Columbus High School has a new principal, the Columbus Municipal School District board of trustees announced during Monday night”s regular meeting at the Columbus Municipal Complex.
West Point High School associate principal Scott Hallmark will replace current CHS principal Craig Shannon, who resigned from his post in March in order to return to the central office and continue his duties as special assistant to the superintendent.
Hallmark, who holds seven years administrative experience and five years experience in the classroom, has been lauded for his work in raising math test scores — specifically in Algebra — from 18 percent to 80 percent at West Point.
He was selected by an eight-member committee comprised of Columbus High School teachers, parents, community members, and the CMSD central office staff.
“He is a strong leader, and we”re very fortunate to have this gentleman come to our district,” CMSD board president Glenn Lautzenhiser said Tuesday morning. “He”s a knowledgeable, strong leader with success in his background, and we welcome him.”
Hallmark, who was not present last night, was invited to formally introduce himself to the board and the public at the next school board meeting.
Tuesday morning, he said though he loves West Point and will miss the people as well as the family-friendly environment, he was particularly drawn to CMSD”s innovation and success with the International Baccalaureate and magnet schools programs.
“West Point is a wonderful community and a great school district,” he said. “Always you have trepidations, but I”m excited about the challenge I will have. Columbus is a great school district, and it will be a great opportunity for me to play an integral role in their success.”
He holds a master”s degree in Educational Leadership from Delta State University in Cleveland, Miss. and is married with two children. He and his family are considering relocating from West Point to Columbus in order to be more involved in the community.
In other news, the board announced a public tea and reception for former superintendent Dr. Del Phillips, who resigned last month in order to accept a position as director of schools for the Sumner County School District in Gallatin, Tenn.
Last night”s meeting was Phillips” last at the helm; new interim superintendent Dr. Martha Liddell will lead her first regular meeting June 13 at 6:30 p.m. at the Columbus Municipal Complex.
Lautzenhiser said he hopes the community will take the opportunity to attend Phillips” farewell reception, which be held May 23, 2011 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Columbus Middle School.
“We hope a large number of people can come out and thank him for his four years of service over the past four years,” Lautzenhiser said.
Other upcoming dates to mark on the calendar include Class Night at the Columbus High School gym on May 19, 2011 and CHS graduation ceremonies, which will be held at Mississippi State at 9 a.m.
Carmen K. Sisson is the former news editor at The Dispatch.
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