By William C. Singleton III
Journal contributor
Vestavia Hills’ next superintendent will start her job Aug. 1.
The school board recently approved the contract of Sheila Phillips, whom it named its next superintendent last month to replace Jamie Blair.
Phillips’ contract covers three years at a salary of $167,500 annually. She will also receive $9,888 a year for vehicle allowance.
“I recognize how important this role is in the Vestavia Hills community, where everyone is so invested in our youth and in the educational process here, and being allowed to lead those processes makes me so grateful,” Phillips said.
To make way for Phillips, Blair will move into an advisory position and serve out his contract with the school system until he retires Oct. 1, 2015.
Blair said it would be better for Phillips to come onboard earlier to lead the school system through its new strategic plan.
“It makes more sense for the new superintendent to head up that long-range planning instead of the person who’s about to go out,” Blair said.
The board also named Tyler Burgess as the new principal for Pizitz Middle School. Burgess previously served as assistant principal for instruction at Homewood Middle School. He takes over for David Miles, who retired as Pizitz’s principal at the end of the school year.
