By DANIEL LOCKE | Staff Writer
COLUMBIANA –
The Shelby County Schools Board of Education approved the appointment of four administrators at its meeting on Thursday, June 12, at 5 p.m.
Jan Curtis was named coordinator of instruction for the county, Ashli Polizos was named principal of Oak Mountain Middle School, Dr. Ken Thornbrough was named principal of Shelby County High School and Bethany Aultman was named assistant principal of Shelby County High School.
Curtis has more than 25 years of education experience and previously served as the principal of Oak Mountain Elementary School.
“I am so very excited about this opportunity,” Curtis said. “I have loved every minute of the last five years serving our 700 little bluebirds at Oak Mountain Elementary School. I am truly excited about serving all of the students and teachers and leaders in Shelby County Schools. I’m excited about continuing that tradition of high-quality professional learning, mentorship of our teachers and leaders.”
Polizos is a Nationally Board-certified teacher with 19 years of education experience. She previously served as an assistant principal at Oak Mountain Middle School.
“I’m so thankful for this opportunity to return to a place that I feel like is home,” Polizos said. “I can’t wait to serve the Oak Mountain faculty, staff, students and families in this new role.”
Thornbrough has 23 years of experience in education and previously served as an assistant principal at Chelsea Middle School.
“I am truly humbled for the opportunity to begin this new journey and I’m extremely excited to partner with our faculty and staff, our students, our parents and our community and continuing to build upon the many great things that have gone on in Shelby County High School,” Thornbrough said. “I’m truly grateful.”
Aultman has 10 years of education experience and previously served as a special education program area specialist.
“I’m incredibly honored and humbled to be recommended as the next assistant principal at Shelby County High School,” Aultman said. “I’m truly grateful for the trust you’ve placed in me to serve this school community.”
In other news, the board approved the renewal of multiple contracts with multiple food providers and three out-of-state field trips for the 2025-26 academic year.
The board’s next meeting will take place on Thursday, June 26 at 5 p.m. at the Central Office in Columbiana.
