The Bryan County Board of Education at its April 28 meeting appointed Bivins Miller as the next principal of McAllister Elementary School.

Miller, currently the assistant principal at the school, replaces Mary Ann Tiedman, who is retiring after 35 years in public education.

“I’ve learned a lot this year from Mary Ann,” Miller said. “I definitely have some big shoes to fill.”

Board meetings are held on a rotating basis around the county, and the April 28 one was at McAllister. Board members expressed their appreciation to Tiedman.

“Approving Mr. Miller as the new principal at McAllister is a true indication of the continued success of Bryan County Schools,” Superintendent Paul Brooksher said. “I look forward to the positive impact he will have on the students, staff, parents and community here.”

Miller said he is excited about the opportunity as McAllister is in its first year of operation.

“The first year as been great,” he said. “There’s great momentum here and the teachers are all on board. We’re providing some excellent opportunities for the students.”

Miller came to Bryan County Schools in 2013 after serving as an assistant principal and wrestling coach at Statesboro High School.

The board also approved a contract with the Georgia Department of Education that will allow the district to waive certain state requirements in exchange for increase academic performance.

“It’s an umbrella of flexibility based on need,” Brooksher called it. “We’re not planning to do this, but for example it would let us increase class sizes if we had to as long as we meet the student performance goals.”