The Middletown High School principal has decided to resign at a time when the school is facing safety and violence issues. Dr. Larry Ashley resigned Thursday with only three months on the job. Ashley reportedly left the position because of an ongoing back problem only made worse by his long commute from Westchester. Concerns about violence have prompted students to hold several protests throughout the semester. They are also worried about overcrowded classrooms and what they say are unsafe construction projects. They say the principal?s resignation comes at a bad time.The Middletown School Board says they will immediately begin searching for a replacement. Dr. Ashley's resignation takes effect on January 7.