The Pell City School System Board of Education approved the contract renewal of three school principals. Each contract renewal will begin July 1, 2016 and last for three years.

Tony Dowdy, Pell City High School principal has worked in the Pell City school system in various positions for over 20 years and has been the PCHS principal for three.

For Dowdy, a main objective of his job is preparing the students for life after graduation. That is why he is a strong supporter of the career tech programs the school offers.

“Over the next three years, I certainly want to maintain the programs we currently offer, but I want to expand our reach,” Dowdy said. “Over time, I want to explore what the kids need and I will do what I can to provide them the opportunities they need to achieve their goals.”

His goal is to provide students with a quality education and the opportunity to participate in career programs allows them to be marketable graduates, he believes.

“I want to continue with our college and career focus,” Dowdy said. “I want to give the kids as many opportunities for success as possible.”

Duran North Junior High School principal Richard Garris also received a contract extension. The school has found success this past year in its debate team, archery team, wrestling team and science fair participants.

“I want to thank the Board of Education and Dr. Barber specifically for offering me this opportunity,” Garris said. “They have all been very supportive of me and I am excited about the future.”

In the next three years, he hopes to continue the positive educational trajectory the school is on. School faculty has noted an increase in testing scores over the past school year and Garris says he is extremely proud of how well his students have done.

Something Garris has tried to do is increase the communication to parents from faculty. Having a rapport with student’s families is something Garris believes is important.

“We all want the best possible education for their children, that’s a shared goal for everyone here,” Garris said. “I’m excited to continue on that path for the next three years, this is a great school system with great kids.”

Laurie Funderburg, Eden Elementary School’s principal renewed her contract, as well. Funderburg’s educational career began with the Pell City School System in 1990. She is the principal for approximately 400 students, from kindergarten to fourth grade. Students are heavily involved in the community, including visits to the Veterans Home, toy drives and fundraisers held by the students.

Funderburg will be spending another three years at Eden Elementary, beginning this summer, which will add to the more than two decades she has spent in the Pell City School System so far.