By KATIE MCDOWELL/Managing Editor

COLUMBIANA – Kathy Paiml was approved as principal of Helena Intermediate School by the Shelby County Board of Education during its July 11 meeting.

“I’m really looking forward to being part of the Helena community,” she said during her remarks to the Board.

Paiml has more than 17 years in education and is currently an assistant principal in the Hoover City School System. She also has served as an adjunct professor at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

She received her undergraduate degree in elementary education from the University of Memphis, a master’s degree in early childhood from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, a second master’s degree in educational administration from the University of Montevallo, and an educational specialist degree in technology from

Lesley University. In 2013, she was awarded the UAB Outstanding Elementary Alumni Award.