Dr. Craig Ross, who has served as Robertsdale High School principal since 2011, has been selected by the Cullman County School System as its first appointed superintendent.

According to Birmingham’s Fox News affiliate, the board of education voted Tuesday, May 20, appointing Ross to replace retiring superintendent Billy Coleman.

Ross was selected in a 4-3 vote over four other candidates for the position, according to the report, Dr. Brandon Payne, principal of Vinemont High School in Cullman County; Dr. Jason Wright, director of student services/federal programs in Lee County; Dr. Elisabeth Davies, assistant superintendent of curriculum and instruction for Tuscaloosa City Schools; and Dr. William McCown, principals’ center coordinator at Northwest Georgia RESA.

Ross’ contract was up for renewal at the end of this year and, per the terms of the contract, was required to give a 90-day notice if he does not wish to renew at the end of the agreement.

The Baldwin County Board of Education accepted Ross’ resignation at its March 20 meeting.

“Let me begin by stating my gratitude for the opportunity to serve the students, teachers and community of Robertsdale,” Ross said in a written statement issued in March. “It has been my distinct pleasure to serve as principal of Robertsdale High School the last several years. I am very proud of the many positive things we have accomplished working together as a team at RHS for the great students we serve.”

Ross said he was especially proud of the 21 percent increase in graduation rate that the school has accomplished over the past three years.

“Robertsdale High School has a long history of being a great school and I am honored to have had the opportunity to serve the students and families of Robertsdale,” he said. “I greatly appreciate all the support I have received from this community as we worked together to improve our school.”

Ross served out the school year as principal of RHS, with his resignation effective June 30. According to reports, he is scheduled to begin his new position July 1.

“I am thrilled to have the opportunity to serve the children, teachers, administrators and community of Cullman County,” Ross said in a statement issued to the Fox News affiliate. “I came home from my interview and told my family that Cullman was where we need to be, we have been praying about it ever since! We cannot wait to join your community and start meeting everyone.”

Ross was appointed as principal at Robertsdale High School following the retirement of Theresa Bryant Earlier this month, the Baldwin County Board of Education tapped Daphne High School assistant principal Joseph Roh as the next principal at Robertsdale High School.