Superintendent spotlights arts awards, bus-safety and storytelling festival; introduces new district school improvement coordinator

The superintendent opened the meeting by highlighting recent successes in the district’s arts programs and recognizing staff and students.

Ardmore High School students won multiple awards at the North Alabama State Fair Art Contest, the superintendent said, naming a list of students who finished first, second and third in various categories. The board also recognized Miss Star Winges for her work at Ardmore and Miss Fuqua of East Limestone High School for being selected as the Alabama Art Education Association’s 2025 secondary art educator of the year. "Her talent for inspiring students and cultivating a passion for the arts is evident," the superintendent said while presenting the award. The superintendent noted students earned honorable mentions in the 2025 Congressional Art Competition with work displayed in Congressman Dale Strong’s office and that 17 students had pieces in the Huntsville Museum of Art children’s gallery.

The superintendent observed National School Bus Safety Week and thanked transportation staff, reporting the district operates 133 buses with 114 devoted bus drivers; he said the buses travel about 3,800 miles each day and transport roughly 3,800 to 4,000 students to and from school and activities. He also recognized National Principals Month and the Athens Storytelling Festival, listing students chosen to represent their schools at the festival.

At the meeting’s close, the superintendent introduced Miss Martin as the new district school improvement coordinator and welcomed her to district leadership.