Miller Named Assistant Director Of Union City Schools

By Mike Hutchens
Communications Director
 
Both Wes Kennedy and Michael Paul Miller insist nothing will really change.
 
If it does though, the Union City School System will be prepared.
 
Kennedy, the director of schools for the UCSS, has given Miller – the Supervisor of Student Services in the system – the additional title of assistant director, with the blessing of the Union City School Board.
 
The 40-year-old Miller – married to UCHS alumnus Elizabeth (Mooney) Miller and with a 3-year-old daughter, Molly Grace, has 13 years of experience as an administrator in the Union City School System. He served as principal at both the elementary school and middle school prior to assuming his current duties last year.
 
Before being named principal at UCES in 2007, he was assistant principal there. He also taught at UCES after beginning his education career in Lauderdale County Schools.
 
Miller currently oversees federal programs and data, along with career and technical education, among many other duties in Union City Schools.
 
“None of his roles will change. We’re just adding another one to it,” said Kennedy, who informed the board of his decision at Monday night’s meeting. “Mr. Miller has had more experience as a principal in our system than anyone else and he knows what we must continue to do moving forward. It’s important to have someone in charge – if anything should happen to me – who knows the system and can take care of our principals, teachers and students.”
 
Miller was humbled by the additional title, but said, “I really hope it’s never an issue.
 
“For obvious reasons, I hope I never have to step in. But I definitely want to be prepared if the need arises. I certainly appreciate the confidence Mr. Kennedy has in me.
 
“I think the leadership experience I have is the big thing, especially the 13 years experience I have as an administrator in the Union City School System. I’ve been able to learn the ins and outs and I know the ‘Union City Way.’”
 
Kennedy, who was appointed to the same position when previous Director of Schools Gary Houston had some health issues late in his tenure, said he learned then the importance of having someone in place in case of unforeseen instances.
 
“It’s good to have the security of having someone in this position who you trust and whom you know,” Kennedy concluded. “Mr. Miller has the best interest of everyone in our system in mind with his current responsibilities.
 
“And in the case of unforeseen circumstances, if they arise, I know he’ll step up and continue that.”