Principal's Corner

Hello Parents!

I would like to take this opportunity to welcome you to Old Shell Road School of the Creative and Performing Arts. I am happy you have joined us. Our school has a staff of highly trained and dedicated teachers and faculty. We are here to serve you.

I also wanted to share some information about my background. I attended Troy University receiving the Bachelor of Music Education, Master of Science in Education, and Education Specialist degrees. After moving to the Mobile area in 2001, I attended the University of South Alabama earning an Administrative Certification and Doctorate in Education. My published dissertation is entitled “A Study of Arts Integrated Curriculum and Its Impact on Academic Achievement.” I believe that there are benefits of Arts Education that can be an important contribution to students’ overall success in school. According to US News and World Report, Arts Education helps students engage with school and reduce stress, develop social-emotional and interpersonal skills, enrich their experiences, handle constructive criticism, bolster academic achievement, and improve focus.

I have dedicated my 36-year professional career in Alabama working with elementary, middle, and high school grade levels having taught in Butler, Pike, and Mobile Counties. I have served as an elementary music teacher, middle school band director, music theory teacher, choral music director, guitar teacher, and high school band director. I, also, taught high school Social Studies for two years. I was awarded the position of Fine Arts and World Languages Academic Supervisor for Mobile County Public School System in 2015 and in 2023 became the Principal of the Old Shell Road Magnet School.

I am married to William R. Byrd, and we reside in Georgetown, Alabama. Together we have five daughters – Tausha (Arthur), Maighan (Josh), Tiffany (Brad), Kimberly (Tyler), and Elizabeth. We have seven grandchildren – Jaiden, Bradley, Brian, Ava Raye, Ella Katherine, Laighla Drew, and Kamden. Our family is complete with our three chihuahua mixes- Penny, Candy, and Phoebe.