School board names new CJHS principal

The future principal met with the Coppinville faculty and staff Tuesday where he described himself as 100-percent supportive of his staff with a firm, but fair and consistent leadership style.

Humphrey said he will meet further with the staff to assess what teachers would like to see improved upon and help in any way he can.

A change Humphrey said teachers could expect is an increase in the use of technology.

"I think it's very important, and I think it's going to be required of us in order to keep the kids involved and engaged in the classroom," he said.

Humphrey said he is looking forward to the new experience and is excited to be making the move into the Enterprise City School System.

"I was looking for a challenge. I have enjoyed my 13 years at Dothan City School System. I just thought it was a new opportunity. Enterprise City School System is a thriving school system that is doing well," Humphrey said.

The recommendation of Humphrey by Superintendent Dr. Aaron Milner was opposed by board members Jimmy Jones and Ross Cotter, who voted against the motion, each for different reasons.

Looking at the pool of applicants, Jones said others who applied had more experience at the junior high grade level, and "probably" more certifications than Humphrey.

Jones referred to the interview process as "flawed and inappropriate," and said it was important that he express his opinion on the matter.

Milner said a talented group of individuals were interviewed for the position, but impressive recommendations and management skills made Humphrey stand out as someone who would be an excellent addition to the school system and a great leader for Coppinville Junior High School.

Cotter's concerns centered on an increased salary that was negotiated between the system and Humphrey.

"I think that Dr. Milner put forth a good effort to select a principal for Coppinville. There are sensitivity issues that exist and I think they were considered and I hope they were considered properly," Cotter said. "My concern was mainly on the salary situation. It is problematic. It's problematic because we will have a Coppinville principal who will be making several thousand dollars more than the other two junior high principals and several dollars more than the majority of the central office staff; for example, supervisors over the junior high schools."

Currently, the administrator salary at the junior high level is $92,643. Humphrey's salary was negotiated at $95,000, or $2,357 higher.

Humphrey is a 1994 graduate of Northview High School and a graduate of Troy University with a bachelor's degree in elementary education and received his master's degree in 2004.

He began his teaching career at Girard Middle School in Dothan before becoming its assistant principal for two years.

Humphrey then served as assistant principal at Dothan High School for three years before becoming principal in 2009.

Milner said while at Dothan High School, Humphrey has done a phenomenal job leading the school in a positive direction.

"The citizens of Enterprise, all they've ever expressed to me is to always recommend to the board what I and the central office felt was the best candidate for the position, and that's what we did today, and we're thrilled that Mr. Humphrey is going to be joining our administrative team," Milner said.