James Clemens principal picked to lead Hartselle school district
After 10 years at James Clemens, Dr. Brian Clayton will begin his new position in January
HARTSELLE — Madison City Schools will soon begin the process of picking a new head principal for James Clemens High School. A narrowly divided Hartselle City Board of Education voted Tuesday to hire James Clemens High Principal Brian Clayton as their new superintendent.
School board Vice President Monty Vest said the board will now begin contractual negotiations with Clayton, 52, and decide his annual salary in the coming months. Clayton will start on the job in January.
Clayton said on Tuesday he was enthusiastic about his new role.
“It’s an outstanding school system,” Clayton said. “They do a lot of things really well, and I’m just proud to be a part of it. I look forward to doing my best to move the needle towards progress.”
The other finalists were Hartselle High School Principal Brad Cooper, Arab City Schools Superintendent Johnny Berry, Florence Middle School Principal Kevin Wieseman, Sparkman High Principal Chris Shaw and Hartselle Director of Operations Rocky Smith.
Hartselle is replacing Dee Dee Jones, who retired as superintendent effective Sept. 1. Sabrina Buettner is serving as interim superintendent.
