The Opp Board of Education named two of “Opp’s own” principals for the coming school year.

Current OMS principal Aaron Hightower was named principal at Opp High School, effective July 1. Hightower replaces Ron Snell, who recently was named principal of T.R. Miller High School in Brewton.

Current special education coordinator Sharon Spurlin will replace Hightower as OMS principal, also effective July 1.

Hightower is a1992 graduate of Opp High Schol. He played football ad Southern Mississippi , and professional baseball with the Toronto Bluejays organization.

He has been principal at AMS for the past 10 years, and prior to that served a year as assistant principal. He also has seven years experience as a math teacher.

Hightower holds a bachelor’s degree in secondary math comprehension; a master’s in educational leadership; and an education specialist’s degree in educational leadership.

Spurlin also is an OHS grad. She began her teaching career at OMS, and taught there for 16 years. Later, she worked at OES as a reading coach, and then moved to the central office as special education coordinator.

“The students and staff at OMS are smart and very hard working,” she said. “I am excited to have this opportunity to be a part of their team.”

She and her husband, Skipper Spurlin, have two daughters, Beth Anne and Katie.

In other personnel actions, the board:

• Accepted the retirement resignation of Randy Hughey, longtime OHS band director;

• Accepted the retirement resignation of James Reeves, current assistant principal and softball coach at OHS;

• Transferred Jane Miller from BOE secretary to OMS secretary.

• Hired Heather McLeod and Melissa Breedlove as teachers at OES.