By SANDRA THAMES / Community Columnist

The new Alabaster City School System is about to begin its first school year. With Rachea Simms as principal, Meadow View Elementary on Smokey Road will continue its previous record of being an outstanding leader in area elementary schools.

Simms is Shelby County through and through. Born at Shelby Medical Center, raised on a farm near Columbiana and educated at Columbiana schools, she was the head cheerleader in high school. Simms received her bachelors degree, masters degree, administrative certification and educational specialist degrees from the University of Montevallo.

“The most important part of my job is having the opportunity to have a positive impact on staff, students and community. At Meadow View, it is our policy to encourage the students to be the best they can be while developing a positive relationship with them. They must know we care,” Simms said.

Simms met her husband, Shawn, at a State Farm Insurance office when he was her adjuster on a “fender-bender claim.” They are parents of Conner, age 11, and Joshua, age 8. The family resides in Clanton, where they are active members and teachers at First United Methodist Church.

Having been blessed with a happy childhood, loving parents and grandparents, Simms wants each child to feel that they can ask for help no matter the situation and feel that they are cared for by their teachers and support staff at Meadow View.

Beginning her 21st year in education, Rachea Simms said, “I am blessed with good health, faith in God and my loving family. It is a privilege for me to work with a caring staff, a supportive community and dedicated students.”