By JOYANNA LOVE/ Senior Staff Writer

The Chilton County Board of Education approved John Howard as principal of Maplesville High School and Tammy Hand as principal of Verbena High School during a special called meeting on July 18.

“Maplesville is a wonderful community filled with people, who are passionate about education and really passionate about the high school … I know there are great things ahead,” Howard said.

Howard was previously a science teacher at MHS. Howard said he completed his education specialist in instructional leadership degree, which is a step between a master’s and a doctorate, while teaching in Tennessee. He later returned to Alabama, where he had grown up.

“Having this position at this phase in my career is really a dream come true,” Howard said.

He said he hopes to continue the school’s traditions and hold on to the pride the community has in the school.

Hand had served as interim principal and assistant principal at VHS. She said she had performed many of the responsibilities held by a principal and felt it was a “good opportunity for her to apply for” the principal position.

She completed her instructional leadership degree in 2015.

While she has been interim, Hand has overseen some interior painting of walls and lockers to brighten the feel of the school for the new year.

“We are trying to make it look as good as we can, so I’m excited about that,” Hand said.

She also holds a master’s degree in special education and taught for 24 years before becoming an administrator.

The vote was a part of a group vote for rehires, reassignments and transfers. This vote also named Tasha Hayes the Child Nutrition Program director as well as making Steven Hunter, former MHS principal, the transportation supervisor contingent on Hunter receiving his CDL and bus license.

Hayes had served as secretary for the CNP department for the past year, but has worked in nutrition since 2005.

“I love child nutrition,” Hayes said.

She said she has children in the school system and wanted to be a part of the school system’s program.

“I think this program has been great,” Hayes said. “Last year, it was a great program. I think we have a great group of employees.”

This same motion also rehired secretaries for LeCroy Career Technical Center and VHS along with naming Rachel Woodham the assistant chief school financial officer.

The motion was approved 6 to 1 with Board President Lori Patterson and board members Keith Moore, Jim Shannon and Joe Mims voting in favor. Linda Hand recused herself from the vote, and Curtis Smith was absent.

Board member Pam Price voted against.

“We can hire for the transportation supervisor job without posting it?” Price asked.

Assistant superintendent Adriane Dennis said yes the board could place Hunter in this position because it was a voluntary transfer.

Seven teachers were also hired during the meeting.