With an intriguing business opportunity at hand, Triton Central Elementary School principal James Hough submitted his resignation letter to superintendent Chris Hoke.

That resignation was accepted Monday night by the Northwestern Consolidated Schools board.

“It was a hard decision. One I prayed about with my family but a door opened up in January and I thought, ‘Let’s try something different,’” said Hough Tuesday morning.

Hough is joining his sister, Edie Horan, to form a new real estate company based out of New Palestine and Greenfield.

“My dad and my brother worked together for 60 years and we envied the relationship they had,” said Hough. “We want that great partnership.”

To have that, though, Hough must walk away from 28 years devoted to educating youth.

“In all the places I’ve had the pleasure to serve, he is the best elementary principal I’ve served with,” said Hoke. “He has a genuine love for the kids that shows in everything he does.”

By announcing his resignation now, he will continue to serve as principal through June 30, the school system will have ample opportunity to find his replacement.

Hoke expects to make a recommendation to the school board by early May.

“I am optimistic we will find a good candidate but he or she will have big shoes to fill,” said Hoke.

Now that the announcement is official, it finally feels “real” to Hough who had no problem controlling his emotions at the school board meeting Monday. He did admit Tuesday it was very difficult writing his resignation letter.

“The hard part will be missing those relationships I’ve had over the past eight years,” he said. “These kids are like my own kids and I will struggle with that the most.”

Hough and his wife, Tobi, have eight children that have attended Triton Central schools. That will not change, according to Hough, who will still be present at sporting and school events when his children participate.

“Triton Central is the best school corporation I’ve worked in … and I’ve worked in five,” said Hough. “I wanted to give them time to look for somebody.”

While Hoke labeled it “sad” that Hough was leaving education, he understood the decision.

“He is a teammate and an employee but more than anything he is a friend,” said Hoke. “It’s sad for us but I am happy for him. He wants this next opportunity.”