n Middle School principal looks to make district "the best."

BY JEFF CLARK

Staff Writer

ABERDEEN - At its May meeting, the Aberdeen School Board voted to promote from within as Aberdeen Middle School Principal Chester Leigh was hired as superintendent. Leigh will replace George Gilreath, whose resignation goes into effect June 30.

Mr. Leigh was an excellent choice,amp" school board member Loretta Braylock said. amp"We are really looking forward to working with him. He is a very humble, community-oriented person and we felt he was the best candidate for the job. He also seems to have a lot of support in the community and that is very positive. We think he will have a positive effect on the district."

Leigh is a 12-year veteran of Aberdeen schools, serving as Middle School principal for the past 11 years. He began his career in education 27 years ago as a teacher in Morgan City, La.

"I'm really excited about this opportunity," said Leigh. "I've been here for 12 years and I know a lot of the parents and people in the community. One of the goals that we have worked towards at the Middle School is to become a Star School, which is the highest rating you can achieve in the state's rating system. This is something I want to implement for other schools in our district. I plan to make some changes in the district and work towards some goals. I want us to be the best we can be.amp"