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FROM STAFF REPORTS

MONTGOMERY – Local school board members from west-central Alabama were among 289 education leaders statewide recognized for their commitment to ongoing professional development as part of AASB’s 2025 Fall District Meeting series held throughout the state, which concluded last week.

The District 2 meeting in Selma, led by District 2 Director Camille Gibson of the Bibb County school board, honored 24 local school board members for advancing in the AASB’s School Board Member Academy, a training program designed to deepen understanding of education issues and strengthen boardmanship and governance skills.

AASB has nine geographic districts. District 2 includes the school boards of Autauga County, Bibb County, Butler County, Chilton County, Choctaw County, Dallas County, Demopolis, Linden, Lowndes County, Marengo County, Perry County, Selma and Wilcox County.

“AASB’s Fall District Meetings provide an important opportunity for school board members to enhance their capabilities and gain insight on critical issues facing Alabama’s public schools,” said AASB Executive Director Sally Smith. “These meetings showcase the dedication of local education leaders to professional growth and service to students and communities.”

In addition to recognizing individual achievements in District 2, Dallas, Marengo, Perry, and Wilcox counties, as well as Selma, were presented with the AASB’s 2025 Team Training Achievement Award. This distinction recognizes school boards whose members collectively fulfilled all state-mandated training requirements, with at least 60% of members attending three or more AASB conferences. The award celebrates boards demonstrating exceptional commitment to professional development and effective governance.

The meeting also recognized Butler County Schools Superintendent Joe Eiland as the District 2 Superintendent of the Year, acknowledging his exceptional leadership and contributions to educational success.

AASB President Russell Clausell of the Geneva City Board of Education praised all honorees for their dedication. “The commitment demonstrated by these education leaders reflects the heart of public education in Alabama. Their investment in professional development translates directly to more effective schools and improved learning opportunities for students in our communities.”

Held annually, AASB’s Fall District meetings are a cornerstone of the association’s commitment to equipping school board members with essential knowledge and resources. As part of the district meetings, attendees participated in a comprehensive survey addressing pressing education issues facing Alabama’s public schools and received timely updates on statewide education policy.

The meetings also featured interactive discussions on education challenges and provided opportunities to connect with colleagues. The feedback collected from board members across all nine districts will play a vital role in shaping AASB’s legislative agenda for the upcoming legislative session, ensuring advocacy efforts reflect the priorities and concerns of local school systems throughout the state.

Below are the District 2 board members who achieved new levels during the School Board Member Academy’s 2024-2025 training year, which began July 1, 2024, and ended June 30, 2025:

Level I (Requires 25 training hours)   

• Jamey Thompson, Butler County
• Lisa Nicholas, Chilton County
• Aliquippa Allen, Demopolis City
• Mark Bedsole, Marengo County

Level II (Requires 50 training hours)   

• Ashland English, Chilton County

Level I & II (Reached all levels in the same year)

• Donnanique Washington, Linden City

Level III (Requires 75 training hours)   

• Kim Crockett, Autauga County
• Tracye Strichik, formerly of Autauga County
• Emefa Butler, Perry County

Level IV (Requires 100 training hours and all eight core courses in the Academy)   

• Robert Grant, Lowndes County

Master (Requires Level IV plus 15 hours, including one additional core course)   

• Johnny Moss, Selma City, second time
• Melvin Flanagan-Brown, Dallas County, second time
• Mamie Solomon, Dallas County, second time
• Bernard Martin, Wilcox County, second time
• Camille Gibson, Bibb County, second time
• Phyllis Houser, Selma City, third time
• Tanya  Miles, Selma City, third time
• Ola Ford, Linden City, third time
• Dorothy Gamble, Linden City, third time
• Cheryle Thomas, Perry County, third time
• Rayvell Smith, Marengo County, fourth time
• Synauri Boykin, Wilcox County, fifth time
• Chester Moore, Marengo County, seventh time
• Isaac Johnson, Choctaw County, thirteenth time