By GINNY COOPER MCCARLEY / Staff Writer

COLUMBIANA—The Shelby County Board of Education approved one assistant principal and two principals during their July 10 meeting.

The board unanimously approved Mary Anderson as the new assistant principal for Chelsea Park Elementary School. Anderson, who has more than ten years experience in public education, most recently served as principal for the Cleveland School District in Mississippi.

Anderson earned her bachelor’s degree in elementary education and a master’s degree in educational leadership from Delta State University.

Anderson was unable to attend the meeting due to being out of town for a family vacation, but Board President Aubrey Miller said the board wanted to “wish her in her absence congratulations.”

The board also approved Dr. Susan Cole as the new principal for Calera Elementary School. Cole, who has more than 29 years experience in education, served as a teacher and principal in Georgia and Florida.

Cole earned her bachelor’s degree in early childhood education from the University of Alabama, a master’s degree in educational leadership from Georgia State University, an educational specialist degree in education leadership from the University of West Georgia and a doctorate in educational administration from the University of Alabama.

Cole was also out of town for a family wedding at the time of the meeting, but Miller noted Cole had plans to attend a board meeting in the future.

“We look forward to meeting her at the next meeting,” Miller said.

Susan Downs was named as the new principal for Calera Intermediate School. Downs has more than 26 years experience in public education and has served as a teacher, educational consultant, assistant principal and principal.

Downs earned her bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Samford University and a master’s degree in educational administration from the University of Montevallo.

“I’ve been a long-time supporter of Shelby County schools,” Downs told the board. “I know first-hand the quality of education students get in this schools system.”