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The Shelby County Board of Education approved several administrative positions on July 16.

Patton Furman will serve as the new Student Services Supervisor. Currently, Furman is the principal of New Direction and works as an instructor for ALSDE ACCESS distance learning for the University of Alabama. She earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in French from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. She also earned her certification in Educational Leadership and is currently working on her doctorate degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB).

Kenneth Thornbrough was named assistant principal of Chelsea Middle School. Thornbrough has been an educator for over sixteen years and was most recently an administrative assistant at Chelsea High School. He has a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Geographical Information Systems from Samford University, a master’s degree in Secondary Education and Education Administration, and an educational specialist degree from the University Montevallo.

Lauren Yancey will serve as the school system’s assistant principal, providing support for schools across the district. Yancey has over thirteen years of experience in public education and currently serves as a Program Area Specialist for Shelby County Schools. Yancey earned a bachelor’s degree in English, a master’s in Secondary Education and Instructional Leadership, and an educational specialist degree in Teacher Leadership from the University of Montevallo.

Jean Paige Jones will serve as the new assistant principal of Columbiana Middle School. Jones has been an educator for over nine years and has recently served as a science teacher at Hueytown High School. She has a bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences and Secondary Science Education from Auburn University and a master’s degrees in Secondary Education and Instructional Leadership from the University of West Alabama.

Carlyn Duncan will serve as the interim assistant principal at Forest Oaks Elementary School. Duncan has over 18 years of experience as an educator and is currently an Instructional Coach for Shelby County Schools. She received a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood/Elementary Education and a master’s in Instructional Leadership from the University of West Alabama. 

Rebecca (Holly) Laney will serve as the assistant principal at Calera Intermediate School. Ms. Laney has over 13 years of experience as an educator and is currently the assistant principal at Helena Intermediate School. She received a bachelor’s degree in Collaborative Education from Troy University, a master’s degree, and an educational specialist degree in Educational Leadership from UAB.