FERRIDAY, La. — Saying it was &uot;just time&uot; to make a change, Huntington School’s Russ Green said Thursday he is resigning from the headmaster’s post effective May 31.

&uot;There’s no real reason,&uot;&160;said Green, who has served as headmaster for three years after serving as assistant warden in charge of the Louisiana State Penitentiary’s education program for 22 years. &uot;It was just time.&uot;

Randy Miller, board of directors president, said Green gave the board his letter of resignation Wednesday. Green said the board released him from the remaining two years of his contract.

The board will start taking applications as soon as possible. Assistant Administrator Emily Guida will serve as interim headmaster until the board hires a new headmaster, Miller said.

&uot;I would hope to have someone in that position by the beginning of school, but we’re not setting a deadline for hiring someone, because it takes time to find the right person,&uot; he said.

During his time at Huntington, Green put drug testing and uniform policies in place — moves he admits were &uot;controversial&uot; — and restructured discipline policies and curriculum. &uot;I&160;have thoroughly enjoyed my three years here,&uot;&160;he said. &uot;I love the students and the school. The people of Concordia Parish have always treated me as a part of their family. I&160;will miss the kids more than they will ever know.&uot;

Green and his family will continue to live in Natchez, but he does not have plans for the forseeable future — although he said he has received an offer from a school outside the area.