Chris Shaw, formerly principal at Northview High School in Dothan, now is working as principal at Sparkman High School. (CONTRIBUTED)

HARVEST – Chris Shaw is the new principal at Sparkman High School.

Shaw is leaving his work as principal at Northview High School in Dothan. “I spent most of my teaching career in Baldwin County Schools,” Shaw said.

At Fairhope High School, Shaw served as social studies department chairman for several years. He has worked as an assistant principal in Cobb County, Ga., principal at Lassiter High School in Marietta, Ga. and principal at Spain Park High School in Hoover.

“Sparkman High School, I believe, has the total package,” Shaw said. “They have great academics, athletics and performing art programs. It’s also a great place to raise your family. The community is very supportive of the school.”

“Every school has their own personality, and I will start building those relationships with all stakeholders as soon as possible to see what their wants and needs for the school are,” Shaw said. “Every decision I make will be what is the best interest of the student. I have always done that, so that will not change.”

As a high school sophomore, Shaw had a teacher “who convinced me I could do anything I wanted to do. She (brought) out the best in me.”

Students didn’t want to disappoint this teacher. “She would always go that extra mile to see you were successful in the classroom,” Shaw said.

In 2008, Shaw was selected Georgia’s “Principal of the Year.” During his tenure, Lassiter High School was named a Georgia School of Excellence twice. “Newsweek” chose Spain Park as one of the country’s best high schools. “US News and World Report” presented the Bronze Award to Northview.

Shaw earned a bachelor’s degree at the University of North Alabama. He received a master’s degree in educational leadership at Alabama State University and an education specialist degree from Lincoln Memorial University.

His wife Joy works as sales manager for WRC Boutique. Their children are Holly, a senior at the University of South Alabama; Elisabeth, a South Alabama sophomore; and C.J., a fifth-grader.

The Shaws plan to live in Harvest.