AID TOWNSHIP — With three new members in place, the Symmes Valley Board of Education Monday night chose Darrell Humphreys as its new high school principal.

Humphreys is the assistant principal at Rock Hill High School. He has more than 16 years experience in education. Humphreys was one of nine candidates who applied for the job vacated when Jeff Saunders was chosen as new Symmes Valley Superintendent.

Filling the principal’s job was the first major task for the new school board.

Hope Rowe, Chris Thompson and Tommy Shepherd were sworn in as new members Monday night. All three were elected to the board in November and replace three board members who chose not to seek another four-year term. Thompson was elected board president; Mike Wall, vice-president.

Saunders told the board Monday night high school senior Jami Arias has been notified she scored a 30 out of a possible 36 on her ACT test.

“We get about two or three a year (who score so high),” Saunders said.

The board was pleased and, in the future, it may implement official recognition for such accomplishments.

“We need to do something to recognize our overachievers,” board member Kim Turner said. Saunders suggested perhaps a certificate be given to excelling students.

The board also agreed to use Feb. 12 as a makeup day for time missed because of the Nov. 3, 2009 election. The board closed school that day to allow the Lawrence County Board of Elections to use the schools as a polling place.