New principal at Northridge Middle School lays out priorities, duties start June 1

A Moundville native will begin duties as the new principal at Northridge Middle School on June 1, according to a news release from Tuscaloosa City Schools.

James Rainey Jr. comes to Northridge Middle School, which opened in 2018, after serving as principal at Carbon Hill Elementary and Junior High School in Walker County.

“I’m excited at the opportunity to lead Northridge Middle School,” Rainey said. “I know it’s had success in its short tenure, and I want to help continue that success moving forward. I think it’s a great chance to be a part of a great school and a great community.”

The Tuscaloosa City Board of Education unanimously approved Rainey's hiring at the board's May 24 meeting.

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Rainey earned a bachelor's degree in education from the University of Alabama.

“I grew up in Moundville and went to UA, so I’m excited to move back to Tuscaloosa and thrilled to be getting back close to home,” Rainey said.

He also earned advanced degrees from the University of Alabama at Birmingham: a master’s degree in education, an educational specialist degree and an educational doctorate.

Rainey said his first priority as Northridge Middle's principal will be getting to know the people he will be working with, along with the students and their families.

“Initially I just want to get to know everyone, and become part of the school community,” Rainey said. “It’s important to build on the strengths that already exist and determine ways that we can move forward.”

He served as assistant principal at Carbon Hill High School for four years before assuming the role of principal at Carbon Hill Elementary and Junior High School.

Rainey also served for 13 years as band director at Winfield High School and Middle School.

This article originally appeared on The Tuscaloosa News: Moundville native named new principal at Northridge Middle School