Givens takes lead as Rainbow principal

MADISON – Brian Givens is the new principal for Rainbow Elementary School.

Madison Board of Education approved Givens’ appointment on June 13. He had been working as athletic director of Bob Jones High School since October 2016.

“The motto at Rainbow is, ‘We launch tomorrow’s dreams.’ This is a dream of mine. Now it’s a reality,” Givens said.

Madison City Schools Superintendent Robby Parker said every candidate who applied had outstanding credentials, and “the hiring boiled down” to whom he and the screening committee felt was the “right fit.”

Givens’ first teaching assignment was at Central High School in Florence. In 2008, he accepted an opening at Hazel Green High School in Madison County Schools, where he received the “Teacher of the Year” honor.

In 2014, Givens switched to Madison City Schools as assistant principal at Columbia Elementary School. He then worked as assistant principal at Bob Jones. In addition, he served as a local church youth pastor from 2003 to 2007 and in community service to youth.

When he accepted the slot for Bob Jones athletic director, Givens said athletics always has been instrumental in shaping him as an individual. “Since I was five years old, I’ve participated in (numerous) sports that have helped facilitate a greater drive to succeed with a goal in mind, ability to work in a team environment and resiliency when dealing with failure,” Givens said.

Givens earned a bachelor’s degree in secondary education and social sciences at the University of North Alabama and a master’s degree in instructional leadership at Jacksonville State University.

His wife Jana works as a registered nurse at Huntsville Hospital Heart Care Center. Their son Owen attends daycare at Huntsville Hospital.

Givens fills the vacancy left by Dorinda White, who was promoted to Coordinator of Strategic Initiatives, Attendance and Community Relations for the Madison district,