Starting next school year, three Beeville Independent School District schools will have new principals.

Following a 31-minute closed session of the BISD board at a special meeting noon Tuesday, the board approved named DeeDee Bernal as the new principal for FMC Elementary.

The vote was almost unanimous; board member Matt Huie was absent. In a case of musical chairs, the opening for FMC principal was available because former Principal Joni Barber is replacing Jean Blankenship as principal of Moreno Middle School. Blankenship will be the principal of Thomas Jefferson Elementary following the retirement of Sarah Jaure after 40 years of service to BISD.

Only Bernal was at the special meeting.

“I’m excited,” she said.

Bernal had retired after 20 years with the district.

“I miss it; I feel as if I left my profession a little too soon.”

All three will assume their new posts this fall.

Barber has been with the district for 13 years; Blankenship is completing her 18th year.

The board’s vote for Bernal followed the recommendation of a committee who interviewed six candidates for the FMC post, finally narrowing it down to one.

Bill Clough is a reporter at the Bee-Picayune and can be reached at 358-2550, ext. 122, or at beepic@mySouTex.com.