By ANDREW SIMONSON | Staff Writer

PELHAM – After a long search for a new principal, Pelham High School now has an experienced face at the helm.

Pelham City Schools announced on Thursday, Dec. 12 that Sabrina Tutchtone will serve as the new principal of Pelham High School.

“I am honored to have the opportunity to lead such an outstanding team and group of students at Pelham High School,” Tutchtone said. “I am immensely grateful to former principals Mr. Bob Lavett and Dr. Amanda Wilbanks, who entrusted me with administrative roles, and to Ms. Kim Kiel, who has been a true example of servant leadership.”

Tutchtone served as the assistant principal of PHS for seven years and has been the interim principal since Nov. 12 after Kim Kiel’s promotion to assistant superintendent of Pelham City Schools.

The school system praised Tutchtone for her work in improving student success, the school culture and helping out in multiple beneficial projects for the school at large.

In all, Tutchtone has 30 years of experience in education including more than 20 years as a teacher and coach.

“Ms. Tutchtone’s extensive experience as an educator, mentor and leader combined with her deep understanding of the school’s unique strengths and needs makes her the ideal choice to lead Pelham High School into the future,” PCS superintendent Dr. Chuck Ledbetter said. “Over the years, she has consistently demonstrated enthusiasm for implementing initiatives that create meaningful and lasting impacts. I am confident that her leadership will continue to elevate Pelham High School and drive its ongoing success.”

In a statement, Tutchtone listed her top priorities once she steps into the role of principal, including building and maintaining relationships, giving students the best possible classroom instruction and administering to the many needs of PHS’ diverse student population.

“I am deeply invested in our schools and our community and excited to build on the strong foundation that has been established,” Tutchtone said.

Tutchtone takes over for Kiel after the latter was promoted to assistant superintendent at a Oct. 28 Board of Education meeting.

Kiel had served as the principal since June 2020, and during her four-year time in the role, she was named the 2022 Alabama High School Principal of the Year for District 5 by the Alabama Association of Secondary School Principals.

Kiel was also presented with the Alabama High School Athletic Association’s Making a Difference Award in 2020. She was recently promoted to be the vice president of the AHSAA’s Central Board of Control.

Kiel has been within Pelham City Schools since 1999, and her 25-year career includes roles as teacher, coach, athletic director and system athletic director in addition to her four years as principal, which ended on Friday, Nov. 8.

Tutchtone took over as interim principal after that date and is now promoted effective immediately to the full-time role where she will look to make Pelham High School an even better place for its teachers and students.