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By DONALD MOTTERN | Staff Writer 

PELHAM – Following the decision in April to name Khadidr Jones as the incoming principal, Pelham Ridge Elementary School is now welcoming back a familiar face to their halls as a new assistant principal according to an announcement made by the school on Friday, June 21.

In that announcement, PRES revealed that Marla Thomas, a former third grade teacher at the school, has been selected to fill the position of assistant principal left vacant by Jones’ advancement.

“I am excited to be the newest assistant principal of Pelham Ridge Elementary School,” Thomas said. “Having served in various positions within the district for over a decade, I am eager to bring my skills, experiences and dedication to this role and contribute to the continued success and growth of the Ridge.”

Holding a master’s of education in early childhood education and teaching from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, Thomas has worked within the Pelham City Schools system since 2013. Over that period, Thomas spent more than five years as a third-grade teacher at Pelham Ridge Elementary School and also served the school system as an instructional coach.

After leaving her role as a teacher in 2019, Thomas was then named as an instructional technology Specialist for the Pelham school system, the same year as when Jones was first appointed as an assistant principal at PRES.

In that position, Thomas worked with both the technology department and the curriculum and instruction department to provide support directly to teachers, students and their families toward the various educational technology programs and platforms utilized by Pelham City Schools.

Now moving back to Pelham Ridge to start her new position, Thomas’ appointment has seen a large and universally positive response on Pelham Ridge Elementary Schools’ social media accounts with both faculty and community members welcoming Thomas and looking forward to her presence at Pelham Ridge.

“I am committed to working closely with the faculty, staff, students and families to advance the mission and vision of Pelham City Schools,” Thomas said.