A former Montgomery police officer with more than 10 years experience in education was named principal at Charles Henderson High School on Thursday.

Aaron Brown, who worked for the past six years in Autauga County most recently as principal at the alternative school there, was unanimously approved for the position by the five Troy City Schools board members at the special meeting.

“He’s a strong leader who has experience in multiple areas of society,” said Superintendent Lee Hicks. “Obviously, has a strong background in law enforcement. During his time with the Montgomery Police he basically dealt with the D.A.R.E. program.”

Brown, who is from Montgomery, returned to school and earned a master’s in special education and an administrator’s certificate. He worked for more than six years as assistant principal at Brewbaker Magnet School in Montgomery. He then went to work in Autauga County, where he was principal of the intermediate school and then principal at the alternative school.

“He’s done a fantastic job every place he’s been,” Hicks said. “I feel like we got a great principal, a great leader and a great mentor.”

Brown attended the meeting with his wife, Teshia, and daughters Ariel and So-Nia and afterwards talked about his desire to work with middle school children.

“I think God’s drawing me in this direction,” he said. “There’s a need for a person who cares for and understands these children.”

Brown said he had heard “a lot of wonderful things about the Troy City Schools for years now” and had a positive experience while attending Troy University in Montgomery.

“Everything I’ve heard has already been reflected here tonight,” he added, gesturing to the crowd of parents, teachers and administrators who had gathered at the meeting and stopped to welcome Brown and his family.

“I’m ready to hit the ground running,” he said, adding “I’m going to ask tonight if I can get the keys and come down here (Friday) and look around.”

In other personnel business, the board approved the resignation of James Gilmore, who was hired in June as a social studies teacher at CHMS. “Mr. Gilmore has decided to accept a position with another area school where he will be given the opportunity to coach on a varsity level,” Hicks said. The board approved the hiring of Elizabeth Stone, a Troy University graduate, to fill the position.

“We still have a high school counselor position and two middle school math teachers to hire,” Hicks said. “We hope to have recommendations for you at the July 21 board meeting.”