New principal approved for Central High School in Phenix City
The next principal of Central High School is a familiar education leader in Phenix City.
Kerry McDonald, who has been the principal of South Girard School the past seven years, will succeed Tommy Vickers, who is retiring as Central’s principal.
The Phenix City Board of Education unanimously approved Superintendent Randy Wilkes’ recommendation during its monthly meeting Thursday night.
Vickers’ final day at Central is planned for Feb. 28, when he will conclude his 30-year career at the school. The last 11 were spent as principal. McDonald is scheduled to become Central’s principal March 1.
During McDonald’s tenure as principal, South Girard, which teaches the district’s eighth-graders, “has experienced much growth in academics, enrollment and participation in co- and extracurricular activities,” Wilkes said in a news release.
“Mr. McDonald is well known for his ability to foster relationships with students, parents and community members,” Wilkes said.
Wilkes said McDonald was selected out of 26 applicants, with seven of them interviewed.
McDonald has worked for 27 years in Phenix City Schools and has served as assistant principal at Central (2010-14) and Phenix City Intermediate School (2005-10). He started his career as a physical education teacher at three Phenix City schools (1999-2005). He also was an assistant football coach.
McDonald, 52, earned his educational specialist and master’s degrees from Troy University and his bachelor’s degree from Alabama State University. He graduated in 1988 from the now-closed J.O. Johnson High School in Huntsville. His wife, Aretha McDonald, is principal of Sherwood Elementary School.
PCS immediately will begin searching for a principal to replace McDonald at South Girard, Wilkes said.
In an emailed interview with the Ledger-Enquirer, McDonald said he feels “very blessed, humbled and excited” about the appointment.
“I’m glad I have the opportunity to carry the baton for our beloved Central High School,” he said.
Asked to describe his leadership style, McDonald said, “I’m a servant leader.”
His goals for when he becomes Central’s principal are to increase the graduation rate (already at 96%), decrease discipline violations and “produce well-rounded citizens for society, whether that be going in to the workforce or to college.”
This story was originally published December 16, 2021 at 7:56 PM.
