Change can be exciting and terrifying at the same time, especially when the incoming change is unknown.

Several schools in the Greater Valley Area will be faced with changes in leadership positions when school starts back in the fall. Some of those faces are new and some are familiar.

In Lanett, Phillip Johnson shook hands and cried on shoulders in a graceful exit as superintendent of Lanett City Schools. He’ll now be working across the state line in Harris County, Georgia. His exit made way for Jennifer Boyd to step into the superintendent’s chair. She’s been with the district for the past 17 years, so we’re confident she’s equipped with the right tools for the job. Her tenure could be a short one though, as the Lanett Board of Education has a self-imposed 180-day deadline from July 1 to hire a full-time superintendent.

At Springwood School, former Headmaster coach Rick Johnson is also moving across the state line for a new job. However, he stuck around long enough to see Lowrie McCown be hired as head of school. Springwood has been expanding its reach internationally and increasing its enrollment. We hope McCown continues that success and maintains the rich traditions the Chambers County private schools have in the region.

Speaking of private schools, Chambers Academy also made a move, albeit not at the very top, but at the assistant headmaster position. The private school in LaFayette hired Jon Owen as its assistant headmaster and girls varsity softball coach. Owen had success in Alexander City as a coach and has several years of experience in the classroom in Tallapoosa County as well.

In Troup County, Brian Shumate has officially taken the job as superintendent. Troup County has known about Shumate’s impending arrival for months, but it’s good to see that he’s now here and hard at work to improve the school system.

We wish all the new administrators luck in their new roles and hope each new hire makes our schools the best they can be.