Opp High School Principal Ron Snell was named the new principal of T.R. Miller High School Monday.

Snell will assume the role following the retirement of longtime TRM principal Mary Bell. He is a 17-year educator who has served as principal at OHS, Northview High School in Dothan and assistant principal in Geneva County.

Brewton City Schools Superintendent Dr. Kenneth Varner said he’d tried to hire Snell while working in the Tallassee system.

“But we couldn’t work it out,” Varner said. “Mr. Snell is a tremendous educator with a strong academic background. He brings a lot of energy and enthusiasm and excellent PR skills – and a world of experience.

“The people in Opp aren’t happy with us right now, but (Snell will) be a great fit for TRM,” Varner said.

Snell said the opportunity to join the TRM staff is “an honor and an a pleasure.”

“I want to thank Dr. Varner and the Brewton City Board of Education in placing their trust in me to help lead T.R. Miller High School,” Snell said. “TRM has a tremendous reputation around the state – well respected and always considered one of the best, whether you’re talking about academics or athletics or fine arts. This as a tremendous opportunity to be part of that tradition.”

Snell said the last four years at OHS were “fantastic.”

“And I expect the same for my time here in Brewton,” he said. “I look forward to working with the students, teachers, and community to find ways to add to the great things already happening at Miller.

“I have been blessed to be a part of really great schools, and to work alongside some of the best educators around,” he said. “My big job is to stay out of the way and make sure the great things that are happening continue to happen at Miller.”

OCS Superintendent Michael Smithart praised Snell’s success at OHS.

Smithart said at the time they hired Snell, he was just what they were looking for.

“I want to thank Mr. Snell for everything he’s do,” Smithart said at Tuesday’s board of education meeting.

The board accepted Snell’s resignation.

They will soon begin taking applications for principal at OHS.

Additionally, Opp Middle School Assistant Principal Shawn Short was named Opp Elementary School principal.

He will replace longtime OES principal Brett Kinsaul, who is retiring at the end of the school year.

The system will also need to hire a new assistant principal at the middle school.

In other business, the board:

• Agreed to offer employment to Jeromy Shaw, as special education teacher;

• Transfer Kristi Meeks to counselor at OMS;

• OK’d Family Medical Leave Act request from John Donaldson.