On April 29, the Tuscaloosa County Board of Education approved the Superintendent’s recommendation of Mrs. Pat Smith as principal of Lake View Elementary School, effective July 1, 2020. The vacancy is created by the retirement of Mrs. Martha Roop, who has served as principal of Lake View Elementary since the school opened its doors in 2008.

Mrs. Smith has served as assistant principal at Lake View Elementary since 2018. Mrs. Smith joined the Tuscaloosa County School System in 2014 as a reading specialist. Prior to that, she taught in the Athens City School System for 21 years.

“My first day at Lake View was like coming home for me,” Mrs. Smith said.

“The support I have received from the faculty, staff, and community has helped our vision of moving closer to that pinnacle of what Lake View wants in our students. Lake View will continue to provide the best education not only academically, but also ensuring our students are well rounded individuals that strive to grow in their strengths and set goals for improving their weaknesses.”

Mrs. Martha Roop retires after 38 years of service in education, 23 of those years in Tuscaloosa County.

“Being a principal has been more rewarding than I ever imagined, and at times, a little challenging,” Mrs. Roop said.

“But most of all, it has been an honor to be part of a caring and passionate group of educators, and to be able to make a difference in our community and instill a love of learning in our children.”

“I want to carry on the tradition of excellence that Mrs. Roop has instilled in our faculty, staff, and students,” Mrs. Smith said.