He moved from the junior high to elementary school, but it wasn’t a demotion — it was a promotion for Roy Bliss, who took over as principal for Iola Roberts Elementary School.

“I’m really looking forward to the change from teenagers to the kindergartners,” Bliss said. “This is a positive change for me.”

Bliss, 40, started his first day on the job as principal Monday, just in time for Iola Roberts Elementary School students to arrive back for school.

He said Monday went about as smoothly as expected.

“We didn’t have any children left over or any who got on the wrong bus,” Bliss said, shortly after he interviewed a prospective employee for the new school year.

For the past six years Bliss was a Duran North Junior High School history teacher before taking the reins at Iola Roberts. His wife, Sue, works at Duran South as a math teacher.

Bliss is a devoted educator and a devout Christian. He is the Sunday School Superintendent for Hardin’s Chapel Church in Ragland.

Bliss said he has always enjoyed teaching, but he was ready to move into an administrative position.

“It’s the direction I feel like the Lord has led me,” he said.

Bliss actually grew up in Ragland, before he moved to Attalla. He and his wife are currently looking for a new home in Pell City. The couple has five children.

Bliss said he was drawn to education and considers the profession more of a calling.

“Rather than sit on the sidelines and talk about the problems in education, I wanted to be a part of the solution,” he said, adding that he wants to give back to the community.

He said Iola Roberts Elementary School has a very experienced staff.

“The staff has been here on the average, 15-18 years,” he said. “Some employees have worked here 20-25 years. It’s a great school.”

He said Iola Roberts Elementary School has one of the highest test scores in the school system, and it is his hope to strive to be even better.

“I think Roy will do an excellent job at Iola,” said Dr. Bobby Hathcock, superintendent of Pell City schools. “I think the faculty, staff and parents are really going to like Roy. I think he’s a good fit, and we’re fortunate to have him.”

Bliss received his bachelor’s degree in history from Jacksonville State University. He also has a master’s degree in Education Administration at Jacksonville State University and is continuing his educational endeavors there.

Bliss said it is different, moving from junior high to an elementary school.

“Teenagers need structure; these guys here need hugs,” he said. “I’m really looking forward to the change.”

Bliss said he feels like he is well-received by the Iola Roberts Elementary School faculty, and really looks forward with working with younger students.

“I want to make a positive difference in children’s lives,” he said. “My goal is to continue the academic excellence that has been established at Iola Roberts.”