Board of Education approves new superintendent contract

During Wednesday's meeting, the Vestavia Hills Board of Education approved the contract of newly appointed superintendent Sheila Phillips.

Phillips will take office as superintendent on Aug 1. Dr. Jamie Blair, who announced his retirement from that position earlier this year, will transition into an advisory role for Vestavia Hills City Schools while fulfilling his contractual obligations through October 2015.

“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,” Phillips said during the meeting. “and being allowed to lead those processes makes me so grateful.”

Blair said Tuesday that he and the board agreed to an Aug. 1 transition date to support development of the district’s 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.

"We think it's important for Dr. Blair to be available to answer questions," said Board Member Jerry Dent.

Blair was hired in 2000 as Vestavia Hills’ fifth superintendent.

Also during the meeting, the Board approved the construction of new playing turf for Vestavia Hills Elementary East and Vestavia Hills High Schools.

For more, visit vestavia.k12.al.us.