Sandra Seymour has served as assistant to the top Gator in Ila. Now, she’s traveling across the county to take charge of Colbert’s Cougars.
Seymour, Ila Elementary School’s assistant principal since 2007, has accepted the job as principal of Colbert Elementary School, a position held by Billy Heaton, who resigned to take a job closer to a family member who needs his help.
The move brings Seymour back to the origin of her education career. The new principal taught third grade at Colbert Elementary in 1985-86, her first job after graduating Magna Cum Laude at the University of Georgia in early childhood education.
Seymour has since earned her master of education, 1988; her specialist in education, 2002; and leadership certification, 2007.
The new Colbert principal served as first grade teacher at Ila Elementary School from 1986 to 2004. She then spent time between 2004-07 as a kindergarten reading/phonics teacher and a reading literacy coach.
Seymour said she’s spent many years at Ila Elementary, getting to know students, families and staff. She says leaving is not easy, but that the Colbert principal’s position is a great opportunity at a great school.
“My dream before the last four weeks would have been to wait it out here and go for the position here whenever it comes open — these are hallowed halls as far as I’m concerned,” said Seymour. “But then the position (at Colbert) came open unexpectedly and I had been told many years ago, when a position comes open and you are interested, you need to put your name in the pot, whether or not it ends up going that way, because you get experience from just doing the process.”
Seymour said she is thrilled to be chosen to lead Colbert. Fifty people applied for the position.
“Colbert is on the right path as far as student achievement,” said Seymour. “They made tremendous gains between 2009-2010. I’ve not had the opportunity to see their current scores for the spring CRCT, but they made some huge gains. And I know they are very disappointed and sad to see Mr. Heaton leaving. He has done a fabulous job. I think Colbert is very similar to the dynamics of Ila. And I would think all schools here in Madison County are — hardworking teachers, a young faculty for the most part. They were so gracious and welcoming Friday when Dr. (Allen) McCannon introduced me to the staff. It was very heartwarming and I am excited. They are a top-notch group of educators.”
Seymour said she has informed the Ila staff that she is fully committed to Colbert and has no plans to return to Ila.
“I have told my buddies, my faculty, my staff here that when Mrs. (Lynn) Jeffers decides to retire, that I will not come back,” said Seymour. “When I come into Colbert it will be 100 percent.”
She said that includes getting used to a new mascot.
“It will be interesting for me to change my persona from a Gator to a Cougar,” said Seymour. “But I will make the change.”
