Goshen Assistant Principal Tony May is leaving the school system to accept a new job with the Alabama Department of Education.

May will be joining former Charles Henderson High School principal Brock Kelley in the workforce development division.

“He actually brought me in to work with him on work-based learning and data analysis,” May said. “Before I came into education, I was with the Walmart Distribution Center, so my background is in industry and I have data experience with degrees in mathematics and information systems. So that gave me sort of a unique role to step into this field.”

Kelley said May was a good candidate due to his experience in both education and industry, as well as his character.

“Tony is going to be a welcome addition to the department and especially my staff,” Kelley said. “He has a wealth of knowledge in K-12 education, but also business and industry from his work in the past. He also has the knowledge in computer science and computer technology to break down data and look at that more closely and enhance the data breakdown and dissemination in more ways then we ever have before.

“We’re really excited about having him on board. His character more than all shined to me. We met through Leadership Pike and his leadership and ability to carry on conversations and connect with people will help secure relationships with schools, businesses and industries.”

May served as a teacher at Pike County High School for a year before joining Goshen as assistant principal in 2015. He had previously taught in the Coffee and Barbour County systems.

May said he has always had a heart for work-based learning.

“My dissertation was on experiential learning; students getting hands-on,” May said. “I was the first May in my family to ever even et a degree. My family has always been in the industry and labor field and I always loved it. I want to allow opportunities for kids that didn’t go the postsecondary route to have the best careers and futures and outcomes.

“I hope we can make Pike County proud and make a name for Pike County.”