By KATIE MCDOWELL/Lifestyles Editor

COLUMBIANA – The Shelby County Board of Education approved Dr. Kerry Rush as the new Columbiana Middle School principal during its July 17 meeting.

Rush has been the assistant principal at Oak Mountain Middle School for the last seven years. Prior to that, she taught science for 15 years at OMMS and Riverchase Middle School.

Rush received her bachelor’s degree in science from Auburn University, a master’s of education and education specialist degree from the University of Montevallo and a doctorate in educational leadership from Samford University.

Rush said she was excited to start her new position.

“It is with great delight that I move into my third position with the Shelby County (School System),” she said.

The board also approved Michael Farnham as the assistant principal of Helena Elementary School.

Farnham has been in education for 13 years. He comes to HES from the Mamie Martin Elementary School in Brookhaven, Miss., where he has served as the assistant principal for the last three years.

“I appreciate the opportunity to be a part of this school district,” he said.