The Andalusia City Board of Education named Alane Brunson the new principal of Andalusia Elementary School principal, effective July 1.

Brunson currently serves as curriculum coordinator for Covington County Schools, and previously was principal of Red Level Elementary.

“I am honored and excited to have the opportunity to serve as the next principal of Andalusia Elementary School,” Brunson said. “I have enjoyed the past 22 years with Covington County Schools, and I am looking forward to the next phase of my career with Andalusia City Schools.

“It is my belief that the purpose of education is to help students grow and develop into productive, responsible and well-adjusted adults,” Brunson said. “This life-long process begins early in life, and I am thrilled to be given this opportunity to play a vital role in educating the youth of our community. As principal, I am looking forward to working with the faculty, staff, parents and community throughout this amazing journey.”

Superintendent Ted Watson, who recommended Brunson, said she has an excellent record, and he looks forward to having her on the ACS team.

Brunson replaces Patty Taylor, who is moving to the central office, where she will work as a curriculum and academic coordinator and reading coach.

In other personnel actions, the board:

• Rescinded the hiring of Edward Blain as an AHS science teacher. Blain was hired last month, but had taken a job elsewhere.

• Accepted resignations of Matt Mellown as special ed paraprofessional; Sandra Dendy as 8th grade social studies teacher; and Virginia Fussell as 5th grade teacher.

• Hired Tammy Pickard, as an AMS 8th grade science teacher.

• Hired Catherine Stephens, to teach 6th, 7th and 8th grade band. Stephens, who is a recent graduate of the University of South Alabama, is the daughter of two band teachers.

• Hired Howard Battey as a paraprofessional in the AHS ACCESS lab.

• Hired Bert Rice as a 10th grade history teacher at AHS. Rice has taught four years and has coached soccer and football.