Long named WCHS prinipal

WINFIELD — Mallory Long has been hired as the new principal of Winfield City High School after former principal Adam Aldridge accepted the principal position at T.R. Miller.
Long has served as the Winfield Elementary School principal and is entering into her 10th year working for Winfield City Schools, her seventh year as an administrator.
Following Aldridge’s exit, the Winfield Board of Education put together a committee made up of teachers, faculty, administrators and representatives from all areas of the school system and surveyed all school staff to get an idea of what to look for in the next principal.
According to superintendent Randy Thomley, the school board received 14 applications. After reviewing them, the applications were narrowed down to the final three.
From there, Thomley said Long was the unanimous choice.
“She’s going into her 10th year in our system, her seventh as an administrator and she’s been in the military for 20 years, so she’s well-rounded in a lot of things she is going to do,” Thomley said. “I’m very excited about her being in this leadership role. I’m also very grateful to Dr. Aldridge and wishing him the best in his new role, as well.
“We’re excited and just want to keep that tradition of excellence going.”
“I’m grateful for the opportunity!” Long said. “I’m looking forward to building on the strong foundations that are already in place at WCHS, and I’m excited about seeing students who I’ve taught and led, and this whole new endeavor, itself.
“I’m just so blessed that the Lord and the military have gotten me to this point. I look forward to learning and growing and leading the best employees in the state.”
In the May board meeting on Tuesday, May 13, the board voted to accept an interagency agreement with Head Start for the 2025-2026 school year.
The board then approved applying for federal funds under Title I, Title II, Title III, Title IV, Title V, IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act), IDEA Preschool, Career Tech and any other available funds for the 2025-2026 fiscal year.
The board also approved paid breakfast and lunch prices for the 2025-2026 school year. For adult and child visitors, along with Pirate Pre-K students, the prices will be set at $4.50 for breakfast and $6.50 for lunch.
Employee pricing will be $3.25 for breakfast and $5 for lunch.
The board accepted a recommendation from the science textbook committee to adopt curriculum from Savvas Elevate Science for K-12.
The board accepted the resignations of Meg Weeks as assistant JV cheer coach, Patty Gregg as instructional aide, Shea Dennis due to retirement and Adam Aldridge as high school principal.
The board approved the transfer of Niki Channel to the CNP manager position at the high school.
Cassie Taylor and Lee Bailey were hired to the posted Journeys Summer Program Child Nutrition positions.
Teagan Franks and Taylor Anderson were hired for K-6 certified positions at the elementary school.
The board approved the creation of an EL (English Language) and SPED (Special Education) certified teaching position.
The board approved employment for non-tenured certificated personnel and probationary support personnel.