CLAS School Leader - Spring 2024

Advocacy Heartbeat Leadership is the of

LEGENDS IN THE MAKING

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2023-2024 CLAS Board of Directors

CLAS Officers

President Chris McCullar

Walker County Center of Technology

President-Elect Michelle Washington

Lee County Schools

Past President Bob Lawry

Hoover City Schools

Alabama Association of Secondary School Principals (AASSP)

Carrie Busby Mountain Brook High School

Jeff Cole ........................................ Winston County High School

David Diaz Satsuma High School

Drew Glass Tallassee High School

Antjuan Marsh ................................................................. Retired

Willie Moore Athens High School

Bennie Shellhouse.................................. Andalusia City Schools

Seth Taylor Saks High School

Alabama Association of Elementary School Administrators (AAESA)

Dana Bottoms W J Carroll Intermediate School

Veronica Coleman ...................... Chastang-Fournier K-8 School

Charles Gardner Hokes Bluff Elementary School

Margaret Jones........................... Edgewood Elementary School

Waller Martin Brookwood Elementary School

Sheneta Smith Howell-Graves Preschool

Stan Stokley Saraland Elementary School

Dilhani Uswatte Rocky Ridge Elementary School

Alabama Association of Middle School Principals (AAMSP)

Andy Carpenter ........................................ Wellborn High School

Tamala Maddox i3 Academy - Middle School

Ross Reed Auburn Junior High School

Tony Sanders Greensboro Middle School

Alabama Council of Administrators of Special Education (ALA-CASE)

Christy Jackson Fort Payne City Schools

Bruce Prescott ..................................... Tuscaloosa City Schools

Lana Tew Pelham City Schools

La’Keisha Newsome Henry County Schools

Alabama Child Nutrition Directors (ACND)

Melinda Bonner Hoover City Schools

Alabama Leaders Advocating for English Learners (ALA-EL)

Stefanie Underwood Decatur City Schools

Alabama Association of 504 Coordinators (ALA504)

Annie Spike Marshall County Schools

Alabama Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (AASCD)

Lisa Beckham Samford University

Ashley Catrett ................................... Crenshaw County Schools

Patrick Chappell. Retired

Justin Hefner ....................................... Homewood City Schools

Chris Mitten Dale County Schools

Carlos Nelson Sheffield City Schools

Evelyn Nettles-Hines Birmingham City Schools

Tiffany Yelder Opelika City Schools

Alabama Association for Prevention, Attendance and Support Services (AAPASS)

Floyd Collins .............................................. Pelham City Schools

Amanda Hood Mountain Brook City Schools

Bobby Jackson Retired

Alabama Association of Career/ Technical Administrators (ACTA)

Connie Davis ......................................... Demopolis High School

Chris McCullar Walker County Center of Technology

School Superintendents of Alabama (SSA)

Suzanne Lacey Talladega County Schools

Chuck Ledbetter Pelham City Schools

Ed Nichols

Madison County Schools

Cindy Wigley Marshall County Schools

Timothy Thurman......................................... Linden City Schools

Alabama Association of School Personnel Administrators (AASPA)

David Asbury Gadsden City Schools

Allison Mays Tuscaloosa County Schools

Alabama Alliance of Black School Educators (AL-ABSE)

Christopher Blair Retired

Affiliate Presidents

Seth Taylor.......................................................AASSP President

Karissa Lang AAESA President

Caroline Obert AAMSP President

Charla DeLeo ALA-CASE President

Patrick McGavin ACND President

Jason Barnett ................................................. ALA-EL President

Jan Tribble AASCD President

Amanda Hood............................................... AAPASS President

Chris Kennedy ACTA President

Heath Grimes SSA President

Resia Brooks AASPA President

Christopher Blair AL-ABSE President

DIRECTOR’S view

Dr. Vic Wilson Executive Director CLAS

Greetings everyone,

Shaping Tomorrow

Governor Ivey will deliver her budget to the legislature who will then juxtapose the various budgets from state agencies can begin working on the two budgets: General Fund and Education Trust Fund. Both budgets are critical to the success of the state, and we will be watching each one closely. Updates will be provided each Monday for the duration of the legislative session. Please take the time to read these updates and let us know how we can assist you in advocating for those under your care. Remember, you are the key to effective legislation. Craft your narrative or someone will craft it for you.

This issue of CLAS Leader has great information about the legislative process, and we hope you keep it near as we move through the session. Remember, we are here to help in any way. Call, email, or come by, and we can assist you in your advocacy efforts.

Thank you for all you do for those under your care. You are all Rock Stars in my book.

Sincerely,

The year is flying by, and it reminds me of the adage, “The days are long, but the years are short.” This reminds me to enjoy the days as much as possible. This is also easier said than done. The start of a new year or semester always brings hope and excitement. The key is to maintain the high hopes and excitement throughout the journey. Let us know how we can help you in these hopeful and joyful endeavors.

February signals the start of the 2024 Alabama Legislative Session. We have been engaging our elected leaders daily, and everything came to fruition on Tuesday, February 6, 2024, when the session began. Governor Ivey will brought her seventh State of the State address that evening in the Capitol, and work began in earnest on Wednesday after the Governor outlined her priorities for the session.

Awards & Recognition

Each year, in December, the Council for Leaders in Alabama Schools selects district secretaries of the year and names one CLAS Secretary of the Year. This award is sponsored annually by Simbli by eBOARDSolutions.

The Council for Leaders in Alabama Schools (CLAS), in collaboration with Simbli by eBOARDsolutions, is delighted to honor Crystal Aycock with the 2023-2024 CLAS Secretary of the Year award. Mrs. Aycock was nominated for her dedication and exceptional service to her school and its community.

The nomination, put forward by Steve Love, the director of the Blount County Learning Center, recognizes Mrs. Aycock as the “heart and soul” of the school. Her roles encompass that of a secretary, SSI manager, bookkeeper, and receptionist, but perhaps most importantly, she is the welcoming face of the Center. Described an invaluable and uplifting presence in the school, Mrs. Aycock’s significance transcends her job description; she is the foundational block of the Center, the indispensable source of information, and a crucial intermediary between parents and educators.

Steve Love notes that Aycock’s personal involvement is palpable, marked by her familiarity with each child and their family, fostering an atmosphere brimming with warmth and care. Her approach goes beyond professional courtesy; greeting every child by name, coupled with smiles, hugs, and stickers, she strives to make each of them feel cherished.

Mrs. Aycock’s proactive approach to problem-solving ensures that the teachers receive the necessary support to perform their roles effectively. Her commitment goes beyond her assigned duties—she organizes Christmas gifts for students, coordinates

teacher appreciation events, and nurtures community partnerships—all with a smile and a positive demeanor that impacts everyone around her.

Dr. Vic Wilson, the executive director of CLAS, remarks on her selection: “Mrs. Aycock’s recognition as the CLAS Secretary of the Year mirrors her extraordinary dedication and contributions to the Blount County Learning Center. Her multifaceted role is a testament to a commitment that surpasses expectations.” He further adds, “Mrs. Aycock’s personalized approach is indeed praiseworthy. We are elated to bestow upon her this well-earned honor, and her positive influence on the school community serves as a beacon of inspiration.”

The CLAS Secretary of the Year award, now in its sixth year, is a testament to the indelible impact school secretaries have on their communities. Nominations are submitted by direct supervisors from each State Board of Education District, with each finalist being highly esteemed by employers, colleagues, and community members alike. The award recognizes an individual who embodies the school system’s vision and mission, promotes goodwill, provides exceptional service, displays an excellent work ethic, and engages in professional development to enhance their skills and knowledge.

This accolade is presented at the annual Secretaries Conference Luncheon in December, celebrating the unsung heroes who contribute tirelessly to the educational landscape.

Simbli by eBOARDsolutions, the award’s sponsor, is known for its board management software that helps boards simplify their daily tasks through digital solutions. Developed by the Georgia School Boards Association, Simbli aids in conducting paperless meetings, strategic planning, policy management, board evaluations, document management, and communications, reflecting the innovation and efficiency that the Secretary of the Year award

stands for.

As we applaud Mrs. Aycock’s achievement, we are reminded of the profound influence that dedicated individuals have on the fabric of our school communities. Her award is a celebration of not just her own commitment, but the vital role that all educational support staff play in nurturing the leaders of tomorrow.

District Finalists for Secretary of the Year

SBOE District Finalist School System

District 1 Angela Kennedy W.J. Carroll Intermediate School Baldwin County

District 2 Heather Joseph

George W. Long High School Dale County

District 3 Ashley Taylor Stanhope Elmore High School Elmore County

District 4 Cheryl Farness

Charles F. Hard Elementary School Bessemer City

District 5 Sherron Brown Westside Elementary School Demopolis City

District 6 Crystal Aycock Blount County Learning Center Blount County

District 7 Nina McNatt Russellville High School Russellville City

District 8 Rita Michael Chapman Elementary School Huntsville City

ENHANCING EDUCATIONAL CONNECTIVITY

Alabama State Department of Education’s 2024 Communication Initiatives

Dr. Eric Mackey

Alabama State Superintendent of Education

One of the most frustrating aspects of working for the Alabama State Department of Education (ALSDE) is the fact that there are so many remarkable people doing so much incredible work to benefit children… but not enough people know about it!

In fact, I am taken aback on a regular basis when attending meetings in one of the 24 divisions that make up the ALSDE and hear details about the innovative, intensive efforts being undertaken to provide Alabama children with the best education possible… every child, every chance, every day.

So, one of our missions in the ever-evolving landscape of education is to make sure we have effective communication that reaches the masses. Recognizing this, the Alabama State Department of Education has embarked on a series of initiatives aimed at improving communications with school systems across the state and fostering a stronger connection with the public.

Among the diverse tools employed, our monthly Alabama Education News (AEN) newsletter, press releases, video snippets, State Board member personality profiles, and a recently launched podcast, “Alabama Education News, The Podcast” stand out as key components of our comprehensive communication strategy to reach even

more people concerned with public education in Alabama.

Monthly Newsletter: Bridging Gaps and Sharing Insights

At the heart of the Alabama State Department of Education’s communication efforts is our monthly newsletter, Alabama Education News

(AEN) that serves as a bridge between the ALSDE and educators statewide. This newsletter acts as a consolidated source of information, sharing updates on policy changes, educational resources, and important announcements. By providing a centralized platform for disseminating information, the department ensures that teachers are well-informed, fostering a sense of unity and collaboration across the state.

The newsletter goes beyond mere updates; it also highlights success stories, innovative teaching practices, and celebrates achievements within the education community. To build a more personal connection with educators and the public, the AEN will soon feature State Board member personality profiles. These profiles go beyond the professional and political realm, offering insights into the personalities, backgrounds, and passions of the individuals shaping education policies across Alabama.

Podcast: Alabama Education News

Podcast”

A recent addition to the Alabama State Department of Education’s communication toolkit is, “Alabama Education News – The Podcast.” Using the familiar name of the newsletter, this audio/video platform will provide yet another avenue for sharing information, featuring interviews, discussions, and in-depth explorations of key educational topics. The podcast format allows for a more conversational and accessible approach to disseminating information.

AEN the Podcast, will not only covers current events and updates but also delve into broader educational trends, challenges, and innovations. By tapping into the popularity of podcasts, the department reaches a diverse audience that includes educators, parents, and those interested in the state of education in Alabama.

Marketing Campaign for Teachers: Continued Efforts to Attract and Retain Educators

Over the next year, the public will notice a very intentional and intensive marketing campaign aimed at recruiting and retaining the best and brightest as teachers in Alabama. From the young people who are trying to decide what career path to embark upon, to the seasoned professional who might be considering teaching as a second career, the ALSDE is steadfast in their efforts to bring attention to all of the benefits and advantages of being a teacher in Alabama. Through new online marketing that takes advantage of algorithms and social media to more traditional forms of marketing using television, radio, billboards, and others medium, the ALSDE is focused on letting the public know about the benefits and advantages of the world’s greatest profession – teaching.

In-Studio Television Appearances: Utilizing TV Throughout the State

Application of Policy on Controversial Topics

Two months ago, a federal district court in Wisconsin reported a case arising from a school district policy designed to guide the discussion of controversial topics in the school setting. In recent years, several states have adopted statutes requiring school districts to have such policies. Some states have issued reasoned restrictions on specific topics with younger children, such as where our own Legislature prohibited classroom discussion and instruction on sexual orientation or gender identity in grades K-5. (2022 Ala. Acts 290, H.322.) Florida added a broader measure to its school code to reinforce the right of parents to control the upbringing of their children, by prohibiting the discussion of controversial topics and providing as an example a prohibition against discussing sexual orientation in grades K-3. (2022 Fla. Laws Ch. 2022-22, HB 1557.) In other states, school districts have adopted such policies on their own, independent of state law. Recent experience has instructed that states and school districts attempting to broadly control the discussion of controversial topics invite a lot of media attention and therefore more controversy. The Wisconsin case is Tempel v. School District of Waukesha and James Sebert, 23-CV-1169 (E.D.Wis. Dec. 20, 2023), and it is the subject of this commentary.

Continued on Page 19

LEGAL forum

Dr. Dave Dagley

Professor Emeritus, University of Alabama and Dr. Amy Dagley

Associate Professor, University of Alabama at Birmingham

2023-2024 CLAS Affiliate Presidents

Jan Tribble AASCD President

Resia Brooks AASPA President

Amanda Hood AAPASS President

Patrick McGavin ACND President

Karissa Lang AAESA President

Caroline Obert AAMSP President

Seth Taylor AASSP President

Heath Grimes SSA President

Chris Kennedy ACTA President

Charla DeLeo ALA-CASE President

Jason Barnett ALA-EL President

Kelly McCollough ALA504 President

Christopher Blair AL-ABSE President

The school district adopted a policy entitled “Controversial Issues in the Classroom,” and numbered it as Policy 2240. The policy included the following language:

The Board believes that the consideration of controversial issues has a legitimate place in the instructional program of the District. Properly introduced and conducted, the consideration of such issues can help students learn to identify important issues, explore fully and fairly all sides of an issue, weigh carefully the values and factors involved, and develop techniques for formulating and evaluating positions.

For purposes of this policy, a controversial issue is a topic:

A. on which opposing points of view have been promulgated by responsible opinion;

B. which may be the subject of intense public argument;

C. which may have political, social or personal impacts on students and/or the community;

D. which is likely to arouse both support and opposition in the community.

The Board will permit the introduction of controversial issues when use in the instructional program:

A. is related to the instructional goals of the course of study;

B. is appropriate for the age and maturity level of the students engaged in the discussion;

C. does not tend to indoctrinate or persuade students to a particular point of view;

D. encourages open-mindedness and is conducted in a spirit of scholarly inquiry;

E. does not cause a substantial disruption in the school environment;

F. does not create a hostile school environment.

The superintendent announced at the beginning of the 2021-2022 school year that Policy 2240 would apply to ban Black Lives Matter, Blue Lives Matter, Thin Blue Line, anti-racist, and other materials. All such materials were directed to be removed from classrooms. This

announcement brought attention from the press and more discussion at school board meetings. During the school year, Policy 2240 expanded to ban LGBTQ+ Pride flags, anti-racist signs, signs saying “This School Welcomes You,” safe space signs, and displays of the school district’s own Policy 2260 (a policy expressing the district’s commitment to Nondiscrimination and Access to Equal Education Opportunity).

Soon the school district experienced pushback from within the community, with petitions from parents calling for rescinding the restrictions and reinforcing a commitment to equity, with parents against the bans commenting at school board meetings, and with communications from an alliance of parents and community members raising concerns about heightened bullying and harassment of LGBTQ+ students. A teacher was suspended without pay for pinning a Pride flag in her classroom and refusing to take it down. During the next school year, more pressure was applied on the board, including movement toward a lawsuit from the community alliance, and record requests from the ACLU. At the end of the next school year, 54 teachers resigned, with many of them testifying at the June board meeting that they were resigning because of the bans and the monitoring of teachers who taught about race and diversity in their classrooms. Finally, for a spring concert for kindergarten and first grade students in 2023, the music teacher selected “Rainbowland,” a song written by Miley Cyrus and Dolly Parton, for students to sing at the concert. The principal and a central office administrator determined that the song would be controversial under Policy 2240 and ordered that it not be performed at the concert.

The music teacher then sent an email to an elementary teacher, informing her that her students would not be performing “Rainbowland” at the concert. The elementary teacher reacted to this news by tweeting a message on her private social media account on “X.” We do not know what was in the tweet, because the court removed the image of it from the record. The court record indicated that the tweet gained national attention from the media during spring break, with the elementary teacher, parents, and community members speaking to the school district’s decision about the song. When the elementary teacher returned after spring break, she was placed on administrative leave, beginning a process that ended with her contract termination in July.

Continued on Page 43

Our Mission:

The mission of the Council for Leaders in Alabama Schools is to coordinate and facilitate the resources of all members for the advancement of public education.

Our Priorities:

In the 2024 Legislative Session, CLAS will proritize policy and budget items that ensure the academic needs, physical safety, and health and wellbeing of every child.

Our legislative priorities are those that the CLAS Board of Directors has indicated are most important for their school’s and system’s success in FY2025. CLAS will advocate for these until accomplished.

More Information:

Visit our legislative advocacy page on our website at clasleaders.org/advocacy or scan the code below to access our full legislative platform.

STATE LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES

ETF APPROPRIATION PRIORITIES

Principal and assistant principal stipends as pledged in the School Principal Leadership & Mentoring Act

Allocation of one assistant principal for every school with 250-499 ADM

Allocation of one-half assistant principal unit for every school with 100-249 ADM

Fund the full salary and benefits of elementary instructional coaches mandated by the Literacy and Numeracy Acts

Allocation of one nurse and one counselor per school Fully

LEGISLATIVE POLICY PRIORITIES

In the 2024 legislative session, CLAS will continue to advocate for state-level policies and legislation that pertains to the field of education:

Any ESA or voucher program must have academic and financial accountability as well as a cap on funding.

All student due process policies, along with student discipline policies, should be set by the local board of education.

Mandate yearly appropriation from the A&T Fund when the account balance reaches $300 million.

STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION ADVOCACY PRIORITIES

CLAS maintains a close working relationship with the State Department of Education and is expanding the association’s partnership with the State Board of Education (SBOE). In 2024, CLAS will collaborate with the SBOE to explore alternative accountability measures for secondary schools, including investigating options to replace the ACT as the primary tool for secondary school accountability.

CLAS GUIDING PRINCIPLES

CLAS believes public education dollars should be spent on public education. CLAS will always advocate for the support and preservation of public schooling and the appropriate proportional funding of K-12 education.

CLAS believes that local control is essential for effective school governance. School and school system leaders are hired locally and are the experts of their school, system, and community. Therefore, they are best positioned to make decisions impacting their students and those under their care.

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A State-Level Investment in Strengthening School Leadership

Article written by CLAS Executive Director Dr. Vic Wilson. Originally

(NASSP) in the January 2024 issue.

May 23, 2023, marked the end of a whirlwind three weeks that changed school leadership in Alabama forever. With overwhelming support, the state legislature committed to the Alabama Principal Leadership Development System, comprised of six key components of school leadership in the 21st century:

• Formal, paid mentors for all novice principals

• A research-based Principal Leadership Framework

• Updated standards for school leaders

• A year-long Principal Leadership Academy

• An updated Principal Evaluation System aligned to the framework and standards

• A statewide professional learning infrastructure Legislators have backed this sweeping overhaul with the promise of annual stipends of up to $10,000 for school principals and up to $5,000 for assistant principals who participate in the program. They have even pledged an additional stipend for school leaders who staff a low-performing or high-poverty school—up to $5,000 for school principals and up to $2,500 for assistant principals.

While the School Principal Leadership and Mentoring Act moved quickly through the legislative process in 2023, that speed was the result of a year of planning and advocacy from the Council of Leaders in Alabama Schools (CLAS), for which I am the executive director.

The genesis for the School Principal Leadership and Mentoring Act was born in the 2022 legislative session. Sen. Arthur Orr (R-Decatur), chair of the Senate Finance and Taxation-Education committee, introduced the Alabama Numeracy Act to revamp elementary math instruction similar to the literacy instruction updates via the Alabama Literacy Act in 2019. The original draft of the Numeracy Act (SB171, pp. 13–15) required the development of an instructional leadership framework for elementary school leaders to support

student numeracy. That framework was pulled from SB171 based on feedback from CLAS and other stakeholders, who suggested the bill would have more impact if it were streamlined to focus on elementary math.

However, Sen. Orr was still intrigued by the idea of a framework for instructional leaders and saw that as an avenue to provide increased compensation to school leaders willing to participate. Updates to teacher pay in the 2021 and 2022 sessions meant that school leaders in many schools were making less than the teachers they supervised. CLAS suggested to Sen. Orr that we use this as an opportunity to build a comprehensive leadership system that would enhance school leadership at both the elementary and secondary school levels.

CLAS started by reaching out to peers in other states, such as Clark Mershon of the Missouri Association of Secondary School Principals, Jason Leahy of the Illinois Principals Association, and Karen Bingert of the New Jersey Principals and Supervisors Association, and many others, who had experience with similar initiatives. With those connections fostered through collaboration with NASSP and NAESP (National Association of Elementary School Principals), we received valuable insight and feedback on what would—and would not—work for Alabama school leaders.

The Principal Mentor Program must launch in July 2024, when all newly hired, first-year principals will be required to participate in the program’s first cohort. Each new principal will be paired with a paid, formal mentor to guide them through their first year.

Continued on Page 36

Whitney Miller-Nichols

CLAS Director of Governmental Relations

Legislative

UPDATE

The 2024 Legislative Session began Tuesday, February 6, when the Alabama House and Senate convened in the State House before attending the Governor’s State of the State address in the Capitol that evening. The Governor used her speech to set the tone for the coming session, signaling support for issues legislators have already announced as priorities or sometimes throwing the gauntlet to garner support for a priority of hers she wants the Legislature to take up.

The first day of session always has the same buzzy excitement as the first day of school, with legislators reaching across the aisle to greet colleagues and friends as they prepare for the constitutionally required 105 days of legislative business, and this year was no different. The big question on

everyone’s mind is: What will the Legislature work on in the 2024 session?

CLAS Legislative Platform

Each winter, the CLAS board approves a legislative platform for the coming legislative session. This platform serves as a governing document to guide the Advocacy Team’s efforts on behalf of members throughout the session. Check out pages 20-21 to read the CLAS Legislative Platform in full.

This email will include a rundown of the previous week’s legislative action and a preview of the coming week. It may occasionally include a Call to Action, where CLAS asks you to reach out to your school’s legislators to share how a piece of legislation will impact your school or community.

CLAS Advocacy Days 2024

Join in the State House on key Wednesdays during the Legislative Session to engage in boots-on-theground advocacy for public education! CLAS staff will start the day with an issue and legislation briefing and prepping CLAS members to visit the State House. The group will attend legislative committee meetings and meet with legislators to share our priorities for the 2024 session. Click here to register.

Use the CLAS Legislator Lookup Tool to find your school’s legislators and check out the legislative directory on pages 37-49 for their contact information. Schedule meetings with your legislator for the days you will attend CLAS Advocacy Days so that they will hold time for you in their busy schedules. Email whitney@clasleaders.org if you need help confirming a meeting.

As always, let me know if you have any questions!

Education Trust Fund Budget

State revenues earmarked for the Education Trust Fund (ETF) are declining, the Legislature only has $600 million of wiggle room in an FY2024 supplemental appropriation, and the Advancement & Technology Fund balance is at $1 billion. Expect legislators to once again budget conservatively in the ETF as well as share angst about funding for personnel hired with federal COVID dollars.

Education Savings Accounts

Governor Ivey said it in July, Lt. Governor Ainsworth said it in January, and we can expect to hear it many more times before the Legislature adjourns Sine Die in May – “school choice is coming to Alabama.” Lawmakers are keen to add an Education Savings Account (ESA) to Alabama’s robust roster of existing school choice options: open enrollment policies, public magnet schools, charter schools, statewide magnet high schools, virtual schools, friendly home school policies, and a tax credit scholarship program that got a big boost in the 2023 session

Taxes

The Legislature reduced the state grocery tax in the 2023 session and at the time bandied about the idea of making additional cuts in 2024. There are already discussions about what tax cuts, if any, the Legislature can afford to offer the people of Alabama while still protecting revenues to fund education in Alabama. And CLAS is expecting multiple bills changing how the Simplified Sellers Use Tax (SSUT) revenue is divided., and a tax credit scholarship program that got a big boost in the 2023 session.

School Leaders

Rep. Mark Gidley, R-Hokes Bluff, filed a bill in December that would designate the assistant principal as the school employee responsible for school discipline, which he describes as an effort to highlight the necessity of an assistant principal at every school. Speaking of assistant principals, ALSDE requested funding for an AP at every school with 250 or more students in their FY2025 budget. The department has also requested stipends for school administrators in line with the School Principal Leadership and Mentoring Act of 2023 (SB300).

Workforce Development Concerns

Alabama has record low unemployment that is coupled with a labor force participation rate that is 5 points below the national average, leaving employers begging for employees. Speaker of the House Rep. Nathaniel Ledbetter, R-Rainsville, said in September 2023 that Alabama has 43 workers for every 100 job openings in the state. Expect a spate of bills designed to get people into the workforce, including childcare tax credits and transportation solutions.nt has also requested stipends for school administrators in line with the School Principal Leadership and Mentoring Act of 2023 (SB300).

Gambling

It’s anyone’s guess whether the Legislature will take up legislation to legalize and regulate gambling in 2024.

Why New School Leaders Need Mentoring

Written by Ross Reed,

principal of Auburn Junior High School and a member of the CLAS Board of Directors. Originally published in Principal Leadership by the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) in the January 2024 issue.

As school leaders, we wear various hats, from being an instructional leader to being a disciplinarian; from conducting safety drills to attending PTO meetings; from being a substitute bus driver to serving lunch in the cafeteria. We attend more sporting events than one can count. When the telephone rings at 2 a.m., we meet the fire department to find out why an alarm was mysteriously activated. We meet with parents to discuss why their student should have a different teacher because “it’s not the right fit,” and we try to explain why their child didn’t make a particular team or squad. We counsel students through conflicts, and we recognize them for their achievements. And somewhere in there, we try to ensure that math, science, history, and English are taught.

As Vic Wilson’s article on page 23 makes clear, the Council for Leaders in Alabama Schools, worked closely with members of the Alabama Legislature to develop the School Principal Leadership and Mentoring Act, which created the state’s Principal Leadership Development System and includes the Principal Mentor Program. Sure, administrators have earned extra degrees to serve in an educational leadership position; however, there is no one-size-fitsall way to prepare an administrator for their school’s front office. Candidates from the same leadership class could be hired as an assistant principal of a junior high school with 1,500 students in a suburban community or a principal of an elementary school with 350 students in a rural county. In these very different settings, each new principal needs targeted support to navigate their situation beyond what their leadership program can provide.

Each new principal needs targeted support to navigate their situation beyond what their leadership program can provide.

As a building administrator, I believe mentoring is crucial for the success of novice administrators. There are so many aspects of being an administrator that can be overwhelming, so having a go-to

Ellen Hahn Reams, co-designer of the Principal Mentor Program, mentor coach, and professor of educational leadership at Auburn University with Principal Ross Reed.

Principal Reed with Olivia Bown, an eighth grade English language arts teacher.

person on your side helps ease some of the stress and strain. A mentor should be someone who has firsthand experience with the challenges of the principalship but is not involved in that principal’s evaluation. Alabama’s Principal Mentor Program will pair each new principal with a trained mentor to provide ongoing support and professional development. The mentor will provide guidance and advice and serve as a sounding board for ideas.

For a novice administrator fresh out of the classroom, there is a significant transition from knowing a smaller group of children to working with an entire student body. A mentor can walk a novice principal through establishing a relationship for student success. A mentor can also help the novice administrator leverage their administrative team to help identify and meet students’ needs.

We live in a world where it is easy to send an email as the first line of communication, because sometimes phone calls can be stressful or unpleasant. As a mentor, I remind my assistant principals that calling and talking to a parent should be our default communication method, so we make a meaningful connection. I ask our novice

administrators to remember that we didn’t create the issue at hand, but it is how we, the adults, try to work together for the betterment of a family’s child that will make the most difference for that child.

Lastly, a novice administrator must have success with the faculty and staff. When new administrators are thrust into a leadership role, whether they are new to the school or promoted from within, they have only one opportunity to make a good first impression. Here is where a mentor’s role is so vital. A mentor will prepare them for making a great first impression and will help them overcome any early mistakes they make in the role. I am a veteran educator; this is my 30th year in education and my 10th year as a principal. If there is one thing I can bank on it is that time marches on. Finding teachers and administrators is becoming more and more difficult. The Principal Leadership Development System will help better prepare administrators for the realities of their new roles and prepare them to take on the challenges they face at school. I appreciate the Alabama Legislature and Gov. Kay Ivey for passing the School Leadership and Mentoring Act. It’s a step in the right direction for Alabama schools.

Ethically Speaking

Mark Boardman

Attorney Boardman, Carr, Petelos, Watkins & Ogle P.C.

Statement S of economic intere S t S

This edition of CLAS School Leader focuses on the Legislature. All legislators, and many others, must file Statements of Economic Interests.

The Legislature has decided that transparency promotes ethical conduct by public officials and public employees. The Alabama Legislature requires all public officials and some public employees to file Statements of Economic Interest (SEI) asking detailed information about a public official’s or public employee’s (and their family’s), income, and debts (except a residential mortgage). You probably already know whether you must file an SEI, and if you do, the rest of this article only tells you what you already know.

The Alabama Ethics Act requires the Statement of Economic Interest to be filed with the Commission no later than April 30 of each year. The Statement must cover the preceding calendar year.

The Statements are quite broad, and you can search on the Ethics Commission website for the SEI’s that have been filed with it. SEI’s can be filed electronically. A person must identify

their government agency, whether they are paid any compensation, and whether they receive any compensation in any position other than their public position. The filer must state whether the filer’s spouse received compensation and the total household income, in four categories, up to $50,000, between $50,000 and $150,000, between $150,000 and $250,000, and more than $250,000 annually. The filer must also list dependents. Additionally, the filer must identify certain indebtednesses and the combined amount of indebtedness. The filer must post land owned and its fair market value. For those individuals who work in professional

or consulting services, and those filers or spouses who work in professional or consulting services, the filer must identify the type of consulting service, the income during the past year, and anticipated annual retainer income.

Those required to file can be divided into three broad categories. First, candidates for political office must file within five days of filing qualifying papers. Second, public employees who earn more that $97,000 annually (effective January 1, 2023 for the 2022 SEI filings) must file. The $97,000 is base pay and applies to anybody employed by a state, county, or municipal government. This figure adjusts annually depending on inflation. The third category of filers is public officials and public employees holding certain positions. (See “Are You A Public Employee or a Public Official” CLAS School Leader; Spring Issue 2020, pg. 8.) In addition to elected or appointed public officials, other filers include:

• City and county school superintendents, school board members, school principals and administrators.

• Governmental employees who have authority to make purchases with public funds.

• Chief financial and accounting directors and grant coordinators.

• Every full-time public employee serving as a supervisor.

• Members of any appointed board or commission having statewide jurisdiction, but excluding members of some of the advisory boards.

• County, state, and municipal government leaders and administrators.

• Those employed by the government to invest public funds.

• Building inspectors and those who grant or deny development permits.

• Police and fire chiefs.

• County or municipal administrators, clerks, and managers.

• Full time, non-merit employees unless employed in maintenance, clerical, secretarial, or similar positions.

• Directors and assistant directors of state agencies.

Others who are required to file include employees of the legislature or judicial branch of government, but that does not apply to CLAS members. (If you question whether you should also file, ask a lawyer or call the Ethics Commission.)

Soon, Principals and Assistant Principals who meet certain requirements will be able to earn a stipend thanks to SB300. The Principal Design Team is working hard to have this program ready for the 2024-2025 school year, so we must wait to see what impact this will have on teaching and learning.

Educators may worry that there are a lot of uncertainties and unknowns during the legislative session, but administrators, your voice is powerful, and the children you serve daily need you to advocate for them! Angela Carter once stated, “language is power, life and the instrument of culture, the instrument of domination and liberation. Carter underscores and acknowledges the dynamic role that our voice plays in shaping individual and collective experiences within a society.

This year, CLAS is reinventing our Advocacy Days. Take some time to join us in Montgomery where you will hear updates on bills affecting education, learn advocacy tips, discuss pending legislation, and visit the Alabama Sate House. Oh, and did I mention that lunch will be served? Register here!

As you prepare for the session, I want to remind you how you can use your advocacy skills this legislative session.

Invite your legislator into your building to shadow for a day. This will give them the opportunity to see the challenges educators are currently facing and give them a meaningful opportunity to connect with your faculty and student body. Hopefully, this will inform the decisions as they return to Montgomery to advocate for their communities.

Finally, take this time to connect with others as you advocate this year. There is strength in numbers. So, take some time this session to network with your fellow colleagues as you together, advocate for our students.

Stay abreast of the changes that are occurring throughout the legislative session by reading weekly Legislative Update on Mondays to get updates on bills that matter to school leaders. Take some time to review the CLAS Legislative priorities, which serve as a roadmap for the CLAS advocacy team during the legislative session. Remember, the best advocate is an informed one!

I know that you all are busy and have a lot on your plates, but remember if you are not at the table, you’re on the menu!

Once you are informed, it is time for you to act. Contact your legislators and let them know how they can help you impact teaching and learning in your communities. Stand ready to text, email or call them if asked to do so.

Our students, faculties, and staff are depending on us. Don’t let them down!

Ziegler, B. (2019, December 18). The Principal Advocate: 5 Ways School Leaders Can Support Students, Teachers and Communities

It’s Time to Modernize Alabama’s School Funding Formula.

At A+ Education Partnership, we often hear from school leaders that the Foundation Program, our current school funding formula, is inadequate, inequitable, and confusing. And we totally agree. When it passed in 1995, the Foundation Program was similar to other funding formulas being used by states around the country. But since then, over 41 states have moved to a student-weighted formula, which is a more modern way of allocating state funding. We believe it’s time for Alabama to join those other states and modernize our state funding formula by adopting a student-weighted formula.

About A+

A+ Education Partnership is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that works both in the statehouse and the schoolhouse to support state leaders, educators, and students to improve student outcomes. In addition to our advocacy work, we have two programs, A+ College Ready and the Alabama Best Practice Center. Together, we can build an Alabama where every child receives a world-class education.

Sign up for The Gist, A+ Education Partnership’s newsletter.

Corinn O’Brien

A+

Education Partnership

Vice President of Policy

Even though Alabama made progress on the 2022 NAEP results, only 51% of kids can read on grade level, and only 29% can do math on grade level. In efforts to change this, our state leaders have made record investments and reforms over the past few years, including the Literacy Act, Numeracy Act, and Principal Leadership and Mentorship Act. While we are confident that these reforms will increase the number of students who are prepared for college and the workforce, these efforts will not go as far as they could without modernizing our state funding formula. Instead of addressing symptoms, it’s time to address the root cause. As a leader in your school, we know that you want what’s best for your students. You have likely wanted more funding and resources, particularly for students who face greater challenges, like living in poverty, living with a disability, or speaking a different language. Schools in communities with greater concentrations of poverty or those in rural communities experience unique challenges that require more funding and resources to address. Potentially, you have been frustrated that you and your district don’t have greater autonomy to make decisions about how state funding is spent. You may also want more information about school funding and more transparency about how it works in our state. These are all the things that we want, too. And they are all possible with a new student-weighted funding formula.

The formula that Alabama has used to fund schools for the past thirty years is not providing the funding students need to reach their full potential. Alabama’s current Foundation Program distributes money to districts based on an estimated number of resources needed to educate the average student. This formula does not account for the differences in students and what they need to thrive.

State-Level Leadership Investment (continued)

The Missouri Leadership Development System stood out for its comprehensive, research-based components. I was especially intrigued by their use of mentors. CLAS already has a small-scale cohort-based mentoring program administered through our New Principals Institute. However, we can only reach a small portion of principals in a given school year and a much larger-scale program is essential to reshape school leadership statewide.

Next, CLAS reached out to experts in Alabama with years of experience in school leadership and mentoring programs—Brenda Mendiola and Yvette Bynum at the University of Alabama and Ellen Hahn Reames at Auburn University. They brought in Linda Searby, co-editor of The Art and Science of Mentoring, as we engaged in rich discussions to sketch out what a statewide mentoring program could look like.

Based on the experts’ input, CLAS crafted an initial draft of the bill before bringing in other stakeholders, including Mark Dixon and Corinn O’Brien of the A+ Education Partnership. As major partners in the Literacy and Numeracy Acts, A+ was especially focused on a leadership framework and corresponding standards that emphasize the role of the principal as the instructional leader, informed by research from the Wallace Foundation

CLAS and A+ collaborated on a revised draft that incorporated elements each group considered nonnegotiable, such as mentoring for novice principals and a comprehensive leadership framework with corresponding standards. Developing a new framework as well as leadership standards would necessitate a new evaluation system aligned to both and would also require a method of delivery that would reach all school leaders in Alabama. The bill braided all these components into a Principal Leadership Development System that would use an academy model inspired by Missouri’s Leadership Development System to deliver key professional learning and support to school leaders.

Once the School Principal Leadership and Mentoring Act gained momentum in the senate, CLAS reached out to Rep. Alan Baker (R-Brewton), a former educator who continues to champion public education. Rep. Baker agreed to sponsor the bill when it arrived in the House, giving it a better chance of success in that chamber. Rep. Terri Collins (R-Decatur), chair of the House Education Policy committee, also supported the bill as its goal of enhancing instructional leadership in schools supported

the Alabama Literacy Act, her signature legislation.

When the bill passed the House of Representatives just 14 days after introduction, I was floored. This bill is a major commitment from the Alabama Legislature to raise the bar for schools across Alabama, giving us more leverage to ensure every student receives the best education possible. The implementation of the Literacy and Numeracy Acts has significantly increased the pressure on our elementary schools. However, through the School Principal Leadership and Mentoring Act we see an investment in providing the necessary assistance to Alabama’s school leaders, enabling them to better support their teachers and students.

We are in the beginning phase of the buildout of the Alabama Principal Leadership Development System. The first step was to bring together the 21-member Principal Design Team (PDT) required in the law. Seven entities were empowered to make appointments to the team; CLAS was responsible for designating three principals and three assistant principals. Alabama law requires any statewide effort like this to reflect the state’s diversity, including gender, race, geography, and school grade level.

The PDT held its first meeting in August 2023 to introduce all members and selected Jimmy Shaw, superintendent of Florence City Schools and a pioneer in school leadership development, as chair. So far, the PDT has met at least once a month to work on its monumental task of shaping the Alabama Principal Leadership Development System.

One of the PDT’s first decisions was to designate CLAS as the entity responsible for developing the Principal Mentor Program, which is part of Alabama Principal Leadership Development System. Our association already has a communication infrastructure in place with access to all school leaders in the state, and we have a cadre of school leadership experts at the ready. The Principal Mentor Program must launch in July 2024, when all newly hired, first-year principals will be required to participate in the program’s first cohort. Each new principal will be paired with a paid, formal mentor to guide them through their first year.

All principals, including those newly hired, must complete five additional days of professional learning as part of their annual Professional Learning Plan (PLP). The School Principal Leadership and Mentoring Act requires

Continued on Page 42

Alabama’s Constitutional Officers

GOVERNOR KAY IVEY

State Capitol

600 Dexter Ave.

Montgomery, AL 36130

334-242-7100

Fax: 334-353-0004 governor.alabama.gov

SECRETARY OF STATE WES ALLEN

600 Dexter Ave. Suite S-105

Montgomery, AL 36130

334-242-7200

Fax: 334-242-4993

sos.alabama.gov

ATTORNEY GENERAL STEVE MARSHALL

501 Washington Ave. Montgomery, AL 36104

334-242-7300 / Fax: 334-242-4891

alabamaag.gov

LIEUTENANT GOV. WILL AINSWORTH

11 S. Union

725 Montgomery, AL 36130

334-261-9590

ltgov.alabama.gov

COMMISSIONER

OF AGRICULTURE & INDUSTRIES — RICK PATE

1445 Federal Drive Montgomery, AL 36107

334-240-7100 / Fax: 334-240-7190

agi.alabama.gov

STATE AUDITOR ANDREW SORRELL

600 Dexter Ave. Room S-101

Montgomery, AL 36130

334-242-7010

Fax: 334-242-7650

auditor.alabama.gov

STATE TREASURER YOUNG BOOZER III

600 Dexter Ave., Room S-106 Montgomery, AL 36104

334-242-7500

treasury.alabama.gov

U.S. SENATORS

Alabama’s Congressional Members

ROBERT ADERHOLT (R)

District 4: Colbert, Cullman, DeKalb, Etowah, Fayette, Franklin, Lamar, Lawrence, Marion, Marshall, Walker, Winston and parts of Lauderdale & Tuscaloosa

266 Cannon House Office Building

Washington, DC 20515 202-225-4876/Fax: 202-225-5587

aderholt.house.gov

247 Carl Elliot Building 1710 Alabama Ave. Jasper, AL 35501

205-221-2310/Fax: 205-225-5587

Committees: Appropriations

Chief of Staff: Michael Lowry

Press Secretary: Carson Clark

MIKE ROGERS (R)

District 3: Calhoun, Chambers, Cherokee, Clay, Cleburne, Coosa, Lee, Macon, Randolph, Russell, St. Clair, Talladega, Tallapoosa & parts of Chilton

2469 Rayburn House Office Building

Washington, D.C. 20515

202-225-3261 / Fax: 202-226-8485

mikerogers.house.gov

149 E. Hamric Dr., Ste. D Oxford, AL 36203

256-236-5655/Fax: 844-635-4276

Committees: Armed Services

Chief of Staff: Christopher Brinson

Communications Director: Carrie Cole

SENATOR KATIE BRITT (R)

502 Hart Senate Office Building Washington, DC 20510 202-224-5744

britt.senate.gov

321 Federal Bldg. 1800 5th Ave. N. Birmingham, AL 35203 205-731-1384

Committees: Appropriations; Banking, Housing and Urban Development; Rules and Administration

Chief of Staff: Clay Armentrout

Communications Director: Sean Ross

JERRY CARL (R)

District 1: Baldwin, Escambia, Mobile, Monroe and Washington counties

1330 Longworth House Office Building Washington, DC 20515 202-225-4931

carl.house.gov

41 W. I-65 Service Rd., Ste. 305 Mobile, AL 36608 251-283-6280

Committees: Appropriations, Natural Resources

Chief of Staff: Chad Carlough

Deputy Chief of Staff: Zach Weidlich

District 7: Choctaw, Clarke, Dallas, Greene, Hale, Lowndes, Marengo, Perry, Pickens, Sumter, Wilcox, and parts of Jefferson, Montgomery and Tuscaloosa

1035 Longworth House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515

202-225-2665 / Fax: 202-226-9567

sewell.house.gov

908 Alabama Ave., Fed. Building, Ste. 112 Selma, AL 36701 334-877-4414 / Fax: 334-877-4489

Committees: Ways and Means, Armed Services, House Administration

Chief of Staff: Hillary Beard Press Secretary: Christopher Kosteva

BARRY MOORE (R)

District 2: Autauga, Barbour, Bullock, Butler, Coffee, Conecuh, Covington, Crenshaw, Dale, Elmore, Geneva, Henry, Houston, Pike & parts of Montgomery

1504 Longworth House Office Building Washington, DC 20515 202-225-2901 barrymoore.house.gov

217 Graceland Dr. Dothan, AL 36305

Phone: 334-547-6630

Committees: Agriculture, Judiciary

Chief of Staff: Shana Teehan

Communications Director: Madison Green

District 5: Jackson, Limestone, Madison, Morgan and parts of Lauderdale

1337 Longworth House Office Building Washington, DC 20515 202-225-4801

strong.house.gov

2101 Clinton Ave. W., Ste. 302 Huntsville, AL 35805 256-551-0190 / Fax: 771-200-5717

Chief of Staff: Payne Griffin

Press Secretary: Madison Neal

SENATOR TOMMY TUBERVILLE (R)

Russell Senate Office Building

Suite 455

Washington, DC 20510 202-224-4124

tuberville.senate.gov

Frank M. Johnson Jr. Annex

One Church St., Ste. 500-B Montgomery, AL 36104 334-523-7424

Committees: Armed Services; Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry; Veterans’ Affairs; Health, Education, Labor and Pensions

Chief of Staff: Mary Blanche Hankey

Communications Director: Ryann DuRant

GARY PALMER (R)

District 6: Bibb, Blount, Shelby and parts of Chilton & Jefferson

170 Cannon House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515

202-225-4921/Fax: 202-225-2082

palmer.house.gov

3535 Grandview Pkwy., Ste. 525 Birmingham, AL 35243 205-968-1290/Fax: 205-968-1294

Committees: Republican Policy, Energy & Commerce, Oversight and Accountability

Chief of Staff: William Smith

Communications Director: Kris Cook

Alabama Congressional

Races: Total Amounts Raised

Listed in order of amounts raised

Mike Rogers (R) $1,173,318

Jerry Carl (R) $1,020,927

Terri Sewell (D) $1,011,672

Gary Palmer (R) $848,926

Dale Strong (R) $613,172

Robert Aderholt (R) $421,212

Barry Moore (R) $307,269

Based on Federal Election Commission data available electronically on Dec. 10, 2023. Sources: Center for Responsive Politics, opensecrets.org

DALE STRONG (R)

TERRI SEWELL (D)

Photo

Alabama’s State Senate

General address to reach all state senators in Montgomery is Alabama Legislature, 11 S. Union St., Montgomery, AL 36130.

Compiled by NEDRA BLOOM

TOM

DONNIE CHESTEEN, R 29: Dale, Geneva, Houston

High school coach 334-261-0879

MERIKA COLEMAN, D 19: Jefferson Miles College faculty

clyde.chambliss@alsenate.gov

P.O. Box 39, Geneva, AL 36340 donnie.chesteen@alsenate.gov

334-261-0793 merika.coleman@alsenate.gov

LINDA COLEMAN-MADISON, D 20: Jefferson Americans with Disabilities compliance coordinator 334-261-0864 lcolemanmadison926@yahoo.com

CHRIS ELLIOTT, R 32: Baldwin

Small business owner

334-261-0897

1100 Fairhope Ave., Fairhope, AL 36532 chris.elliott@alsenate.gov

VIVIAN DAVIS FIGURES, D 33: Mobile Advocate for children, health care, education 334-261-0871 P.O. Box 7985, Mobile, AL 36670 vivian.figures@alsenate.gov

SAM GIVHAN, R 7: Madison Real estate attorney

334-261-0867 sam.givhan@alsenate.gov

GERALD ALLEN WILL BARFOOT

BILLY BEASLEY

MERIKA COLEMAN

GREG ALBRITTON

JOSH

MOST

DONNIE CHESTEEN

THOMAS BUTLER

CHRIS ELLIOTT

ARTHUR ORR, R 3: Morgan, Madison, Limestone

Florence, AL 35631 tim.melson@alsenate.gov

Attorney, VP at Cook's Pest Control 334-261-0758 P.O. Box 305, Decatur, AL 35602 arthur.orr@alsenate.gov

RANDY PRICE, R 13: Randolph, Lee, Cleburne, Clay, Chambers Business owner, farmer 334-261-0874 P.O. Box 429, Opelika, AL 36801 randyprice.sd13@gmail.com

GREG REED, R 5: Fayette, Winston, Walker, Tuscaloosa, Jefferson

President Pro Tem of Senate 334-261-0894 900 Hwy. 78 E., Ste. 200 #106, Jasper, AL 35502 greg.reed@alsenate.gov

DAN ROBERTS, R 15: Talladega, Shelby, Jefferson Real estate developer, realtor 334-261-0851 P.O. Box 43186, Birmingham, AL 35243 dan.roberts@alsenate.gov

DAVID SESSIONS, R 35: Mobile Farmer 334-261-0882 104 Lawrence St., Mobile, AL 36602 d.r.sessions@att.net

ARTHUR ORR GREG REED

CLAY SCOFIELD

BOBBY SINGLETON

KIRK HATCHER

SHAY SHELNUTT

TIM MELSON DAVID SESSIONS

JACK WILLIAMS

JAY HOVEY

STEVE LIVINGSTON KEITH KELLEY ANDREW JONES

RODGER SMITHERMAN ROBERT STEWART

RANDY PRICE

SENATOR/PARTY/ DISTRICT

GARLAN GUDGER

SENATOR/PARTY/

SHAY SHELNUTT, R 17: St. Clair, Jefferson, Blount

BOBBY SINGLETON, D

24: Tuscaloosa, Sumter, Pickens, Marengo, Choctaw, Green, Hale

RODGER SMITHERMAN, D 18: Jefferson Attorney

ROBERT STEWART, D

23: Butler, Clarke, Conecuh, Dallas, Lowndes, Marengo, Perry, Washington, Wilcox

LARRY STUTTS, R

334-261-0794

P.O. Box 120, Trussville, AL 35173 shay.sd17@gmail.com

334-261-0335 bsingle362@gmail.com

334-261-0870

2029 2nd Ave. N., Birmingham, AL 35203 rodger.smitherman@alsenate.gov

Former aide to U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell 334-261-0860 robert.stewart@alsenate.gov

6: Marion, Lawrence, Lauderdale, Colbert, Franklin Physician

J.T. "JABO" WAGGONER, R 16: Shelby, Jefferson Attorney

APRIL WEAVER, R 14: Shelby, Chilton, Bibb

334-261-0862

334-261-0892

Former regional director, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services 334-261-0886

JACK WILLIAMS, R 34: Mobile Farmer

334-261-0829

1120 S. Jackson Hwy., Ste. 104, Sheffield, AL 35660 larry.stutts@alsenate.gov

P.O. Box 660609, Vestavia Hills, AL 35266 jabo.waggoner@alsenate.gov

P.O. Box 2050, Alabaster, AL 35007 april.weaver@alsenate.gov

10095A Wilmer Georgetown Rd., Wilmer, AL 36587 jackwilliams55@icloud.com

Modernize School Funding Formula (continued)

A student-weighted formula would fund districts based on the needs of the actual students in their schools, not an average or ideal. Every child is different, and some children need more help to be successful. We need to fund schools based on their unique needs. By taking student-specific needs into account through a student-weight formula, schools will finally begin to meet the mandate of preparing every child for a competitive, fast-changing world.

Every student deserves to have a high-quality teacher, healthy meals, a safe building, and a supportive environment to learn in. A studentweighted formula would provide greater opportunities for every Alabama child to lead a successful life.

How can I learn more about school funding reform in Alabama?

Beginning in March, A+ Education Partnership and Every Child Alabama, our new statewide coalition, will be launching the Every Dollar Counts Learning Series, which is a 7-part learning series designed to help Alabamians understand how schools are funded and what we can do to improve the adequacy and equity in our funding formula so that our schools and students have access to the resources that they need to succeed. Sign up for the Gist to receive updates on the Every Dollar Counts series by using the QR code at the beginning of this article.

District 9 is vacant after the resignation of Clay Scofield, who became vice president of the Business Council of Alabama. A special election is set for Tuesday, January 9, 2024.

State-Level Leadership Investment (continued)

that, starting with the 2023–24 school year, each school leader will plan their PLP in the current year to be implemented in the following year and incorporate those five additional days of professional learning in their PLP. The law also requires each PLP to include at least one goal on student growth, or student achievement, or both AND at least one goal on school climate.

New requirements are added each year, so that eventually all principals and assistant principals will:

• Complete the Principal Mentor Program.

• Participate in a year-long Principal Leadership Academy.

• Plan and implement an annual PLP with at least two required goals and five additional days of professional learning.

• Participate in the revised Principal Evaluation System aligned with the Principal Leadership Framework and Standards.

I am confident that when fully implemented, the School Principal Leadership and Mentoring Act will have a significant, positive impact on student achievement in Alabama, and I am grateful to the Alabama Legislature for committing to this investment in Alabama’s school leaders.

2023-2024

Every principal will draft a PLP to be implemented in 2024-2025 Each PLP must contain:

At least one goal related to student academic growth or achievement or both

At least one goal for school climate

The Principal Leadership Development System (PLDS) design team convenes to design the program including an evaluation system and a year-long leadership academy by the fall of 2025

2025-2026

Every principal will:

Draft a PLP to be implemented in the following year

Complete 5 days of professional learning

Every newly employed principal will also participate in the mentorship program for his/her first two years as principal

The PLDS design team will launch the evaluation system for all participating school administrators

2029-2030

Every principal will:

Draft a PLP to be implemented in the following year

Complete 5 days of professional learning

Participate in the administrator evaluation system

Participate in and complete the leadership academy

Every newly employed principal will also participate in the mentorship program for his/her first two years as principal

The

ALABAMA SCHOOL PRINCIPAL LEADERSHIP AND MENTORING ACT (SB300)

2024-2025

Every principal will draft a PLP to be implemented in the following year

Each principal and assistant principal employed by October 1, 2024, will complete an additional 5 days of approved professional learning each year

Each first-time principal newly employed by July 1 2024 or later will work with a principal mentor for two consecutive years in addition to completing an additional 5 days of approved professional learning each year Principals employed before July 1 2024 are exempt from the mentorship program

2027-2028

Every principal will:

Draft a PLP to be implemented in the following year Complete 5 days of professional learning

Participate in the administrator evaluation system

Every newly employed principal will also participate in the mentorship program for his/her first two years as principal

Participation in the program will result in an annual stipend of up to:

Principals - $10 000 Assistant Principals - $5 000 Administrators serving in a low-performing or high poverty school will receive an additional stipend of up to:

Principals - $5 000 Assistant Principals - $2 500

Legal Forum Continued

The elementary teacher sued the school district and superintendent in federal district court, alleging that she was terminated in retaliation for exercising her First Amendment speech rights. This case record in Tempel v. School District (cited in the first paragraph, above) represents an early salvo in the case. The school district answered the teacher’s complaint with a motion to dismiss the case (Fed.R.Civ.P. 12(b)(6).) One of the key factors in determining whether a school employee can have a successful speech retaliation claim against a school district and its officers is whether the employee’s speech is protected by the First Amendment. If the speech is not protected, the court will award the school district a motion to dismiss, and the employee’s case is over. In four decades, beginning in the 1960’s, the Supreme Court has deployed five rules to guide the courts in deciding whether a public school employee’s speech is protected by the Constitution, drawn from five cases. Pickering v. Bd. of Educ., 391 U.S. 563 (1968) counseled the courts to use a balance test, in which the court must weigh the employee’s interest in speaking about school matters about which the employee has knowledge, versus the employer’s interest in managing the schools unimpeded. (For four decades, the employee’s interest almost invariably outweighed the employer’s interest.) Mt. Healthy City Sch. Dist. v. Doyle, 429 U.S. 274 (1977), taught that, when confronted with a mixed-motive situation (where, for example, the employee says that he is being retaliated for his speech, but the school district says there are other reasons that still warrant dismissal), the employee’s right to free speech does not inoculate him from the consequences of other bad behaviors. Givhan v. Western Line Consol. Sch. Dist., 439 U.S. 410 (1979), taught that a school employee does not forfeit First Amendment protections by arranging to communicate with her employer privately, rather than in a public setting. Connick v. Myers, 461 U.S. (1983) added a rule that a public employee’s speech is protected if it is an issue of public concern, but it is not protected if it is an issue that is largely a private concern. Hazelwood Sch. Dist. v. Kuhlmeier, 484 U.S. 260 (1988) was a studentspeech case that morphed into an employee-speech case. Under Hazelwood, teacher speech in the classroom is school-sponsored; as such, it is not protected by the Constitution (a few courts have called teacher classroom speech “hired speech”).

In 2006, the Supreme Court adopted another test for deciding whether a public school employee’s speech is protected by the First Amendment. In Garcetti v. Ceballos, 547 U.S. 410 (2006), the high court adopted a new rule: when a public employee makes a statement pursuant to the employee’s official duties, the Constitution does not insulate the employee’s communications from employer discipline. Since 2006, the federal courts have in almost all circumstances where a school employee has asserted that the school employer has retaliated against the employee for the employee’s speech disposed of the case by granting a motion to dismiss under the Garcetti rule. That did not happen in Tempel v. School District, the case that is the subject of this commentary. The federal district court judge denied the school district’s motion to dismiss. The judge sought more facts, thus setting the stage for obtaining depositions from the parties, and the judge used at least three of the five earlier, pre-Garcetti rules to analyze whether the speech was protected. This could prove to be an important case in school law. Or, it could fizzle completely, if under further review the court finds a way to bring it under the Garcetti rule.

The case record thus far can suggest some lessons for school leaders, if examined through the lens of leadership studies, rather than a legal lens. The first point made in the policy (as printed in the court record) is an acknowledgement that controversial topics have a legitimate place in the school setting, when properly guided by the conditions articulated in the middle of the policy. The last two points in the policy (again, as printed in the court record) acknowledge the potential for a substantial disruption or the creation of a hostile school environment by addressing the controversial topic. The federal court judge in this case paints a picture of school leadership attempting to avoid controversial topics by pointing to the existence of the policy, and not what the policy says, as the rationale for squelching controversial topics. Sometimes, leaders have no choice but to address the really difficult topics.

House of Representatives

Compiled by NEDRA BLOOM

General address to reach all state representatives in Montgomery is Alabama Legislature, 11 S. Union St., Montgomery, AL 36130.

Retired educator

NAPOLEON BRACY JR., D 98: Mobile Diversity manager, Austal USA

CHIP BROWN, R 105: Mobile

MACK BUTLER, R 28: Etowah

Realtor, business owner

First elected 2022

JIM CARNS, R 48: Shelby, Jefferson Engineer

PRINCE CHESTNUT, D 67: Dallas, Perry Attorney

ADLINE CLARKE, D 97: Mobile

Small business owner

STEVE CLOUSE, R 93: Houston, Dale VP, Clouse Marketing

TERRI COLLINS, R 8: Morgan Formerly marketing and sales

BROCK COLVIN, R 26: Marshall, DeKalb

First elected 2022

DANNY CRAWFORD, R 5: Limestone Crop insurance contractor

334-261-0592

334-261-0556: 251-327-2794

334-261-0447

334-261-0490: 256-312-3128

P.O. Box 4085, Anniston, AL 36204 barbara.boyd@alhouse.gov

104 S. Lawrence St., Mobile, AL 36602 napolean@napoleonbracy.com

104 S. Lawrence St., Mobile, AL 36602 chip.brown@alhouse.gov

P.O. Box 7184, Rainbow City, AL 35906 mack.butler@alhouse.gov

334-261-0429 1713 Pump House Ln., Vestavia Hills, AL 35243 jwcarns@gmail.com

334-261-0598: 334-874-2569

334-261-0549: 251-208-5481

334-261-0488: 334-774-7384

334-261-0472: 256-260-2146

334-261-0438

334-261-0516: 256-871-1944

P.O. Box 628, Selma, AL 36702 chestnut4house@gmail.com

P.O. Box 40748, Mobile, AL 36640 adline.clark@alhouse.gov

P.O. Box 818, Ozark, AL 36361 steve.clouse@alhouse.gov

2128 6th Ave. SE, Ste. 504, Decatur, AL 35602 terri@terricollins.org

412A Gunter Ave., Guntersville, AL 35976 brock.colvin@alhouse.gov

113 Lindsay Ln. N., Athens, AL 35613 Danny.F.Crawford@gmail.com

726 Madison St., Huntsville, AL 35801 anthony.daniels@alhouse.gov

ANTHONY DANIELS, D 53: Madison COO, Premier Dental 334-261-0522: 256-539-5441

ALAN BAKER BARBARA BOYD NAPOLEON BRACY JR. MACK BUTLER

DANNY CRAWFORD

JIM CARNS

CHRIS BLACKSHEAR CHIP BROWN

ADLINE CLARKE

STEVE CLOUSE TERRI COLLINS BROCK COLVIN

RON BOLTON

ANTHONY DANIELS

MANY HOUSE PHOTOS COURTESY OF ALABAMA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OR ALABAMA RURAL ELECTRIC ASSOCIATION OF COOPERATIVES.

CYNTHIA ALMOND RUSSELL BEDSOLE PRINCE CHESTNUT

Listed in alphabetical order.

BARBARA DRUMMOND, D 103: Mobile Owner, B-Inspired Marketing and Consulting

SUSAN DUBOSE, R 45: Shelby, Jefferson

BRETT EASTERBROOK, R 65: Washington, Choctaw, Clarke

251-208-5481 1266 Horton Dr., Mobile, AL 36605 drummondbarbara@att.net

First elected 2022 334-261-0527: 205-612-2433 5378 Greystone Way, Hoover, AL 35242 susan.dubose@alhouse.gov

First elected 2018

CORLEY ELLIS, R 41: Shelby Owner, Ellis Properties

334-261-0402 633 Escatawpa Rd., Fruitdale, AL 36539 brett.easterbrook@yahoo.com

334-261-0560 P.O. Box 1177, Columbiana, AL 35051 corley.ellis@alhouse.gov

CHRISTOPHER JOHN ENGLAND, D 70: Tuscaloosa Assistant city attorney, Tuscaloosa 334-261-0503: 205-248-5140 2201 University Blvd., Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 cengland1@hotmail.com

PHILLIP ENSLER, D 74: Montgomery

TRACY ESTES, R 17: Winston, Marion, Lamar

DAVID FAULKNER, R 46: Jefferson

JENNIFER FIDLER, R 94: Baldwin

BOB FINCHER, R 37: Chambers, Cleburne, Randolph

First elected 2022

News editor, Marion Journal Record

First elected 2014

First elected 2022

Retired educator

BERRY FORTE, D 84: Randolph, Barbour, Bullock American Buildings

DANNY GARRETT, R 44: Jefferson

MARK GIDLEY, R 29: Etowah, DeKalb, Calhoun

CFO, Vulcan Threaded Products

First elected 2022

JUANDALYNN GIVAN, D 60: Jefferson Owner, Givan & Associates Law Firm

DONNA GIVENS, R 64: Monroe, Baldwin

First elected 2022

JEREMY GRAY, D 83: Russell, Lee CEO, Elevate Your Grind

LAURA HALL, D 19: Madison Retired educator

MATTHEW HAMMETT, R 92: Coffee, Covington, Escambia

334-261-0569: 334-235-9814 P.O. Box 20185, Montgomery, AL 36120 phillip.ensler@gmail.com

334-261-0434 202 Arrowhead Village, Winfield, AL 35594 jtracyestes@gmail.com

334-261-0442: 205-250-6604

505 N. 20th St., Ste. 1800, Birmingham, AL 35203 david@davidfaulkneral46.com

334-261-0409: 251-620-9384 1100 Fairhope Ave., Fairhope, AL 36532 jennifer.fidler@alhouse.gov

334-261-0538: 256-201-0154 11823 County Rd. 59, Woodland, AL 36280 rsfincher77@gmail.com

334-261-0566 620 Davis Ln., Eufaula, AL 36027 berry.forte@alhouse.gov

334-261-0524: 205-410-4637 P.O. Box 531, Trussville, AL 35173 dannygarrett44@gmail.com

334-261-0432 P.O. Box 2671, Gasden, AL 35903 mark.gidley@alhouse.gov

: 334-261-0584 63 Greenleaf Dr., Birmingham, AL 35214 juandalynn.givan@alhouse.gov

334-261-0445: 251-952-2210

334-261-9505: 256-247-5059

P.O. Box 8261, Loxley, AL 36551 donnagivens64@gmail.com

P.O. Box 1834, Opelika, AL 36803 jeremy.gray@alhouse.gov

334-261-0517: 256-539-5441 726 Madison St., Huntsville, AL 35801 annihall19@gmail.com

First elected 2022

334-261-0421: 334-496-3649 24901 County Rd. 62, Dozier, AL 36028 matthew.hammett@alhouse.gov

SUSAN DUBOSE BERRY FORTE

TRACY ESTES

DONNA GIVENS

DAVID FAULKNER

BOB FINCHER

JENNIFER FIDLER

JUANDALYNN

GIVAN

PHILLIP ENSLER

DANNY GARRETT

MARK GIDLEY

LAURA HALL

MATTHEW

HAMMETT

JEREMY GRAY

BARBARA DRUMMOND

REPRESENTATIVE/PARTY/

COREY HARBISON, R 12: Cullman

BEN HARRISON, R 2: Limestone, Lauderdale

KENYATTÉ HASSELL, D 78: Montgomery

TRAVIS HENDRIX, D 55: Jefferson

JIM HILL, R 50: St. Clair

FRANCES HOLK-JONES, R 95: Baldwin

ROLANDA HOLLIS, D 58: Jefferson

LEIGH HULSEY, R 15: Jefferson, Shelby

STEVE HURST, R 35: Calhoun, Clay, Talladega

REED INGRAM, R 75: Elmore, Montgomery

THOMAS E. JACKSON, D 68: Clarke, Conecuh, Monroe, Marengo

SAM JONES, D 99: Mobile

JAMIE KIEL, R 18: Colbert, Lauderdale, Franklin

MIKE KIRKLAND, R 23: Jackson, DeKalb

First elected 2014

334-261-0578: 256-385-5510

Former Limestone County commissioner 334-261-0476: 256-614-9087

Urban director, Young Life; Heritage Barbershop manager

First elected 2023

First elected 2014

First elected 2022

Real estate broker

First elected 2022

Businessperson

334-261-0506: 334-834-8494

P.O. Box 472, Cullman, AL 35056 corey_harbison@yahoo.com

23029 AL Hwy. 89, Elkmond, AL 35620 votebenharrison@gmail.com

1200 Hugh St., Montgomery, AL 36108 ken.hassell@alhouse.gov

334-261-0452 Jefferson County

334-261-0494: 205-838-1990

334-261-0523: 251-620-7470

334-261-9520

334-261-0474

334-261-0415: 334-280-3276

Former Montgomery County commissioner 334-261-0507

Upward Bound director at Alabama Southern College 334-261-0437: 334-222-0111

2603 Moody Pkwy., Moody, AL 35004 jimhill@stclairlawgroup.com

315 E. Laurel Ave., Ste. 101, Foley, AL 36535 frances.holk-jones@alhouse.gov

524 Red Lane Rd., Birmingham, AL 35215 rolanda.hollis@alhouse.gov

1134 County Services Dr., Pelham, AL 35124 leigh.hulsey@alhouse.gov

155 Quail Run Rd., Munford, AL 36268 repstevehurst98@gmail.com

85 Meriwether Rd., Pike Road, AL 36064 reedingram75@gmail.com

P.O. Box 636, Thomasville, AL 36784 jthomase69@gmail.com

Former mayor of Mobile 334-261-0963 1 Southern Way, Mobile, AL 36619 SL Jones@ballhealth.com

Owner, Kiel Equipment

First elected 2022

WES KITCHENS, R 27: Marshall, DeKalb, Blount Insurance agent

BILL LAMB, R 62: Tuscaloosa

KELVIN LAWRENCE, D 69: Wilcox, Lowndes, Autauga, Montgomery

NATHANIEL LEDBETTER, R 24: DeKalb

Former Tuscaloosa County CFO

First elected 2014

First elected 2014

PAUL W. LEE, R 86: Houston Director, Wiregrass Rehab Center

334-261-0521 14696 Hwy. 43, Russellville, AL 35653 jamie.kiel@alhouse.gov

334-261-0551: 256-218-3090

334-261-0539: 256-582-0619

334-261-0481: 205-361-5262

334-251-0536: 256-638-6397

334-261-0505: 334-792-0022

334-261-0488: 334-792-9682

100 E. Peachtree St., Scottsboro, AL 35768 kirklandmike75@gmail.com

412-A Gunter Ave., Guntersville, AL 35976 weskitchens@mclo.org

7402 Marigold Ln., Tuscaloosa, AL 35405 lambbama@gmail.com

P.O. Box 1010, Hayneville, AL 36040 kelvinj73@gmail.com

P.O. Box 725, Rainsville, AL 35986 nathaniel.ledbetter@alhouse.gov

304 Ashborough Circle, Dothan, AL 36301 pleed86@gmail.com

THOMAS JACKSON

SAM JONES

KELVIN LAWRENCE

PAUL

LEE

NATHANIEL LEDBETTER BILL LAMB

JAMIE KIEL

ROLANDA HOLLIS

KENYATTÉ HASSEL

STEVE HURST

JIM HILL WES KITCHENS

MIKE KIRKLAND

COREY HARBISON

BEN HARRISON

FRANCES HOLK-JONES

CRAIG LIPSCOMB, R 30: St. Clair, Etowah Architect

JAMES LOMAX, R 20: Madison

First elected 2022

JOE LOVVORN, R 79: Lee Firefighter, small business owner

RHETT MARQUES, R 91: Coffee Small business owner

ARTIS "AJ" MCCAMPBELL, D 71: Tuscaloosa, Sumter, Marengo, Greene Insurance

PATRICE "PENNI" MCCLAMMY, D 76: Montgomery Attorney

ARNOLD MOONEY, R 43: Shelby

334-261-0546: 334-501-7133 422 Chestnut St., Gadsden, AL 35901 craig.lipscomb@alhouse.gov

334-261-0444: 256-503-6088

P.O. Box 875, Huntsville, AL 35804 jamesoliverlomax@gmail.com

334-261-0540 515 Ogletee Rd., Auburn, AL 36830 joe.lovvorn@alhouse.gov

334-261-0473: 334-289-5664

334-261-0547: 334-261-0580

334-261-0580: 334-414-7345

First elected 2014

MARY MOORE, D 59: Jefferson Retired medical technologist

PARKER MOORE, R 4: Morgan, Limestone Marketing, Encore Rehabilitiation

TASHINA MORRIS, D 77: Montgomery Nonprofit director

ED OLIVER, R 81: Tallapoosa, Coosa, Chilton

MARCUS PARAMORE, R 89: Pike, Dale

Former military pilot

First elected 2022

KENNETH PASCHAL, R 73: Shelby Retired military

PHILLIP PETTUS, R 1: Lauderdale Retired Alabama State Trooper

CHRIS PRINGLE, R 101: Mobile Realtor, builder

NEIL RAFFERTY, D 54: Jefferson

RICK REHM, R 85: Houston, Henry

REX REYNOLDS, R 21: Madison

Former Marine, health care advocate

First elected 2022

Former Huntsville police chief

1161 Geneva Hwy., Enterprise, AL 36330 rhett.marques@alhouse.gov

P.O. Box 487, Demopolis, AL 36732 aj.mccampbell@alhouse.gov

530 S. Union St., Montgomery, AL 36125 patrice.mcclammy@alhouse.gov

334-261-9512: 205-620-6610 1134 County Services Dr., Pelham, AL 35124 arnoldmooney@alhouse.gov

334-261-0508 1622 36th Ave. N., Birmingham, AL 35207 mamoore48@bellsouth.net

334-261-0579: 256-227-6674

334-261-0597: 256-328-1653

304 Dominion Dr. SE, Hartselle, AL 35640 parker.moore@alhouse.gov

1320 Jordan St., Montgomery, AL 36108 tashinamorris1@yahoo.com

334-261-0471 P.O. Box 277, Dadeville, AL 36853 ed.oliver@alhouse.gov

334-261-0592: 334-546-1242 P.O. Box 211, Troy, AL 36081 marcusforhouse@gmail.com

334-261-0469: 205-626-9458 1134 County Services Dr., Pelham, AL 35124 kenneth.paschal@alhouse.gov

334-261-0591: 256-757-6679 771 County Rd. 144, Killen, AL 35645 phillip.pettus@alhouse.gov

334-261-0489 4 Princess Anne Rd., Mobile, AL 36608 chris.pringle@alhouse.gov

334-261-0543 P.O. Box 321579, Birmingham, AL 35232 reprafferty@gmail.com

334-261-0513: 334-797-7770

2115 Cecily St., Dothan, AL 36303 rrehm46@gmail.com

334-261-0571: 256-582-0619 P.O. Box 18743, Huntsville, AL 35804 reynoldsdist21@gmail.com

CRAIG LIPSCOMB

JOE LOVVORN RHETT MARQUES

JAMES LOMAX A.J. McCAMPBELL

ED OLIVER

KENNETH PASCHAL PHILLIP PETTUS

CHRIS PRINGLE

MARCUS PARAMORE

REX REYNOLDS

RICK REHM

NEIL RAFFERTY

TASHINA MORRIS

PARKER

BEN ROBBINS , R 33: Clay, Coosa, Talladega Attorney

CHAD ROBERTSON, R 40: Calhoun

First elected 2022

JOHN W. ROGERS JR., D 52: Jefferson President, Rogers & Rogers

PATRICK SELLERS, D 57: Jefferson

CHRIS SELLS, R 90: Montgomery, Butler, Coffee, Conecuh, Crenshaw

First elected 2022

Owner, Sells Medical Equipment

GINNY SHAVER, R 39: DeKalb, Calhoun, Cherokee, Cleburne Municipal government

MIKE SHAW, R 47: Jefferson

RANDALL SHEDD, R 11: Morgan, Cullman, Blount, Marshall

MARK SHIREY, R 100: Mobile

MATT SIMPSON, R 96: Baldwin, Mobile

IVAN SMITH, R 42: Autauga, Chilton

JEFF SORRELLS, R 87: Houston, Geneva

SCOTT STADTHAGEN, R 9: Morgan, Cullman, Marshall

DAVID STANDRIDGE, R 34: Blount, Marshall

JERRY STARNES, R 88: Elmore, Autauga

SHANE STRINGER, R 102: Mobile

TROY STUBBS, R 31: Elmore

First elected 2022

Retired director, Cullman County Commission on Aging

334-261-0514: 256-714-6376

334-261-0477: 205-907-5091

334-261-0496: 256-201-1116

334-261-0387: 334-261-0495

334-261-0589: 205-370-5370

334-261-0568

800 Dr. Joseph Lower Blvd., Ste. D, Huntsville, AL 35801 reprigsbydistrict25@gmail.com

29 W. 3rd St., Ste. C, Sylacauga, AL 35150 ben.robbins@alhouse.gov

21 Anna Faith Ln., Heflin, AL 36264 ChadrobertsonD40@gmail.com

1424 18th St. SW, Birmingham, AL 35211 johnrogers1424@gmail.com

3428 Maple Ave. SW, Birmingham, AL 35221 sellersfor57@yahoo.com

271 N. Mt. Zion Rd., Greenville, AL 36037 csea@centurytel.net

334-261-0413 P.O. Box 348, Leesburg, AL 35983 ginny.shaver@alhouse.gov

334-261-0439: 205-541-6542

334-261-0530

P.O. Box 660082, Vestavia Hills, AL 35266 mike.shaw@alabama47.com

P.O. Box 345, Baileytown, AL 35019 randall.shedd@alhouse.gov

312T Schillinger Rd. S., Box 301, Mobile, AL 36608 mark.shirey@alhouse.gov

Attorney, county attorneys office

334-261-0424

109 Tomrick Circle, Daphne, AL 36526 MattSimpsonAL96@gmail.com

2223 County Rd. 19 N., Prattville, AL 36067 vansmith53@gmail.com

mayor of Hartford

Hagen Homes Inc.

Former law enforcement and probate judge

First elected 2022

Police chief, Satsuma

Small business owner

205-620-6610 101 3rd Ave., Hartford, AL 36344 jeffs@fnbhartford.com

P.O. Box 114, Hartselle, AL 35640 alhouseleader@gmail.com

332-261-0446: 205-543-0647

334-261-0499: 334-549-0782

334-261-0594: 251-208-5480

334-261-0595: 334-451-4589

P.O. Box 76, Hayden, AL 35079 david.standridge@alhouse.gov

1695 Windstone Way, Prattville, AL 36066 jerry.starnes@alhouse.gov

104 S. Lawrence St., Mobile, AL 36602 shane.stringer@alhouse.gov

1761 E. Main St., Prattville, AL 36066 troy.stubbs@hotmail.com

JERRY STARNES

DAVID STANDRIDGE

SCOTT STADTHAGEN

IVAN SMITH

JEFF SORRELLS

MATT SIMPSON

MARK SHIREY

GINNY SHAVER

PHILLIP RIGSBY BEN ROBBINS CHAD ROBERTSON

JOHN W. ROGERS JR. PATRICK SELLERS CHRIS SELLS

REPRESENTATIVE/PARTY/ DISTRICT BIOGRAPHICAL MONTGOMERY/

ONTARIO TILLMAN, D 56: Jefferson

CURTIS TRAVIS, D 72: Perry, Marengo, Hale, Bibb, Greene

First elected 2022

First elected 2022

ALLEN TREADAWAY, R 51: Jefferson Police captain, City of Birmingham

KERRY UNDERWOOD, R 3: Colbert, Lauderdale, Lawrence Retired law enforcement

TIMOTHY WADSWORTH, R 14: Winston, Walker, Jefferson Attorney, CPA

PEBBLIN WALKER WARREN, D 82: Tallapoosa, Macon, Lee First elected 2005

ANDY WHITT, R

6: Madison, Limestone Banker

RICHIE WHORTON, R 22: Madison, Jackson Businessperson, All Star Pools

334-261-0529: 205-417-1032 2326 2nd Ave. N., Birmingham, AL 35020 ojtillman@gmail.com

334-261-0559: 205-349-9183 620 Haymarket Ln., Tuscaloosa, AL 35405 cltravis620@charter.net

334-261-0585: 205-384-4357 P.O. Box 126, Morris, AL 35116 allen.treadaway@alhouse.gov

334-261-0435: 256-248-4891 102 N. Main St., Tuscumbia, AL 35674 kerryucpa@me.com

205-300-4008 1175 Helicon Rd., Arley, AL 35541 wadsworth.tim654321@gmail.com

334-261-0541 P.O. Box 1328, Tuskegee Institute, AL 36087 tiger9127@bellsouth.net

334-261-0404: 256-539-5441 P.O. Box 306, Harvest, AL 35749 andy.whitt@alhouse.gov

334-261-0553: 256-679-6490 134 Rock Spring Rd., Owens Cross Roads, AL 35763 richiewhorton@gmail.com

MARGIE WILCOX, R 104: Mobile First elected 2014 334-261-0577 104 S. Lawrence St., Mobile, AL 36602 margie.wilcox@alhouse.gov

DEBBIE HAMBY WOOD, R 38: Lee, Chambers Real estate broker

RANDY WOOD, R 36: St. Clair, Calhoun, Talladega Owner, Wood's Auto Body Shop

MATT WOODS, R 13: Walker, Blount

First elected 2022

ERNIE YARBROUGH, R 7: Talladega, St. Clair, Shelby Engineer

334-261-0532: 706-773-9404 3011 20th Ave., Valley, AL 36854 debbie.wood@alhouse.gov

334-261-0552/256239-9190 P.O. Box 4432, Anniston, AL 36204 strep36@gmail.com

334-261-0495 P.O. Box 1627, Jasper, AL 35502 matt.woods@alhouse.gov

334-261-0454 1332 Old Hwy. 24, Trinity, AL 35673 yarbrough4house@gmail.com

District 10 is vacant after the resignation of David Cole. A special election is set for March 26, 2024.

District 16 is vacant after Kyle South resigned to head the West Alabama Chamber of Commerce. An election is slated for January 9, 2024.

ALLEN TREADAWAY

KERRY UNDERWOOD

PEBBLIN WARREN

TIM WADSWORTH

ONTARIO TILLMAN

CURTIS TRAVIS

RITCHIE WHORTON

RANDY WOOD MATT WOODS

ERNIE YARBROUGH

DEBBIE HAMBY WOOD

MARGIE WILCOX

33 HelpME

Panic Alert Button -- The NEXT STEP in school safety America’s Favorite, Fastest and Easiest way to call for HELP in classrooms.

BARRY PETERSON (813) 822-0045 info@33helpme.com

https://33helpme.com/

Abl

Partnering with Abl will increase each student’s access to college and career readiness pathways, maximize district use of resources, and empower leaders to meet goals.

Dawn Thompson (404) 906-1984 dthompson@ablschools.com https://www.ablschools.com/

ACCESS Virtual Learning, Madison City Schools

ACCESS Virtual Learning is an initiative of ALSDE. Its primary goal is to provide equal access to high quality instruction.

Maria Kilgore (256) 797-4946

mdkilgore@madisoncity.k12.al.us

https://www.madisoncity.k12.al.us/Domain/21

Adams Learning Resources

Livestream Learning Studio for grades K-5. ACT I: Grades K-2 focus on literacy and elements of story. ACT II: Grades 3-5 focus on STEM enrichment.

Matt Adams

(205) 936-0552

dadams@adamslearningresources.com

www.livestreamlearningstudio.com www.scholarchip.com

Addiction Prevention Coalition

APC is a non-profit community resource that aims to eliminate addiction through our in-school prevention programs, educational events, and our collection of support services.

Carie Wimberly (205) 874-8498

carie@apcbham.org

https://apcbham.org/

Age of Learning, Inc.

Age of Learning® is the leading education technology innovator, creating engaging and effective learning resources to help children build a strong foundation for academic success.

Rachel Hursh

(866) 788-8868

rachel.hursh@aofl.com

https://www.ageoflearning.com/schools/

Alabama Alliance of Black School Educators

AL-ABSE is a professional education organization that serve educators of all races to help eradicate the achievement gaps among African American students in Alabama schools.

Fred Primm

(251) 583-7941

fredprimm@al-abse.org

www.al-abse.org

Alabama Best Practices Center

The ABPC provides networked professional learning to educators across Alabama.

Stoney Beavers, Ph.D. (334) 279-1886

dakota@aplusala.org

https://aplusala.org/best-practices-center/

Alabama Department of Early Childhood Education

High-quality early education provides the foundation for student success. A seamless pre-k to 3rd grade continuum aligns a comprehensive approach during children’s greatest growth years.

Ami Brooks

(334) 531-5972

ami.brooks@ece.alabama.gov

https://children.alabama.gov

American Book Company

ABC’s Alabama Workbooks, eBooks, and Online Testing cover 100% of the Alabama Course of Study Standards in preparation for the ACAP Summative assessments.

Kay Eze

(888) 264-5877

alabama@americanbookcompany.com

americanbookcompany.com/alabama

abck12.com

American Fidelity

American Fidelity offers benefit strategies to help empower you to make benefits decisions that help both your organization and your employees.

John Cole

(205) 987-0950

john.cole@americanfdielity.com

www.americanfidelity.com

American Reading Company

ARC Core® is a K–12 high-quality curriculum, available in English & Spanish, designed to accelerate learning, dramatically improving outcomes for both students and teachers.

Tiffany Burney

(610) 992-4150

tiffany.burney@americanreading.com

https://www.americanreading.com/

American Village Citizenship Trust

As Alabama’s Semiquincentennial Celebration Capitol, the American Village will be providing resources to registered schools across the state in preparation for America’s 250th birthday.

Natalie Steed

(205) 665-3535

nsteed@americanvillage.org

www.americanvillage.org

Amp Up Arts

Amp Up Arts focuses on statewide development of arts education for preK-12 Alabama schools through networking, advocacy, and professional development of teachers and teaching artists.

Ashley Lucier

(334) 475-9202

info@ampuparts.org

www.instagram.com/ampuparts

Auburn University

Auburn University Educational Leadership Preparation Programs: M.Ed. Reduced Hour Option (RHO); Ed.S.; Ph.D. AES; Ph.D. ASC

Amy Serafini

(706) 573-7563

reamseh@auburn.edu

https://education.auburn.edu/graduate-degree-cert/ administration-elementary-secondary-education-m-edm-s/

Bailey Education Group

Bailey Education Group is committed to partnering with schools and districts to improve the lives of all children through customized instructional support.

Terry Roller (601) 707-5778

info@baileyarch.com

baileyeducationgroup.com

Bill Miller Photographers, INC.

Specializing in School and Senior photography for over 65 years.

Bill Miller (256) 892-3150

hello@billmillerphotographers.com billmillerphotographers.com

Camp Explore for Educators

Camp Explore for Educators helps stressed educators find joy in their personal life and work so that they can meet the needs of their students.

Heather Moore (843) 460-5775

Heather@campexploreinfo.com www.campexploreinfo.com

Campus Benefits

Campus Benefits is a full-service employee benefits brokerage/consulting and compliance firm serving public school districts across the southeast.

Eric Tupper (404) 915-7812

etupper@campusbenefits.com www.campusbenefits.com

Capturing Kids’ Hearts

Thousands of classrooms. Millions of students. Capturing Kid’s Hearts transforms classrooms and campuses into high-achieving centers of learning where kids really want to attend.

Rob Kirk (800) 316-4311

Rob.Kirk@CapturingKidsHearts.org

https://www.capturingkidshearts.org

Classworks

Classworks® is an online MTSS program that includes academic screeners, individualized instruction, progress monitoring, SEL and PBIS tools, and reporting.

David Constantine

(770) 325-5555

hello@classworks.com

https://www.curriculumadvantage.com/

Cognia

Cognia provides a holistic approach to continuous improvement that encompasses accreditation and certification, assessment, professional learning, and customized improvement services.

Jeff Langham

(334) 201-5763

jeff.langham@cognia.org

www.cognia.org

Curriculum Associates

Curriculum Associates, LLC designs research-based print and online instructional materials, screens and assessments, and data management tools.

Kelly-Ann Parson, M.Ed (205) 949-7744

KParson@cainc.com

https://www.curriculumassociates.com/

DreamBox Learning

DreamBox provides schools with high-quality adaptive learning solutions for math & reading, proven to accelerate student growth. Visit www.dreambox.com for more information.

Bill Conner

(601) 668-9854

bill.conner@dreambox.com

www.dreambox.com

Edmentum

Edmentum is the leading provider of K-12 digital curriculum partnering with educators to create instructional technology that is individualized and aligned to state standards.

Dee Dee Jones

(800) 447-5286

deedee.jones@edmentum.com

www.edmentum.com

Ellevation Education

Ellevation is the nation’s leading K-12 software solution dedicated to helping educators and English learners achieve their highest aspirations.

La-Toya Facey-Walker

(617) 307-5755

kayla.fontalvo@ellevationeducation.com

https://ellevationeducation.com/home/default

English Leaners Engage

Instructional walk throughs meet the needs of English learners

Monique Henderson

951-553-1238

monique@englishlearnersengage.com

www.englishlearnersengage.com

Flight Works Alabama

We Build It Better is an all-inclusive 18-week, industrydesigned educator-developed, curricular experience that engages middle school students in a work-like STEAM environment.

Robin Fenton

(251) 379-1034

robin@flightworksalabama.com

www.webuilditbetter.org

Giffen Recreation Inc

Giffen Recreation is a full-service Playground contractor located in Pelham, Alabama. We specialize in Poligon Pavilions, Little Tikes Playgrounds, Fabric Shades, Safety Surfacing, and more!

Tom Millard

(205) 982-6233

Tom@giffenrec.net

www.giffenrecreation.com

Great Southern Recreation

We design, sell and build commercial playgrounds, splash pads, site amenities, pavilions and sunshades.

Abby Vance (800) 390-8438

Abby@greatsouthernrec.com

www.greatsouthernrec.com

Hammill Recreation, LLC

Playgrounds, shades, site furnishings, and surfacing for elementary schools and First Class Pre-K Classrooms.

Angela Collins (205) 706-3993

playgrounds@hammill.net

www.hammill.net

Horace Mann Companies

Founded in 1945, Horace Mann offers affordable auto and home insurance, as well as retirement strategies and financial wellness education.

Leslie Weitle

(217) 789-2500

assocuiation.relations@horacemann.com

https://www.horacemann.com/

®

Imagine Learning

Imagine Learning provides digital-first PreK–12 learning solutions for core instruction, supplemental and intervention, courseware, and virtual school services. We serve 15 million students nationwide.

Steve Santora (201) 577-2514 steve.santora@imaginelearning.com www.imaginelearning.com

Just Right Reader

Science of Reading decodables with over 410+ research-based titles filled with vibrant illustrations, engaging authentic stories, and diverse characters representing students in America’s schools.

Pam McAuley

(813) 928-4083

pam@justrightreader.com

https://justrightreader.com/

Iron City Studios

Iron City Studios is a SCHOOL PHOTOGRAPHY COMPANY located in Hoover, AL. We proudly service Hoover City Schools, Shelby County Schools, JefCoEd and +

Alanna Rose (205) 783-5281

info@ironcitystudios.com www.ironcitystudios.com

IXL Learning

IXL is personalized learning. With a comprehensive K-12 curriculum, individualized guidance, and real-time analytics, IXL meets the unique needs of each learner.

David Mickelsen

(352) 949-0898

davidm@ixl.com

www.ixl.com

Jumpstart Test Prep

Jumpstart ACT & ACT WorkKeys on demand review empowers teachers with curriculum & assessments enabling the most improvement in the least amount of review time.

George Kushner (833) 835-8329

sha@jumpstarttestprep.com

https://jumpstarttestprep.com/

Karen Maury Jewelry

We do onsite engraving on sterling silver jewelry

Karen Maury (205) 790-8349

kayrena16@gmail.com

KIDaccount, LLC

KIDaccount is a complete, customizable daily school safety and dismissal system that accounts for all souls on campus – all day, every day.

Keith Petty

(573) 756-3131

kpetty@kidaccount.com www.kidaccount.com

Kids First Education, LLC

KIDS 1st was founded out of a desire to improve teaching and learning and we provide teaching and learning solutions for administrators, teachers, & students.

Reeda Betts

(601) 765-5437

info@kidsfirst.llc https://kidsfirst.llc/

Lathan Associates Architects, P.C.

Lathan Architects is a full-service design firm based in Hoover, Alabama offering a comprehensive range of services to suit the individual needs of each client.

Barry Davis

(205) 988-9112

bdavis@lathanassociates.com

www.lathanassociates.com

Learning Blade

Learning Blade is a system of interactive lessons and activities for 5th to 9th graders where students learn about STEM and Computer Science careers.

Scott Mains

(423) 521-2309

info@learningblade.com

www.LearningBlade.com

LEGO Education

Rethink STEAM learning and spark joy in the classroom. LEGO® Learning System, students’ knowledge, skills, and confidence grow with love of learning year after year.

Dr Felicia Bustle (843) 290-3526

FELICIA.BUSTLE@LEGO.COM

https://education.lego.com/en-us/

Lexia Learning

Lexia Learning is committed to helping all students become proficient readers and confident learners. Lexia empowers the literacy educators who are essential to student success.

Leigh Ann Smith (847) 977-1613

leighAnn.smith@lexialearning.com lexialearning.com

Lifetouch Photography and Yearbooks

School Photography and Yearbooks

Bryan McCarter (256) 534-1001

bmccarter@lifetouch.com lifetouch.com

Maximized Growth, LLC

Opportunity to bring visibility and awareness of available courses centered around Leadership Development, Communication, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (all PLUapproved courses)

Tasha Scott (334) 669-3252

tasha@maximizedgrowthllc.com

www.maximizedgrowthllc.com

McWane Science Center

McWane Science Center is driven by an educational purpose: to provide science education experiences,tools and resources to teachers and students through fieldtrips and outreach programs.

Roxanne Shuler (205) 714-8371 rshuler@mcwane.org www.mcwane.org

Office of Prosecution Services (HEROS)

The HERO program is a statewide Certified Facility Dog Program to assist in helping victims throughout the criminal process.

Tamara Martin (334) 242-4191

tamara.martin@alabamada.gov opsheroinfo.org

Pearson Assessments

Pearson Assessments solutions, including aimswebPlus and NNAT3, are designed to provide the insights educators need to be able to test less and teach more.

Melissa Haney (804) 912-3627 melissa.haney1@pearson.com www.pearsonassessments.com

Playworld Preferred, Inc.

A distributor of Playworld Systems playground equipment for the state of Alabama.We also provide a variety of other outdoor recreational equipment,safety surfacing and installation services.

Jeff Wingo (800) 459-7241

info@playworldpreferred.com www.playworldpreferred.com

PowerSchool

PowerSchool (NYSE: PWSC) is the leading provider of cloud-based software for K-12 education in North America.

Jenny Scott

(877) 873-1550

jenny.scott@powerschool.com https://www.powerschool.com/

PowerUpEDU

Focused on education & achievement, delivering interactive technology solutions and coaching for classrooms while creating fun & engaging learning environments.

Jerry Gaillard (404) 596-5744 jerry@powerupedu.com powerupedu.com

Presentation Solutions, Inc.

We are the company who sells the full-color indoor/ outdoor ColorPro Poster Printers, the Recognizer Ultra Award System & the CoolLam non-heat and non-electric laminators!

Steven Sanders

(800) 280-7809

steven@presentationsolutions.com

www.presentationsolutions.com

Progress Learning

Progress Learning provides a comprehensive, standards-aligned instructional resource and content solution for grades K-12.

Zoe McCullough

(415) 493-8825

zoe.mccullough@progresslearning.com

https://progresslearning.com/

Publisher’s Warehouse

Publishers’ Warehouse is Alabama’s one-stop shop for digital (EBSCOed) and print textbooks and instructional materials for K-12 schools in Alabama.

Patrick Chappell

(205) 516-5821

pchappell@ebsco.com

https://publisherswarehouse.com/

QuantHub

QuantHub provides self-paced and self-contained instruction in topics such as data visualization, statistics, and machine learning.

Veronique Brown

(205) 335-2285

kweed@quanthub.com

www.quanthub.com

Reading Horizons

Offers a foundational reading program that can help all students reach proficiency by the end of third grade, while also addressing gaps in older learners.

Walker Hoopes

(385) 287-4781

info@readinghorizons.com

https://readinghorizons.com/

Recreational Concepts

Playgrounds, site amenities, splash play, pavilions, shade, surfacing and much more.

Melanie Stewart

(205) 202-8671

melanie@rec-concepts.com

www.rec-concepts.com

Renaissance

Renaissance is a global leader in assessment, reading, math, and early literacy solutions for pre-K–12 schools and districts.

Karen Winn

(256) 283-1935

karen.winn@renaissance.com

www.renaissance.com

Samford University School of Education

Samford University School of Education graduate programs.

Dana Mungenast

(205) 726-4337

dgmungen@samford.edu

https://www.samford.edu/education/

Scholastic Education

For over 100 years, Scholastic offers the support and resources all children deserve to meet their needs, honor their voices, and empower them always.

Ms. Lee Berlin

(205) 209-2406

lberlin@scholastic.com

www.scholastic.com

SchoolsPLP

We offer almost 2000 PreK -12 online courses with multiple instructional designs to a single interface. Our courses include core, elective, credit recovery and CTE.

Eric Moon

(770) 789-1941

eric@schoolsplp.com

schoolsplp.com

SCJ Consultant, LLC (FOCUS)

FOCUS empowers students to successfully lead the prevention of adolescent risk behaviors through skillbased learning as an elective class or extra-curricular activity.

Sue Jones

(256) 453-0655

sjones@thefocusprogram.com

www.thefocusprogram.com

Skillastics

For over 20 years, Skillastics has provided simple, easyto-implement physical activity resources and curriculum for physical education, afterschool and classroom instructors.

Suzanne Stone

(256) 426-3579

sstone@skillastics.com

www.skillastics.com

Strawbridge Studios

Strawbridge Studios, Inc. is a 4th generation, family owned, American school portrait and yearbook company located in Durham, N.C.

Todd Diefenderfer (334) 301-3562

todd.diefenderfer@strawbridge.net www.strawbridge.net

StreamVu Ed

StreamVu Ed is the leading service provider of educational video management, distribution and storage. From morning announcements to school board meetings. StreamVu Ed, better communication.

Amie Briggs (678) 520-3662 abriggs@streamvu.com www.streamvued.com

Stride Learning Solutions

Stride Learning Solutions creates modern learning for any learner, anywhere, with blended and online education to broaden their skills, options, and opportunities.

Joseph Sveum (407) 402-7436 jsveum@k12.com

StrideLS.com

Studies Weekly

Studies Weekly creates award-winning K-6 elementary social studies, science, and well-being curriculum uniquely presented in a periodical format that pairs with an online learning platform.

Rachel McInnis

(801) 494-4396 conferences@studiesweekly.com https://www.studiesweekly.com/

Terrell Enterprises, Inc.

We provide school furniture, equipment, supplies and learning resources along with turn-key solutions and services for the PreK-12 market.

Al Brannon (334) 382-7415 al@terrellenterprises.com facebook.com/terrellenterprises

The Hope Institute

The Hope Institute inspires transformational change by introducing administrator and educator teams to the process of building a character-focused school culture.

Patricia Simpson

(205) 726-2564 info@hopeinstitute.org www.hopeinstitute.org

The University of Alabama College of Education

The College of Education offers teacher education, kinesiology, and educational neuroscience programs to provide teaching, research, and service for state, regional, national, and international interests.

Carlton McHargh (205) 348-0549 edustudentservices@ua.edu education.ua.edu

The University of Alabama Online

The University of Alabama offers over 20 top-ranked graduate education degrees in flexible online and hybrid formats with affordable tuition so you can earn a premier degree around your schedule.

Kathryn Morrow

(800) 467-0227 online@ua.edu online.ua.edu/clas

ThriveWay

Peer Helpers PLUS is an evidence-based K-12th grade prevention and support program equipping students to navigate a wide range of emotional, societal, and behavioral challenges.

Ruby McCullough

(251) 604-3781 allison@thriveway.com Thriveway.com

Transaction Point, LLC

Come see the latest Campus Branding product ideas to help you build tradition and support your staff and students. Logo Mats, Apparel, and Appreciation Gifts

Britt Matthiessen (800) 396-7301

jbm@transactionpoint.net

www.transactionpoint.net

Twin States Recreation, LLC

We create innovative play environments for children of all abilities. Twin States Recreation, LLC is the only authorized dealer in Alabama for B.C.I. Burke Company.

Max Maxwell

(205) 453-4321

max@twinstatesrec.com

www.twinstatesrec.com

UA Early College

UA Early College is designed to help high school students become quality college students. Learn how you can become a #Legendinthemaking while in high school.

Emily Mott (205) 348-7083 earlycollege@ua.edu

https://uaearlycollege.ua.edu/

University of Louisiana Monroe Online

Online Masters & Doctoral Programs within the College of Education

Brandi Tryon (225) 218-7390

brandi.tryon@apdegrees.com online.ulm.edu/brandi

University of West Alabama Project Grow

Free support resources for rural schools, teachers and administrators.

Andrea Mayfield (205) 765-4090 amayfield@uwa.edu

www.uwaprojectgrow.com

VCM Plumbing Solutions

Elkay Bottle Water Cooler Stations, Isimet Lab Safety Controls for School laboratories.

Bill Cone

(205) 324-0669

billcone@vcmsales.com

www.vcm.org

Verkada

Verkada’s 7product lines - video security cameras, doorbased access control, environmental sensors, alarms, visitor management, mailroom and intercom - all on a single software platform.

Austin Baker

(704) 962-7254

austin.baker@verkada.com verkada.com

Virco

Amercian owned 70 yr old manufacturer of classroom furniture with local support to listen and offer suggestions for your classrooms, library, cafeteria and admin suite.

John Havicus

(205) 721-0514

johnhavicus@virco.com

www.virco.com

Ward Scott Morris

Ward Scott Morris is a full design Architectural firm with 40 years in the K-12 market.

Carol Coleman

(205) 577-7027

carol@wardscottmorris.com

www.wardscottmorris.com

Westcott Studios School photography. All photography needs for schools in the south.

Chris Westcott

(256) 441-8741

cwestcott1@gmail.com

www.westcottstudios.net

Enhancing Educational Connectivity (continued)

Despite the influx of social media, traditional television remains the primary medium used to cut through clutter and deliver messages. The ALSDE has brokered an arrangement with major broadcast television affiliates throughout the state to begin a series of monthly spots aimed at keeping the public informed and abreast of education news that impacts parents, students, and educators, statewide. Monthly, the State Superintendent of Education, and other education leaders, will participate in, in-studio conversations with news anchors and producers to discuss the topics and concerns that are on the hearts and minds of stakeholders across Alabama. The in-studio appearances will be shared with other media outlets statewide to allow for broad, geographically expansive coverage.

Press Releases: Timely and Transparent Communication

In addition to the monthly newsletter, the ALSDE utilizes press releases as a tool for timely and transparent communication with the media. Press releases are deployed to address critical matters, such as policy changes, emergency announcements, or noteworthy achievements. This approach

ensures that information reaches the public swiftly, maintaining transparency and building trust.

These press releases cater to the wider public audience, including parents, stakeholders, and the media. By adopting a proactive stance in communication, the department effectively addresses concerns, disseminates essential information, and reinforces its commitment to transparency and accountability.

In the pursuit of a more connected and informed educational community, ALSDE has implemented a multifaceted communication strategy with each component playing a crucial role in fostering transparency, collaboration, and engagement. These efforts reflect a commitment to keeping educators and the public well-informed, recognizing their contributions, and building a shared narrative of success and progress in Alabama’s education system. As the department continues to innovate and adapt to changing communication landscapes, the result is a more connected and empowered educational community that is poised for future success.

JIMMY Casas