Selma Middle CHAT Academy and Cedar Park Elementary will have new principals this fall. Logan Wilkinson Cowart, current principal of Cedar Park Elementary, will move to CHAT, and Bertram Pickney, current principal of CHAT, will move to Cedar Park.

The voluntary transfer will place these leaders in positions where they can use their strengths to uplift the schools.

Selma City Schools Superintendent Dr. Austin Obasohan feels that the structured leadership style of Cowart will help to partner the community with the school.

“She is a strong, visionary leader that is going to transform the school,” Obasohan said.

He also feels that Pickney, who has served as principal at CHAT for five years, has made great strides to improve the school and create good relationship with teachers and personnel, qualities that he would like to bring to Cedar Park to enhance the already high morale of the school.

“Both people are qualified to do well in any place in the school system,” Obasohan said. “I have the utmost confidence in the new challenges they will be undertaking. I see good in this and I stand behind them.”

Cowart and Pickney will work together to ensure the transfer is seamless. Both will officially resume the new positions July 1.

“We want to continue the continuity of both programs,” Pickney said.

Cowart is excited at the chance to enhance CHAT and the school system.

“CHAT has had an excellent administrator, and I respect all that he has accomplished,” Cowart said. “It is my hope to continue his strong legacy of educational values. I would also like to take this opportunity to extend my gratitude to Dr. Austin Obasohan and the Selma City School Board for placing their confidence in me and to express my appreciation for the faculty, staff, students and parents of Cedar Park Elementary School. Their support of me has been endless, professional and personally.”

Cowart began her teaching career at CHAT 22 years ago.

Pickney has worked with the Dallas County and Selma City Schools for 15 years.