Alsup new LES principal; Farris promoted to principal job at LHS

LYNN   -  A complete turnover in administration at Lynn Schools has resulted in Brad Alsup as the new elementary principal and the transfer of Daniel Farris to high school principal from the assistant’s role.
Alsup will replace Jennifer Baker, who was transferred to the central office as district administrator. Farris will step in to take over the duties of Todd Tittle, who also was transferred to the role of district administrator at the central office.
These and several other major personnel changes were approved by the Winston County Board of Education in a landmark meeting Tuesday, June 29.
This will mark Alsup’s first time in the principal’s role.  Alsup completed his Master’s Degree in administration in May, 2020.
“I am very grateful for the confidence shown by Mr. (Greg) Pendley, our superintendent and our board,” Alsup began.
Baker’s work as elementary principal was commended by Alsup, who is beginning his 17th year at Lynn Schools, having formerly taught high school math, career prep and physical education.
This new role will mark another first for Alsup - the first time he has served a role at the elementary level.
“Mrs. Baker is one of the best,” Alsup pointed out. “She has reached out already to help and give advice. Mrs. Baker was awesome.
“I’ve had both (of my) kids come through  the elementary side,  and she and her faculty, the counselors, everybody associated with the elementary have done a wonderful job.”
As Alsup steps into the elementary principal’s role, his first goal is to build upon the strong traditions already put in place by Baker and her staff.
“It will be a learning curve,” he admitted, noting that his wife had taught at the elementary school, so he has become familiar with the staff there.
“I hope to first learn the ropes, carry on what they have been doing and hopefully create a few new ideas,” Alsup stated.
Throughout his career at Lynn, Alsup has been head girl’s basketball coach, head softball coach, junior high head football coach, football assistant coach and head basketball coach and softball assistant coach for both junior high girls and boys at the high school level.
Whether or not Alsup is at the high school or the elementary school, his philosophy remains the same.
“It’s all about preparing these kids,” he said. “I want it to be about the kids first.
“It will take me a little time to figure out the marriage between community and the elementary school.  I am always going to be willing to reach out to the community for thoughts, ideas.”
Originally a marketing major, Alsup worked from 1997-2005, as a residential marketing representative for Alabama Power before he entered the educational field.
A 1993 graduate of LHS, Alsup played football  at UNA and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in management/marketing in 1997. He then received his mathematics teaching certification from Athens State University in 2006 and a Master’s Degree in physical education at the University of West Alabama in 2017, followed by a Master’s Degree in instructional leadership in 2020 at West Alabama.
Alsup recalled that Farris was on a few teams he coached when Alsup first came to Lynn schools 17 years ago in 2005.
“Daniel will do a fine job,” Alsup said. “He comes from a great family. He’s a hometown guy, cares about this place and is really bright.
“It will not surprise me that I will pull more from him than he ever does from me,” Alsup continued. “He will do a fine job, and I look forward to digging in with him.”
A 2007 LHS graduate, Farris was hired in February, 2012, as a teacher and coach, and has now taught history, English, health, physical education and driver’s education.  During his career at Lynn, Farris has also coached football, basketball and baseball.
He was promoted to the role of assistant principal for the 2018-2019 school year, a position he held until being named principal this past week.
“It’s a very humbling experience,” Farris began. “I am grateful to Mr, Pendley, Mr. (Joey) Boteler and the rest of the board for their confidence and support for the opportunity at Lynn High School.”
Farris added he was excited to get started in his new role in preparing for a new school year while working with all of the high school teachers and staff.
“I believe it’s my job as principal of Lynn High School to build and maintain a positive school culture that promotes a safe learning environment for all students,” Farris explained.
“My goal is to ensure the school’s mission, vision, values and goals are clearly identifiable, obtainable and accomplished during the school year,” Farris added.
Farris hopes to instill the concept of hard work in all students.
“I am a strong believer that education holds the key to every student’s success for the real world,” he said. “If students know how to work hard and have a solid educational foundation, I believe they will be productive and successful members of society.”
Farris noted he appreciated the time he has spent working with Tittle at the high school.
“He has brought a tireless work ethic and an unwavering commitment to Lynn High School,” continued Farris.
“I hope to continue and build on the successes from the past years of Lynn School,” he added.
Farris plans to approach his new position by allowing  great people  to do their jobs, build upon past successes and improve facilities in order to present every available opportunity for students, he said.
Farris received his associate’s degree from Northwest-Shoals Community College in May, 2009. He completed his Bachelor’s Degree in education from UNA in December, 2011; received his driver’s education certification from Jacksonville State in 2012 and his Master’s Degree in educational leadership from UAB in 2016
Farris has been certified for instruction in social science, English, language arts, health education, physical education, driver’s education and middle school math.