SYLACAUGA, Ala. – Dr. Monte Abner, the Indian Valley Elementary School principal, is leaving to join Jefferson County Schools to be the principal at McAdory Middle School.
Sylacauga City Schools Superintendent Dr. Jon Segars said they haven’t pegged a replacement yet, but he is sure there will be many great candidates. Segars said he will be looking at leadership qualities when selecting the next principal.
“People that can quickly step into an organization and assess the things that need to be done and be able to put a plan in place,” Segars said. “Not that those plans always work, but somebody that can quickly analyze that situation and get people in motion. And, it’s all about motivating them.”
Segars said the personal relationship Abner had with his students and their families is rare.
“Monte Abner knows every child’s name in his school,” Segars said. “He knows most of the parents and grandparents. In my time in education, I have never seen anybody as good at it as he is.”
Segars said Abner was able to connect with students and families well because he is a “personal guy.”
“He takes every single opportunity to get to know something about you,” Segars said. “He calls every student by name, and, often times, stops and asks them something about them or their family, which is absolutely amazing to me.”
Segars said he is focused on getting through Thursday’s graduation before setting his sights on candidates.
