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By JOYANNA LOVE/ Managing Editor

The Chilton County Board of Education has selected Laura Baker as the new principal for PASS Academy and the virtual school program.

The decision was made during a regularly scheduled board meeting held at Verbena High School on June 16. The position became available when Kelvin Boulware resigned.

“I am looking forward to the opportunity to lead my own school,” Baker said.

Baker has been the assistant principal at Clanton Middle School for the past five years.

“This is my 22nd year in education,” Baker said. “I have always had a passion for all students and … I had an interest in being over the virtual school program. Also, I believe that all students have the ability to succeed and be successful citizens, and I hope to contribute to them being successful when they come to PASS Academy.”

Baker also has experience as a school counselor.

After teaching for three years, Baker was a counselor for 10 years.

“Growing up in an education family, I have always had a passion for students, the community and trying to make things better,” Baker said.

Her grandfather W.A. “Bing” LeCroy, the namesake for the career technical center, served in leadership educational roles in Chilton County and influenced Baker’s decision to choose education as a career.

“I enjoyed just being able to watch him help people and do things to serve this community, and I hope to do the same,” Baker said.

Since PASS Academy serves students from all areas of the county, Baker said she is looking forward to working with leaders at other schools, community stakeholders, students and their families.

Baker holds master’s degrees in counseling and administration. She also has an educational specialist degree in instructional leadership.

Also during the June 16 meeting, the board hired a speech language pathologist, two English teachers for Chilton County High School, a special education teacher for CCHS, three teachers for Clanton Intermediate, a physical education teacher for Clanton Elementary, a science teacher for Clanton Middle School, a secondary history teacher for Isabella High, special education teacher for Jemison Elementary, business teacher for Jemison High, social science teacher for Jemison high, general science teacher for Jemison High, special education teacher for Jemison High, a teacher for Jemison Intermediate, English language arts teacher for Thorsby High and a teacher for Clanton Intermediate.

Resignations were accepted from three teachers: Alison Bridges of Clanton Intermediate, Jessica Howland of Jemison high and Shannon Lee of Clanton Elementary.