By By Adam Prestridge
Escambia Academy will be under the direction of a new leader when the school bells toll to open up the 2006-07 school year in August.
Members of the EA board of directors are currently searching for a replacement for Judy Branum, headmaster at the school for the last 10 years.
"Our intentions are to have someone in place in a short period of time so that things can continue to move forward," board chairman Robert Hendrix said last week. "We already have a search committee in place that is actively researching candidates for the headmaster position."
Branum began teaching at Escambia Academy in the 1971-72 school year as a teacher just one year after the school began. She taught history, social studies, elementary and high school physical education and literature classes during her 24 years as a teacher at the school.
Branum was named as headmaster of the school in May 1996 after EA headmaster Martha Hester left the position to return to a previous job at UMS-Wright.
In addition to searching for a headmaster, teacher applications are currently being accepted with special consideration being given to elementary teachers interested in teaching Grades 3, 4, and 5 and to middle school and high school teachers interested in teaching history, government/economics, and math.
Highlights of the new school year include an enhanced physical education program, new computer programs, new tutoring programs, new additions to the curriculum, as well as a continued tradition of a strong athletic program under the leadership of athletic director Heath Gibson.
Other highlights include an upcoming Open House for new members of the Escambia Academy family planned for the beginning of August and enhanced dual enrollment opportunities for juniors and seniors offered by Jefferson Davis Community College.
The school recently completed middle school/office facilities and has full accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS).
The schools mission statement states that Escambia Academy is prepared to continue its 35-year tradition of providing a solid foundation through a quality, well-rounded educational experience in a safe, Christian environment supported by a fully accredited academic program that is dedicated to the students' intellectual and personal growth and development."
Applications are being accepted for the position of headmaster and the interview process is underway. More information on the headmaster search can be obtained at the Alabama Independent School Association (AISA) web site at http://www.aisaonline.org/. Teacher applications can be submitted to the following address: Teacher Search Committee, Escambia Academy, 268 Cowpen Creek Road, Atmore, AL 36502.
For more information about Escambia Academy, visit the school's web site at http://www.escambiaacademy.org or schedule a campus tour by calling 251-368-2080. Office hours for the summer are 8:30 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday.