TCS Names New Principals At Bryant, Northridge

TUSCALOOSA, AL — The Tuscaloosa City Board of Education on Tuesday approved the hiring of new principals at Bryant High School and Northridge High.

Click here to subscribe to our free daily newsletter and breaking news alerts.

Eastwood Middle School Principal Eric Hines will be the new principal of Bryant, while Northridge High Assistant Principal Jessica Williams will be the new principal at Northridge.

Both administrators will begin their new roles on June 1.

"These two principal positions are incredibly important to the system, as they help ensure that we are providing a high quality, high standard of education for students at two of the three high schools, but also they help ensure that our graduates are well prepared and have a plan for their path following graduation," TCS Superintendent Mike Daria said. "We are incredibly lucky to have such a high caliber individuals already within the Tuscaloosa City Schools and are excited that we could hire internally for both positions."

TCS says Hines is an eight-year veteran of the city school system and has served as principal of Eastwood since 2017. Prior to that, he was an assistant principal at Westlawn Middle School and was a social studies teacher.

Hines said he intends to listen to students, staff and families, while focusing on building a positive culture at the school.

"My first task as principal is to listen," Hines said in a statement on Wednesday. "It is very important that I provide a safe space for students and their families to convey what they desire in our school and work together to make those things a reality. Next, we will create the capacity for productive relationships that are built upon mutual respect and admiration."

During her time at Northridge, Williams has served as an English teacher, department chair, and assistant principal. Williams said she plans to focus on high expectations and accountability for all at Northridge High, while emphasizing the importance of student involvement and school spirit.

"This is a tremendous opportunity," Williams said. "I am very excited to lead the students and teachers at Northridge High School. We have many wonderful things happening at NHS. However, there are always areas for improvement and growth. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve in this capacity."

Williams will replace current Northridge Principal Tygar Evans and Hines will replace current Bryant High Principal Lydia Edwards. Both administrators announced in March they would not be renewing their contracts with Tuscaloosa City Schools.

TCS says it will soon begin the hiring process for the assistant principal position at Northridge High School and the principal role at Eastwood Middle School.

Have a news tip or suggestion on how I can improve Tuscaloosa Patch? Maybe you're interested in having your business become one of the latest sponsors for Tuscaloosa Patch? Email all inquiries to me at ryan.phillips@patch.com.