The new principal of Hanceville Elementary School has been hired, and the choice should be a familiar face for families and teachers in the community.

Kim Brown, who served as assistant principal the past year, was hired as the new permanent principal Thursday night by the Cullman County Board of Education.

Former Vinemont Elementary principal Dr. Jane Teeter has served in an interim capacity over the past few months, following the abrupt resignation of former principal Leann Smith. Brown is set to take over effective February 24, with Teeter’s resignation effective February 21.

“I’m honored to serve the students and staff of Hanceville Elementary School, and I look forward to starting a positive journey together,” Brown said.

Brown has been the assistant principal at Hanceville Elementary for the 2013-2014 school year, but has taught almost every grade at the school during her 17-year tenure. Brown has more than two decades of overall education experience at several different levels.

School board member Kenny Brockman, who represents the Hanceville district, said he is very pleased with the selection of Brown.

“I think it’s a good hire and she did a great job helping fill in after Ms. Smith,” he said. “I think it will be a smooth  transition and we’re really excited.”

Brown will be the school’s third permanent principal in the past six years, following Smith’s resignation after serving a brief stint on administrative leave. Before Smith, former principal Jeff Harper was let go in 2009 for alleged “neglect of duty” and “insubordination,” though he appealed his firing and eventually settled with the school board — earning a new position and multi-year contract at the central office.

Trent Moore can be reached by e-mail at trentm@cullmantimes.com, or by telephone at 734-2131, ext. 134.