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By JOYANNA LOVE/ Senior Staff Writer

Isabella High School Vice Principal Sue Ellen Gilliland has accepted a position as an education specialist with the Alabama State Department of Education.

Gilliland said the position will be in the Education Technology Section in the Evaluation, Accountability and Support Unit within the Division of Instruction.

“It is with mixed emotions that I have resigned from my position with the Chilton County School System,” Gilliland said. “I have spent over 35 years or 81% of my life as either a student or an employee here. Mr. Porter has been an amazing mentor, boss, and colleague. I will be forever grateful for the opportunity he gave me to return to my alma mater.”

She said she will miss everyone at IHS but is also looking forward to what her new position will hold.

“Although I will sincerely miss the relationships with the employees, students and families of our school system, I am also excited about beginning this next chapter,” Gilliland said.

Gilliland will begin her new job on Dec. 2. The Chilton County Board of Education officially approved her resignation during a voting session on Oct. 22.

Working for the state department has been a long-term career goal for Gilliland.

“This position provides me with an opportunity for career advancement while also allowing me to have a set work schedule so that I can spend more time with my family,” she said.

A replacement for Gilliland was not approved during the Oct. 22 meeting.

However, an English/ Language Arts teacher for Maplesville High School and an itinerant English Language Learner teacher were approved. A personnel director was also hired.

Resignations for teachers Jeremy Forbes of Verbena High School and Cheryl Pelham of Clanton Intermediate School were also approved.

Seven employees were also approved for long-term leave.

Proposed changes to the school systems organizational chart and revisions to the Director of Teaching and Learning Job description, including a proposed salary increase, were removed from the agenda at the request of the board.