By AMY JONES / Associate Editor

COLUMBIANA — The Shelby County Board of Education approved the new Meadow View Elementary principal at the regularly scheduled board meeting May 17.

Rachea Simms, who has been assistant principal at Meadow View for the past 12 years, was approved as school principal.

Simms, who has more than 20 years of experience as an educator in the Shelby County system, said she was excited for the challenge.

“As I’ve been sitting here tonight, looking around the room, the people here tonight have inspired me, motivated me and encouraged me,” Simms said. “It is an honor and a privilege to serve these wonderful schools and Shelby County as well.”

The board also approved Andrew Warman as the new Thompson High School assistant principal.

Warman, a 23-year education veteran, has taught math at Montgomery County High School, W. A. Berry High School, Hoover High School and Thompson High School. He has served as the math department chair at Thompson and is a member of the Continuous School Improvement Team.

Warman said he enjoys working with the students and teachers at Thompson.

“It’s been an absolute pleasure to work at Thompson High School,” he said.

The board also approved Dr. Mary Howard as the system’s human resources coordinator.

Howard, who has 25 years of experience as an educator, began her career in Shelby County as a speech pathologist for Vincent Elementary School and Vincent Middle/High School. She has also been the assistant principal at Oak Mountain Elementary School and principal of Inverness Elementary School. She is currently the system’s human resources supervisor.