By GRAHAM BROOKS / Staff Writer

COLUMBIANA–The Shelby County Board of Education approved two new administrators for both Shelby County and Helena High schools at the Thursday, April 21 board meeting.

Current Shelby County High School Interim Principal Barbara Snyder was approved to take over as the newest principal of Shelby County High School and current Helena High School Administrative Assistant Ashley Bahr was approved to take over as the newest assistant principal of Helena High School.

Snyder has more than 23 years of experience in public education. She has a Bachelor of Science in education from Samford University and a Master of Science in education administration from the University of Montevallo.

Snyder said it has been her career goal to take over as the principal for Shelby County High School.

“I am so thankful for this opportunity and consider it such a blessing,” said Snyder. “Eleven years ago I got the opportunity to come be the assistant principal of Shelby County High School and this community stole my heart. I have enjoyed every second of it and for the past 10 years when people and my colleagues in this wonderful school system have asked me what my future holds, I’ve said ‘I want to be the principal at Shelby County High School when I grow up.’”

Bahr also has more than a decade of experience in public education and has earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degree in social studies from the University of Alabama and recently completed her degrees in social leadership from the University of Montevallo.

Bahr thanked many of the board members as well as current Helena High School Principal April Brand for helping her get to this point in her career.

“I’ve learned so many valuable lessons and I’ve gained tremendous experience in the role that I’m currently in,” said Bahr. “Thank you to the members of the board for approving my position as assistant principal and I look forward to working with you all.”