From Staff Reports
At the Trussville City Schools Board of Education on Thursday, March 10, the Board accepted the retirement of long-time educator and current principal of Paine Primary School, Mrs. Betsy Schmitt.
Appointed the first principal of Paine Primary School in 2003, Schmitt served in that capacity for 13 years.
(photo submitted by Sandra Vernon)
Schmitt began her career in Trussville as an assistant principal of Hewitt Elementary School in 1993 moving into the principalship in 1997. In 2003, Mrs. Schmitt was strategic in the planning process and move into the new Paine Schools.
Appointed the first principal of Paine Primary School in 2003, Schmitt served in that capacity for 13 years. Paine Primary School was named a CLAS Banner School in the 2009 – 2010 school year.
Schmitt began her teaching career as a special education teacher for Rocky Ridge Elementary School in 1979 and also spent several years teaching at Cahaba Heights Community School and Irondale Community School before her move to Trussville.
Schmitt holds an Education Specialist degree from Samford University, Master’s Degree in Exceptional Education from the University of Alabama, Birmingham and a Bachelor’s Degree in Exceptional Education, Magna Cum Laude from Auburn University.
“I have tremendous respect for Mrs. Schmitt and the Board Members and I would like to thank Mrs. Schmitt for her many years of service to the students of Trussville,” said Board President Bill Roberts.
Superintendent Dr. Pattie Neill said, “I admire Mrs. Schmitt for the work and contributions she has made to Paine Primary School and Trussville City Schools. We will miss her next year.” Schmitt will be recognized for her years of service at a board meeting this spring.
Schmitt reflected on her years in Trussville with fondness.
“It has been a privilege to work in this community that I love for the last 23 years,” Schmitt said. “I have seen many changes, with the formation of Trussville City Schools being the best. I will certainly miss the teachers, students, staff, and families that I have grown to love during this time, but I am looking forward to this new chapter in my life.”
Mrs. Schmitt’s retirement is effective June 30, 2016.
