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By TYLER RALEY | Staff Writer

COLUMBIANA – After four school years at the helm of Shelby County High School as the principal, Kyle Dudley has announced that he will be taking a new step in his professional career.

In a letter to his students and faculty, Dudley described how hard the decision was for him to make to leave a place that has held an important spot in his educational journey.

“It is with a heavy heart and faithful anticipation that I inform you that I have been offered and accepted a position at another school and will not return as your principal next school year,” an official letter from Kyle Dudley read. “This decision was not made lightly or hastily, and I have been praying continually for God to give me clarity, which He has done.”

Dudley did not cite any reasons for the sudden move, but rather assured his students how grateful he was for them and how they made him thoroughly enjoy his job.

“This decision does not stem from any negative feelings or experiences, and is rather what I can only call God’s invitation to step out in faith to a new journey alongside my family,” Dudley said. “I have loved and will continue to love Shelby County High School. I could not have asked for better students, and you are the reason I enjoy coming to work.”

With the school year nearing a close, Dudley understood that the news might cause a distraction to some as they begin to think about what next year will have to offer under new leadership. He reminded students though that he would still be very visible as the school between now his final day, still carrying on his regular duties.

“I fully intend to work diligently for the remainder of this school year to ensure that the last days of school and graduation are enjoyable and memorable experiences for all,” Dudley said. “You will still see me at all school events, in the lunchroom and in the hallways with my cup of coffee until my last day on May 30. I do not want my departure to be a distraction from the achievements of our senior class of 2025, who will graduate in less than a week and deserve the spotlight.”

Dudley was appointed to the position in May 2021 after having previously served as an assistant principal at Oak Mountain High School. He holds a bachelor’s degree in English from Birmingham Southern College and a master’s degree in secondary education as well as an instructional leadership certification from the University of Montevallo.

Dudley told his students that he believes that whoever the new principal is will bring continued excellence to SCHS and knows the teaching staff will constantly go the distance and then some. He thanked them and his students for all they have done for him as he takes the next step.

“I am confident that your next principal will be a phenomenal leader who will continue to help you see all the amazing potential inside yourselves,” Dudley said. “Your teachers are outstanding people who love you deeply and are always going to go the extra mile for you. I wish you success in your journey and pray that you will never forget how fearfully and wonderfully made you are. Thank you for allowing me to be part of your lives.”