Donnie Powell was named the new principal of Florala High School Friday, at a special called meeting of the Covington County Board of Education.

Powell, who will begin July 1, will replace Terry Holley. Holley’s position was vacated when he was named interim superintendent, following current superintendent Sharon Dye’s retirement announcement earlier this month. Holley will also begin his new post July 1.

“Seven people were interviewed for the position,” Dye said. “Mr. Powell has worked here at the central office for many years and has done an outstanding job as an administrator at Straughn High School. I think he will do an excellent job at Florala.”

Friday’s meeting was Dye’s last.

“I was pretty emotional at the last meeting and didn’t get to say a lot,” she said. “I just want to take this opportunity to express my thanks for the opportunities I have had here during my career. I wouldn’t trade it for anything.”

Board president John Clark said, “We want to thank you for what you’ve put up with for the betterment of education in Covington County.”

In other business, the board:

awarded bids for combi-ovens at Pleasant Home School and FHS. Grant money will be used to purchase the equipment.

voted to employ Jason Norris as a bus mechanic.

voted to employ Trinity Lee Dyess as teacher at PHS.

voted to employ Kimberly Couch as special education paraprofessional at Straughn Elementary and Middle schools.

voted to employ Regina Turner as custodian at SMS.

voted to employ Kenneth Skipper as secondary history/coach at SHS.

voted to employ Alison Jeffcoat as teacher at W.S. Harlan.

voted to employ Sarah Wilkes as teacher at WSH.

voted to employ Amanda Varnum as special education teacher at WSH.