Michael Forte will be the new principal at Rothschild Middle School, he told the faculty in an email this week.

Forte was principal of Marshall Middle School through the last day of classes this school year, when the Muscogee County School District closed it along with Edgewood Elementary School to save money amid state budget cuts.

Edgewood principal Melana Cassell is retiring.

The Ledger-Enquirer obtained a copy of a June 4 email Forte sent to the Rothschild faculty. In the email, Forte said he had met that day with interim superintendent John Phillips, who told him he would succeed Rothschild principal Reginald Williamson.

MCSD communications director Valerie Fuller confirmed the administrative move Friday. Williamson is retiring, effective July 1, she said.

Forte and Williamson weren’t reached for comment.

Staff, students and parents have praised Forte for his leadership during the 2 1/2 years he was principal at Marshall. His previous MCSD positions include assistant principal at Shaw High School and teacher at Kendrick High School. He also attended MCSD schools: Carver elementary and high schools and Eddy Middle School.