Dr. Dee Dee Jones announced Brad Cooper as the new principal of Hartselle High School at the Hartselle City Schools Board meeting Thursday.

Cooper will replace Jeff Hyche, who took a career-tech instructional planner position in the system after 10 years as principal.

“I think Mr. Cooper will do a great job. He will help us continue to grow and become even better,” said Jones.

Prior to accepting this position, Cooper was the principal at Arab High School. He will be moving to Hartselle with his wife and three children.

“We are very excited to be at Hartselle High School,” Cooper said. “We know the traditions of excellence at the school, and we are excited to join it and build on it.”

Hyche said he enjoyed his time as principal and plans to remain available during the transition. As for advice for his successor, Hyche said, “Make your decisions kid-centered and keep it about them.”

Jones said Cooper was selected from a pool of 36 applicants. Jones said she was looking for “someone to build on what is already there and bring in new ideas.”

Cooper is tentatively scheduled to begin his first day as principal July 9.

Cooper is originally from Sardis and has three years of teaching experience in Calhoun County. He also has 12 years of administrative experience in Arab schools.

Cooper said he is excited to be moving to Hartselle and is “looking forward to getting involved in the community.”

Cooper holds an educational specialist degree in educational leadership and a Master of Arts in educational leadership from the University of Alabama. He holds a Bachelor of Science in social studies education from Jacksonville State University and is working on his educational doctorate degree in educational leadership from Samford University.

Cooper said he played sports in high school and is excited to be attending sporting events at Hartselle High School. He said he looks to build on both the academic and athletic excellence already in place at Hartselle. “We are going to work hard and have fun,” Cooper said.