Pelham board posts superintendent vacancy for 30 days; applications due June 9

The Pelham City Board of Education on May 5 opened the search to replace Superintendent Dr. Ledbetter, who announced his retirement effective June 30, 2025, and directed staff to post the vacancy for 30 days with applications due June 9. The board named the law firm Bishop Brooks as the contact to accept applications and said it will post the announcement on the district website.

The board emphasized legal and credential requirements during the meeting. The board’s reading of the previous job posting said the superintendent serves as the chief executive officer of the Pelham City Board of Education and must meet requirements in Alabama Code 16-12-1 and regulations of the Alabama State Board of Education. The job posting language the board reviewed lists minimum qualifications including general fitness and character appropriate to the position, a degree from a recognized four-year college or university, eligibility for an Alabama superintendent certificate and at least five years of successful experience in public school administration. The board discussed desired traits from the district’s 2021 posting, noting a doctorate is preferred but not required and that superintendent experience is likely preferred but not required.

Board President said the board will consider the results of community and employee surveys when setting final criteria for the posting. The surveys produced 296 community responses and 38 employee responses; board members summarized the top priorities reported by both groups as recruiting, employing and retaining quality staff; student growth and achievement for all learners; and academic programs that meet a wide variety of student needs and interests. The surveys also identified common desired traits: collaboration and empowerment of others in decision-making, a strong vision for educational excellence and visibility in schools and community events. "The board intends to complete the process and name Dr. Ledbetter's successor no later than June," Board President said during the meeting.

Board members said initial interviews will likely be private out of respect for any sitting district leaders who apply; the board said finalists may be brought to Pelham to meet staff and community before a final selection, repeating the process used in 2021. The board did not vote on hiring criteria at the May 5 meeting; members framed the posting and timeline as procedural directions to begin the search.

Public comment during the meeting focused on topics the board said will inform selection priorities, including academic program breadth, arts and extracurriculars, special education and multilingual services. The board asked community members to continue providing input as the search proceeds and reminded residents that application instructions will be available on the district website and through Bishop Brooks.

The board also announced logistics: the vacancy notice must remain posted 30 days under state law; applicants will have until June 9 to apply; and private interviews are possible, with community meetings planned for finalists. No final appointment was made at the May 5 meeting.