By KATIE MCDOWELL/For the Reporter

COLUMBIANA – The Shelby County Board of Education approved a new assistant principal at Helena Elementary and football coach and band director at Helena High during its Dec. 20 meeting in Columbiana.

Kara Burleson was approved as the new Helena Elementary School assistant principal. Previously, Burleson, who has more than nine years experience in education, was a teacher at Valley Intermediate School in Pelham.

She received a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Auburn University and a master’s degree in elementary education and instructional leadership from the University of Montevallo. She also earned her National Board Certification.

“I’m thrilled to start this new journey and I can’t wait to get started,” she said.