The Orange Beach Board of Education held a special called meeting Friday, June 2, to approve Chris Shaw as the new principal of Orange Beach High School.

Shaw brings 17 years of principal's experience from Georgia (Lassiter High School) as well as Alabama (Spain Park High School, Northview High School and Sparkman High School).

Shaw will be completing the first of a three-year contract, and accomplishments include former Principal of the Year in Georgia, District XIII Principal of the Year in Alabama, recipient of both a Blue Ribbon School of Excellence and National Blue Ribbon Awards, as well as recognized as both a National U.S. News and World Report Top High School in Alabama and in the country.

Under Shaw's leadership, his previous bosses have said they saw significant improvements in graduation rates, Advanced Placement participation and test results, ACT accomplishments and both the arts and athletics have excelled in the high schools he has served.

During the interview process, his new bosses said that although he is not authoritarian, he can make difficult decisions, he gives autonomy to the teachers regarding teaching styles and utilizes data (data walls) and related goals to drive instruction. They also said he presented differences between formative and summative assessments as well as operates an open-door policy where he appreciates feedback.

Orange Beach City Schools looked forward to formally introducing Shaw to the community soon.