New leader: Chilton County Superintendent of Education Tommy Glasscock (right) introduces Louise Pitts (far left) as principal of Clanton Intermediate School to faculty and staff on Friday. (Photo by Stephen Dawkins)

Louise Pitts was introduced to faculty and staff Friday as the new principal at Clanton Intermediate School.

Pitts, a Clanton resident and Chilton County High School graduate, is familiar with Clanton, but she has spent the past 40 years at Jemison schools, including as principal at Jemison Elementary for the past 12 years.

Pitts was introduced to the faculty and staff at CIS a day after school was closed to students by Superintendent of Education Tommy Glasscock.

“I believe without a shadow of a doubt that you have a class act to lead this school,” said Glasscock, who added that he thought it was important to share the news before employees left for summer break.

Glasscock said Pitts has helped JES lead Chilton County schools in reading proficiency, and he hopes she can translate that success to her new school, which has ranked below state expectations.

The superintendent also said he wants Pitts to work with Clanton Elementary School to ensure students making the transition between the two schools are well prepared.

Pitts said she was thankful for the opportunity.

“I look forward to meeting with each and every one of you as we create a team,” Pitts told faculty and staff in the school cafeteria. “I want Clanton Intermediate School to be the pride of Chilton County. We’re going to put the children first.”

No decision has been made about the principal position at Jemison Elementary.

Former CIS Principal Mark Stephenson will move to Clanton Elementary School, where he will serve as assistant principal.

Stephenson said he has been at CIS for 14 years, almost the entire 15 years the school has been open.

“We wish them all the best,” Stephenson said about the intermediate school.

Stephenson served as principal at Clanton Intermediate for one year.