By KATIE MCDOWELL/Managing Editor

COLUMBIANA – The Shelby County Board of Education approved new principals at Montevallo High and Valley Elementary School during its July 2 meeting.

Wesley Hester was named principal of Montevallo High, while Linda Campanotta will lead Valley Elementary School.

Hester has served in education for 11 years. He was assistant principal at Columbiana Middle for four years and principal at Thompson Sixth Grade Center for more than one year. Prior to that, he served six years as a teacher and coach and more than one year as athletics director at Belgreen High School.

“To say that I’m excited and optimistic about the opportunity would be an understatement,” he said.

Hester has a bachelor’s degree in education from Athens State University, a master’s in educational administration and an educational specialist degree from the University of North Alabama. In 2012, he earned a doctorate in instructional leadership from the University of Alabama.

He and his wife, Maridy, live in Chelsea, with their two children.

Campanotta has 25 years in education and is coming out of retirement to work as principal of Valley Elementary School.

“I’m just eager to get started,” she said.

She has a bachelor’s degree in early childhood/elementary education, a master’s degree in elementary education and an educational specialist degree in elementary education from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. She also earned a certificate in educational leadership from UAB and is currently finishing a doctorate in educational leadership from Samford University.

Campanotta lives in Wilsonville with her husband, Joey. They have three children and three grandchildren.