County School Board announces names

By Cassandra Mickens

The Selma Times-Journal

The Dallas County School Board appointed two more principals and one assistant principal during their meeting Tuesday night at their Lauderdale Street office – and additional appointments are on the way, said Superintendent Dr. Fannie Major-McKenzie.

Eric Hoit, a teacher and coach at Dallas County High School, was appointed as DCHS’ assistant principal. Hoit replaces Don Ingram, who was named the high school’s principal last month.

At the county’s elementary schools, Tanya Miles is the new principal of Bruce K. Craig and replaces Hattie Shelton, now principal of Tipton Middle School. Miles was B. K. Craig’s designated assistant principal prior to her promotion, McKenzie said.

Lastly, Louella Guthridge was named principal of Five Points Elementary. Guthridge’s predecessor, LaTonya Smith, was recently deployed by the military for three years.

McKenzie expressed her enthusiasm about the new administrators and is looking forward to a fruitful 2006-2007 academic year.

“This is a good team that’s coming together,” she said. “I’m really excited about it.”

After adopting their agenda and approving personnel business, board members – like McKenzie – were pleased with the choices made.

“I want to commend Dr. McKenzie and her staff for bringing these fine people to us,” said board member Ollis Grayson.

Added board member Peggy Williamson, “We’ve got an excellent team.”

Hoit, Miles and Shelton join new appointees Ingram, Shelton, Shiloh Elementary principal Carla Thompson, Brantley Elementary principal Melissa Milligan, Southside High School assistant principal Dyana Thomas.

In other business, the board:

Announced the dates of Teacher Institute workshop and Support Personnel Workshop at Wallace Community College Selma. The Teacher Institute workshop is schedules for Aug. 3 at 9 a.m. in WCCS’ Goodwin Theatre. The Support Personnel workshop is also scheduled for Aug. 3 at 1:30 p.m. in the Goodwin Theatre.

Announced the date of their August board meeting is yet to be determined.