By Gary Lloyd
TRUSSVILLE — The meeting was difficult to adjourn.
Trussville City Board of Education members on Monday saved their well wishes for Danny Garrett until the end of the meeting, and they all complimented him as a board member.
Garrett’s last board meeting was Monday, as he prepares to leave for Montgomery as the newly elected representative for State House District 44, which covers Clay, Pinson and Trussville. He takes office in November.
Danny Garrett, center, serving at his last Trussville City Board of Education meeting Monday
photo by Gary Lloyd
Garrett said it’s been rewarding to see Trussville City Schools grow and develop.
“It’s been one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve ever had in my life,” he said. “I’ve loved being around the Trussville school system — the administration, all the employees, the students.”
Garrett, the school board’s vice president, said he will be in Montgomery but his heart will be in Trussville. He said he could be involved with the Education Policy Committee and Budget Committee at the state level.
Garrett has served on the school board since July 1, 2010, when he was appointed to fill the remaining year of John Floyd’s term. He was then reappointed in 2011 for a five-year term. He said his best memories as a school board member are of athletic events, fine arts performances and the community coming together to make things happen for the school system.
Board member Stan Garrett and Trussville City Schools Superintendent Pattie Neill said it’s been an “honor and privilege” serving with Garrett. Board member Sid McNeal said there’s “pure excitement” about Garrett going to the State House but he’s “sad” to see him leave Trussville.
Garrett said people he’s met with all over the state know about the Trussville school system, something he believes is on the right course.
“It’s been just wonderful to see where we are today, a tremendous privilege,” he said.
Nineteen people have applied for the vacant school board position. Trussville City Councilman Alan Taylor said the city wants to name Garrett’s successor by the end of the month.
Garrett won the June Republican primary race for the State House District 44 seat over fellow Trussville candidates John Amari and Joe Freeman. Garrett earned 3,502 votes, Amari garnered 2,447 votes and Freeman received 725 votes.
Garrett said in June that he hopes to help bring jobs and industry to Alabama, improve the education and general funds, meet with and help the municipalities in District 44 and get people to work together.
“He’s as solid as a rock,” Trussville City Board of Education President Bill Roberts said of Garrett. “I think he’ll do a great job.”
Contact Gary Lloyd at news@trussvilletribune.com and follow him on Twitter @GaryALloyd.
