The search is on for a new principal at Selma High School.

Aubrey Larkin, who was hired as principal in June 2014, resigned last week after he accepted a position with the Hale County School system as curriculum and instruction director.

“It has been a great pleasure working with Principal Larkin,” said Dr. Angela Mangum, Selma City Schools superintendent. “He is a very passionate principal and leader, and he cared deeply for the children of Selma City Schools System and the community.”

Larkin spent his entire career working in Selma City Schools, so his resignation came as a surprise.

“When he informed me of his resignation I was very surprised,” Mangum said. “It was really bittersweet because I am happy for him that he is able to fulfill and pursue his career aspirations, but he will be a tremendous loss to the school system.”

According to Mangum, assistant principal Adrienne Lee will serve as the interim principal until a permanent one is hired.

Mangum said the job has already been listed online, and she is looking forward to finding someone to pick up where Larkin left off.

“We already have posted an advertisement for that high school principal position on Teach in Alabama. It is a statewide employment platform that all school systems in the state use to announce and advertise for any vacancy within the school system,” Mangum said.

“Because it is considered an emergency hire, the advertisement needs to run for at least seven days, and we’ll continue to run it until we get a pool of qualified applicants, and then we’ll carry on with the interview process.”

Mangum said the school system is looking for someone to continue the success Larkin had during his time as principal.

“It is very important that leaders have a very strong passion for students and their success, that the person is willing to really sacrifice and dedicate their time and energy to ensure that all children are successful,” Mangum said.

“They have to be of course knowledgeable of curriculum, instruction and assessment. They have to be able to provide leadership in making sure that everybody stays focused on what is best for children.”

Mangum did not specify when a new principal would be hired, but she would like to see someone hired as soon as possible.

“It is hard to project the exact time, but we’re trying to get someone in place as soon as possible so that we will have a quick transition to a permanent principal that can continue to facilitate the growth and development of that educational program there,” Mangum said.

Larkin’s last day was Friday, and his first day at his new job will be Monday.