After a moment in the spotlight Tuesday afternoon, Frank Ellis stood back, looked at a room full of well-wishers and admitted the attention was a little more than he expected.

The Cape Girardeau Board of Education named Ellis principal of Washington Elementary School at a special meeting Tuesday.

Barbara Blanchard, who has been principal of the school, announced her resignation at the school board's March 17 meeting. Blanchard, who attended Washington Elementary School as a student, taught at the school and now leads it, said leaving was a difficult decision. But Blanchard wanted to retire before she lost momentum.

Ellis is the district's first black principal since segregation. He said he wants to be known for the academic successes of the children he teaches.

"I want to be a good role model for all children," Ellis said. "But my main concerns right now are MMAT and the upcoming bond issue."

Ellis has a vision for Cape Girardeau schools. "I think Cape Girardeau will be a place that people come from all over the nation to see how we achieve our great academic success."

The Rev. William Bird, a board member, said, "He has what we were looking for in leadership and family values. I think he will be a positive influence on students and on parents too."

Ellis taught eight years at May Greene. This year he is assistant principal at Alma Schrader.

When the search for a new principal at Washington was announced, it was opened first to internal candidates. Ellis was chosen. "I don't think we could have found a more qualified candidate anywhere," said Superintendent Dan Tallent.

Ellis was a finalist last year when two principals were hired in the district. At that time the other candidates had experience as building principals that Ellis lacked.

Tallent said Ellis was chosen to work as assistant principal to help fill out his resume.

"He has an excellent background in curriculum and instruction," the superintendent said. "He has a good background as a classroom teacher and the respect of the administrative staff.

"He is a benefit to the system and a role model to all students. If you are willing to get an education and work hard, you can be whatever you want to be."

David Giles, principal at Alma Schrader, agreed that Ellis is a good choice for principal, especially after his year at Alma Schrader.

"He had a chance to observe the best of teachers and then to be their evaluator," Giles said. "He got to reward students and to hand out their punishments. He has a wonderful humanity and sensitivity."

"But we will miss our dear Barbara," Giles said.

Ellis will be meeting with Blanchard over the next few months. "She has done a great job at the school," Ellis said. "She will be a tough act to follow. But I know she will share her wisdom."