At their meeting on Tuesday, the Franklin County School Board officially hired former Russellville educator Ann Scott as the new principal at Tharptown Elementary School.

Scott was hired after former TES principal Barry Laster was named principal at Tharptown High School following the appointment of former THS principal Gary Odom as principal at Phil Campbell High School.

Superintendent Gary Williams said Scott stood out because of her experience.

“Ann has 27 years of elementary experience and is very familiar with that age group,” Williams said.

“We had interviewed her before for a different position and we were impressed with her and knew she would be an asset for our school system in the right position.

“I think she is a good fit for the school and for the community.”

Since the school year had already begun, the school board gave Williams the authority to appoint someone as principal at TES since the next board meeting was scheduled for after the start of school.

Williams appointed Scott to the position last week and she started the job on Monday.