By GRAHAM BROOKS / Staff Writer

COLUMBIANA–A new assistant principal for Helena High School was approved on Tuesday, June 16, at the Shelby County Board of Education meeting.

Brandon Turner will begin his new position at HHS after serving as the Vestavia Hills High School assistant principal for the last two years.

Turner has 16 years of experience in public education and during that time he has been a teacher of comprehensive social sciences, physical education and health while also coaching a number of athletic teams.

“I’m just excited beyond all words to be at Helena High School and I truly believe that it has the ability to be one of the flagship schools in the state of Alabama,” said Turner. “Being able to get in on the ground floor of that is really exciting to me. I’ve heard nothing but positive things about Mrs. Brand in terms of the type of person she is, in terms of the type of leadership she’s able to provide.”

Turner completed his Bachelor’s Degree in comprehensive social sciences and his Master’s Degree in educational leadership at the University of Alabama where he is currently pursuing his doctorate in educational administration.

“In summation, I’m just eager to get started and I’m looking forward to working with the students, faculty and the community of Helena and ultimately as part of the Shelby County School System,” said Turner.

The first day of the 2015-16 school year is Wednesday, Aug. 12.