By Michael Butler

There have been some administrative changes in the Tallassee School System as the 2025-2026 academic year starts next week. There will be two new principals at the high school and middle school.

Dr. Crystal Adams was introduced in April as the new principal at Tallassee High School. Adams moves from the classroom to the front office. At Southside Middle School, Kevin O’Rear will move from assistant principal to principal, a decision that was finalized last week.

“I’m excited,” said O’Rear. “I’ve been at Southside for eight years now as the assistant. I finally get a chance to lead the greatest faculty. I’m a huge believer in the people that surround you make life so much better.”

Adams has 20 years in education. She has an administrative background as an assistant principal herself at Pike Road Intermediate School. She also started the Lee County Learning Center.

“It’s busy but fantastic,” Adams said of the transition thus far. “We’re adding a bunch of dual enrollment and fine arts. We’re excited about the new year and new opportunities that we have to offer for our students in helping them reach their goals.”

Both THS and SMS will have new assistant principals. Josh Harrison will be at the high school. Erin Davis will be at the middle school.

Two administrators are moving over to the board office. Former THS assistant principal Brooke Barron and former SMS principal Brittany Spencer will have offices in a different venue on King Street.

“I’ve got a bunch of new faces at the central office,” Tallassee City Schools Superintendent Dr. Brock Nolin said. “Mrs. Barron took over the Special Education coordinator position. Dr. Tessie Williams is retiring. Brittany Spencer is her replacement, director of Curriculum for Elementary Education. We’ve promoted Beth Haynes to Secondary Curriculum coordinator.

“The only constant is change. You’re pouring into them so they’re ready for the next position. That’s the expectation. I’m not too far from retirement myself. There’s a couple of people in the district getting ready to possibly take my job one day.”

The school year begins on Aug. 7. Faculty reports on Aug. 1. Open houses at the three schools will be on Aug. 5 from 3-6 p.m.