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July 2, 2009

HES, CSES principals announced

By Trent Moore

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New principals for two Cullman County elementary schools were announced Monday night by the Cullman County Board of Education.

LeAnn Smith has been hired as principal at Hanceville Elementary School, while Tommy Youngblood has been appointed the new principal at Cold Springs Elementary School.

“I think they are both good, qualified candidates for the positions we’ve chosen them to fill,” Superintendent Hank Allen said.

Smith has 14 years of education experience, and previously served as the assistant principal and interim principal at Hanceville Elementary School.

The principal’s position was vacated in late 2008 when former principal, Jeff Harper, was let go for an undisclosed issue. Harper is currently in the process of appealing his termination.

Smith said her experience as an elementary teacher and guidance counselor makes her qualified for the job.

“I’ve seen the inner-workings of an elementary school from various positions,” she said.

When the 2009-2010 year begins, Smith hopes to make some improvements at the school.

“We want to increase parental involvement, student achievement and make Hanceville Elementary a focal point for the community,” she said.

Hanceville school board representative Sheila Kretzschmar said she believes Smith will do an excellent job.

“She is a very good pick and we are glad to have her,” she said. “I think she’ll do an excellent job.”

At Cold Springs Elementary School, Youngblood said he will use his 22 years of education experience to keep the school running smoothly.

“This is like a dream job,” he said. “I’ll take what was built there and build on it to make it the best it can be.”

The principal’s position at Cold Springs Elementary School became available when previous principal Deborah Brown stepped down due to health concerns.

Youngblood previously served as the Cold Springs High School’s assistant principal for 10 years.

“This is a new challenge that has really boosted my energy,” Youngblood said.

Wendy Crider, school board member for Cold Springs, said Youngblood should be a good fit for the community.

“I think the teachers and the community are excited and looking forward to working with him,” Crider said. “Everyone who interviewed for that position was excellent and it was a very tough decision.”

‰ Trent Moore can be reached by e-mail at trentm@cullmantimes.com, or by telephone at 734-2131, ext. 225.

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