Alvin Taylor, principal at West Point High School, has been named superintendent of the Meridian Public Schools.

Taylor replaces Charlie Kent Jr. who resigned in March 2010. The school district has had interim superintendents in the meantime.

Taylor received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Mississippi State University and his educational specialist degree from the University of North Alabama. He recently earned a doctorate in curriculum and instruction.

Before joining the West Point School District in 2006, Taylor served as the director of bands for Shannon High School and later served as assistant principal at Corinth High School.

School board president Don Evans says Taylor’s contract will begin July 1, however he will transition with Meridian Public School District before he fully assumes his duties.