Superintendents Leaders Network enrolls 28

Alabama leaders commit to improve teaching and learning in their schools

MONTGOMERY – July 24, 2008 – Twenty-eight Alabama superintendents will participate in the Superintendents Leaders Network, a new network established by the Alabama Best Practices Center and the School Superintendents of Alabama, and funded by the Malone Family Foundation.

The Superintendents Leaders Network is for forward-thinking K-12 public school superintendents, and the goal is to engage them in an ongoing forum about strategies to improve teaching and learning in their schools.

"These superintendents demonstrate a strong commitment to excellence," said Cathy Gassenheimer, executive vice president for the Alabama Best Practices Center (ABPC). "By agreeing to participate in this Network, each one has committed to a powerful learning experience that will surely strengthen their schools."

The Superintendents Leaders Network, created at the request of superintendents themselves, is modeled on the ABPC's successful Key Leaders Network, which serves principals and administrators in district offices.  Participating superintendents will attend a two-day retreat and two one-day sessions spread throughout the 2008-09 school year. Jackie Walsh, a noted national expert who lives in Montgomery, is the lead facilitator, and she will be joined by Cathy Gassenheimer of the ABPC as well as Susan Lockwood and Hank Jones of SSA.

"We are delighted to partner with the Alabama Best Practices Center to provide this opportunity for superintendents," said Susan Lockwood, executive director of School Superintendents of Alabama. "Strong leadership from the superintendent is essential to the success of not only our schools but also all the boys and girls our schools serve."

Participating superintendents:
Tommy Bice, Alabama State Department of Education
Lynn Smith, Brewton City Schools
Mike Looney, Butler County Schools
L. Hank Allen , Cullman County Schools
Sam Houston, Decatur City Schools
Jeff Langham, Elmore County Schools
Barry Sadler, Eufaula City Schools
Isaac Atkins, Greene County Schools
Andrew Lee,  Guntersville City Schools
Andy Craig, Hoover City Schools
Ann Roy Moore, Huntsville City Schools
Eric Mackey, Jacksonville City Schools
Barry Carroll, Limestone County Schools
Terry Davis, Madison County Schools
Charles Mason, Mountain Brook City Schools
Jeff Goodwin, Oxford City Schools
Matthew Akin, Piedmont City Schools
Chuck Marcum, Roanoke City Schools
Judith Berry, Scottsboro City Schools
Richard Gardner, Sheffield City Schools
Randy Fuller, Shelby County Schools
Jane Cobia, Sylacauga City Schools
Joanne Horton, Talladega City Schools
Jim Jeffers, Tallassee City Schools
Marti Rizzuto, Tarrant City Schools
Suzanne Freeman, Trussville City Schools
Joyce Levey, Tuscaloosa City Schools
Jamie Blair, Vestavia Hills City Schools

The Alabama Best Practices Center is a public-private partnership that helps teachers and administrators develop the competence, commitment and courage to do whatever it takes to improve student learning. It is a division of the A+ Education Partnership, which works for great schools for every child – and a bright future for Alabama.

The mission of the School Superintendents of Alabama is to promote public education in Alabama; serve as the leading advocate for children and youth in our state; provide a forum for discussion of educational issues and values; provide professional development programs for school superintendents and their leadership team to promote the efficient operation of the office of superintendent and the achievement of students; and disseminates to members pertinent information about public education.  SSA also provides executive coaches for all superintendents during their first year along with quarterly meetings of assistance, at no additional cost to the school system.  SSA serves as a united voice for superintendents in our state.

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