The Selma Times-Journal

Keith and Southside high schools have new principals.

Joseph Pettway Jr., former assistant principal of Keith, will fill the role as principal of that school.

He has served 12 years in the education system, six of those as assistant principal at Keith.

Erika Crum, former math instructor at Keith High and 11-year veteran of the school system will serve as vice principal of the school.

Crum said with their backgrounds in education, she and Pettway will make good administrative team at Keith.

Southside High School will fall under the leadership of Luke Taylor, former principal of Wilcox County Alternative School. He is a 12-year veteran in education.

Taylor said he comes from a long line of educators. His mother retired as a principal after 30 years in the Mobile County Education System. Taylor said he believes in structure and plans to challenge the students at Southside.

Jabrina Lamar, former reading coach at Bruce K. Craig Elementary School will serve as Southside&8217;s vice principal. She has 10 years in education.

Lamar said her experience working with students and teachers of various grade levels is one of her strengths. Six of those years have been in the Dallas County School System as a reading coach. She has also trained teachers across the state with the Alabama Reading Initiative Academy.

Lemuel Jones comes out of retirement to become Southside&8217;s head football coach. Jones served more than 39 years in the school system. He has served as the head football coach at Keith High, a teacher, transportation supervisor and an attendance supervisor.

Jones said he has stayed close to athletics during his retirement by coaching his grandson who played football at Selma High. He said he likes to see athletes grow, develop and go to the next level.

He expects the football players to take ownership in the team and for the parents and the community to take interest in the athletic program and the school.

School board members were pleased about Jones taking the job.

&8220;I know you&8217;re experience and I know what you&8217;ve done in the past,&8221; said William Minor, school board member. &8220;Our kids need a good shot and a good chance.&8221;