By: Mona Moore

Charles Henderson High School Principal Boyd English has accepted the superintendent position.

English and Steve Sanders, chairman of the school board, met last week to negotiate a contract. At Tuesday’s meeting, Sanders announced English had accepted.

English attended the meeting.

“I look forward to working with each and every one of you,” he said. “Hwy. 331 is going to become ‘Championship Highway’ and not just in athletes, but in arts and career tech.”

English said there would be changes to the school system, but he would always give reasons for the changes and would think carefully before making them.

Board members unanimously agreed to offer English the position.

“He’s a strong leader, loves students, is big on community involvement and, with him being from South Alabama, we felt like he would be a great fit,” Sanders said. “His expectations are like ours. He wants to focus on career tech and fine arts.”

English has been principal at CHHS since 2011.

English has been in education for 22 years. He holds degrees from Troy University, Auburn University Montgomery and Georgia Southern. He was a history teacher and coach before moving into administration and served as a high school principal in Georgia for six years before taking over at CHHS. During his tenure, the school has seen improvements in both academics and athletics, with the graduation rate moving from 58 percent for the 2012 cohort to 85 percent to the 2014 cohort and the baseball program winning back-to-back state championships in 2013 and 2014

He served as principal for Emanuel County Schools in Georgia from 2005 to 2011.

English taught in Elba City Schools and Henry County Schools. He started his teaching career in 1993.

As a native of Elba, English said he was no stranger to Crenshaw County.

He introduced a packed audience to his wife and eldest daughter, who will graduate from CHHS this year.

English said he and his wife have not decided where their youngest daughter, a rising freshman, will attend.

“I’m excited and ready to get to work,” he said. “I’ll be finishing out the school year at Charles Henderson and then I’ll be ready to come to Crenshaw.”

English will start June 15. He will officially take the helm after Superintendent Terry Holley’s contract ends on June 30.