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Alabama State Board of Education elects officers, hires assistant superintendent and approves educator program resolutions
Summary
The Alabama State Board of Education on July 9 elected officers for 2024–25, unanimously approved the hire of Dodd Hawthorne as assistant state superintendent for career and technical education and workforce development, and adopted multiple resolutions and curriculum updates at a meeting in Montgomery.
MONTGOMERY, Ala. — The Alabama State Board of Education on July 9 elected officers for the 2024–25 year, approved an assistant state superintendent hire and adopted a series of resolutions and curriculum updates in a meeting that produced a string of unanimous votes.
The board, presided over by Governor Kay Ivey, unanimously elected Dr. Tanya Chestnut vice president and Marie Manning president pro tem for the 2024–25 term. The board also unanimously voted to hire Mr. Dodd Hawthorne as assistant state superintendent for career and technical education and workforce development, pay grade 90, step 17, with an effective date of Aug. 16, 2024.
Why it matters: the leadership votes determine who will preside over board business and committees for the year, and the new assistant state superintendent will oversee career-technical education programs and workforce-development initiatives statewide.
Major actions and outcomes
- Election of officers: The board unanimously elected Dr. Tanya Chestnut as vice president and Marie Manning as president pro tem for the 2024–25 term. (Unanimous votes.)
- Personnel: The board unanimously approved the recommendation to hire Dodd Hawthorne as assistant state superintendent for career and technical education and workforce development, pay grade 90, step 17, effective Aug. 16, 2024. (Unanimous vote.)
- Resolutions and recognitions: The board unanimously adopted a resolution naming Danny Higdon of the Tuscaloosa County School System as recipient of the 2024 Robert L. Morton award; adopted a resolution honoring Glenwood on its 50th anniversary; and adopted a resolution naming Dr. Blake Busman (as transcribed) the Barbara Fanning Memorial employee of the quarter for July–September 2024. (All unanimous votes.)
- Educator preparation approvals: The board unanimously approved educator preparation program resolutions for Auburn University and for the University of North Alabama. (Unanimous votes.)
- Career and technical education course revisions: The board unanimously approved revisions to the 2023 state course of study for the Career Cluster: Human Services and to the 2022 state course of study for the Career Cluster: Hospitality and Tourism. (Unanimous votes.)
Meeting highlights and staff remarks
Dr. Mackey, speaking during the staff report portion, noted the meeting achieved a quorum despite travel disruptions and invited attendees to remain for a scheduled work session. He told the board, “we have 5 here, so we could have our quorum today,” and highlighted the presence of Glenwood representatives and other guests who were attending in person.
Board members also recognized Glenwood leadership in the audience, praised Mr. Higdon for receiving the Robert L. Morton award, and welcomed Mr. Andy Craig in his new role as executive director of the Alabama Association of School Business Officials.
Next steps and administrative notes
Board members were told the next meeting will be Thursday, Aug. 8, 2024, at 10 a.m. in the Gordon Persons Building Auditorium. The meeting adjourned after a unanimous vote to close the session.
