By GRAHAM BROOKS / Staff Writer

ALABASTER–The Shelby County Board of Education approved four new assistant principal positions for various schools throughout Shelby County at its June 30 board meeting.

The four new assistant principals approved were Michael Jones, Laura Junkin, Sheryl Jones and Andrea Childress.

Michael Jones will be the new assistant principal for The New Direction Alternative School, Junkin will be the new assistant principal at Oak Mountain Intermediate School, Sheryl Jones will be the new assistant principal at Calera Middle School and Childress will begin her tenure as the new assistant principal at Columbiana Middle School.

“I want to thank Mr. Fuller, his staff and school board members for this opportunity,” said Michael Jones. “I am excited to have this chance to serve students at New Direction, and I’m passionate about this population of students and I can’t wait to get started.”

Junkin previously worked as an assistant principal at Gardendale Elementary School in Jefferson County and has 12 years experience in elementary and middle school education.

“I thank you for this opportunity, and I’m really excited to move into Shelby County,” said Junkin. “I’m excited to work with Oak Mountain Intermediate and with that population.”

Sheryl Jones had more than 22 years of experience as an educator before accepting the position to become the new Calera Middle School assistant principal.

“Since 1977, when I’ve been in Shelby County Schools, this is a new thing for me,” said Jones. “I’m excited about this opportunity and I’m looking forward to something new in my career and helping the staff and students at Calera Middle.”

Childress has been an educator for more than nine years and recently served as a science teacher at Chelsea Middle School.

“I’m eager to begin my service in my new capacity at Columbiana Middle School,” said Childress. “I look forward to continuing to serve Shelby County Schools, as well as serving the community of Columbiana.