By NEAL WAGNER / City Editor

When outgoing Meadow View Elementary School Principal Dr. Jody Brewer begins her retirement this summer, she said she will miss one daily occurrence more than anything else.

“My greatest memory is all the thousands of hugs I’ve gotten from the kids,” Brewer said a few days before the end of the school year. “I’ve been so blessed here.”

Brewer was named the MVES principal when the school opened in 2000 after she previously served as the assistant principal at Thompson Elementary School. Brewer also previously taught in the Homewood and Hoover school systems.

After retirement, Brewer said she plans to spend time with her family, travel and become involved in community organizations.

“I’m looking for a local ministry. I want to do something else that’s worthwhile,” Brewer said.

During its May 17 meeting, the Shelby County Board of Education approved current MVES Assistant Principal Rachea Simms as the school’s new principal. Simms has more than 20 years experience in the Shelby County School System.

Brewer said Simms and her other colleagues at the school have made her tenure at MVES a memorable one.

“I’ve loved being here. I’ve loved working with a supportive faculty, I love the parents and I love the community,” Brewer said. “Being here has been an amazing experience. There are not enough words to express my gratitude.”