By GINNY COOPER / Staff Writer

COLUMBIANA—The Shelby County Board of Education unanimously voted to approve Dr. Linda Campanotta as the new principal at Vincent Elementary School during the June 5 meeting in Columbiana.

“I’m just so excited,” Campanotta said. “I’m looking forward to getting started.”

Campanotta has over 26 years of experience in education and is currently the principal at Valley Elementary School, which will be part of the Pelham system as of July 1. She has a bachelor of science degree in early childhood education, a master’s degree in elementary education, an educational specialist degree in elementary education and a certificate in educational leadership from the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

Companotta is currently pursuing a doctorate in educational leadership from Samford Univeristy.

Companotta will replace Beverly Miller, who retired from the position this year.

“I know I’ve got some big shoes to fill, but I know where Ms. Beverly lives,” Companotta joked.