma mater," Green said in a statement to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. "Mr. Marshall has earned our very best wishes for continued success."

The search for a replacement will begin immediately, with engagement of the school board, as well as input from teachers, families and community supporters.