The Dallas County School System has had some changes this summer, and there are still more to come.

Michael Blair, former principal at Dallas County High School, stepped down from his position to accept another job at Billingsley High School in Autauga County.

“He came in a couple of weeks ago and said [Billingsley High School] had offered him a position. That’s where his wife had retired from, so he was familiar with a lot of the teachers and all,” said Don Willingham, Dallas County Schools superintendent. “It was a good opportunity for him. I know it was a difficult decision for him, and we hate to see him go. He’s been a value to our system, and I wish him the best.”

Willingham said the board is working to fill the vacant position.

“We’ve posted the Dallas County job,” Willingham said. “Hopefully, we’ll get some good applicants. We’ve had some good applicants so far this summer so we’ll see.”

Willingham said the job would be posted until July 22, and interviews will follow.

Assistant principal Paul Thomas will also be the new principal at Martin Middle School.

“Paul’s really excited about being in that position,” Willingham said.

Todd Reese, previous assistant principal at Martin Middle School, has also been named assistant principal at Dallas County High School.

The newest hire came Monday night when Willingham recommended Victoria Calhoun, a teacher within the Dallas County system, for the assistant principal position at Martin Middle School. The board accept the recommendation.

But those are not the only changes coming this fall. Because of lower student enrollment last school year, state funding was cut, which will result in 10.5 less teaching units.

“The loss of teachers was due to enrollment decline,” Willingham said. “All of our state money is based on enrollment, every penny we get. It starts with how many students you have, and as far as teacher units are concerned, there’s a formula.”

According to Willingham, the school system lost more than 200 students last year.

“If the school just has to have the bodies, we’ll just look for federal support or some other funding source so that they don’t actually lose the teacher units,” Willingham said.

Some teachers that retired or found jobs elsewhere were not replaced, reducing the number of teachers being cut.

But even with the cuts, Willingham said they try to do what they can to keep as many positions as possible.

“You can’t just go with what the state pays you, you just have to make it work,” Willingham said.