By Crystal McGough, Associate Editor
TRUSSVILLE – The Trussville Board of Education heard from Alabama Association of School Boards educational consultant Dr. Michael Barber during their workshop on Monday, Feb. 13, 2023, concerning the ongoing search for a new superintendent of Trussville City Schools.
Interim Superintendent Dr. Frank P. Costanzo called it an “exciting night” as the council prepared to hear the names of the five finalists for the position.
“Tonight is a big night; I am here to talk about the finalists for the position of superintendent of Trussville City Schools,” Barber said. “I think you have a very strong candidate pool and I’m excited about sharing the names and reading their letters to you and talking about their professional experience to you.”
According to Barber, there were 29 applicants for the position representing seven different states. The five finalists are Dr. John Barge of Kingston, Ga., Dr. Kevin Maddox of Birmingham, Ala., Dr. Bart Reeves of Saraland, Ala., Dr. Holly Sutherland of Haleyville, Ala., and Mr. Charles (Tony) Willis of Florence, Ala.
Dr. John Barge is currently self-employed as an education consultant in Kingston, Georgia. He has previous experience as the superintendent of McIntosh County Schools (2015-2019) and State School Superintendent for the Georgia Department of Education (2011-2015), in addition to several other positions in education since 1998.
“I believe my extensive background and experience in educational leadership has equipped me with the necessary skills to lead Trussville City Schools,” Barge stated in a letter, which Barber read to the council. “As your superintendent, I commit to provide solid leadership, make students a priority, provide support to employees, build community trust, and to be a positive representation of the Trussville City Schools. I appreciate your consideration for this important position.”
Dr. Kevin Maddox is currently the Assistant Superintendent at the Homewood City Board of Education, Alabama, a position he has held since 2012. He is also the Adjunct Professor at Samford University, and has previous experience as a principal at Homewood City Schools (2007-2012), a principal at Talladega County Schools (2003-2007), assistant principal at Talladega County Schools (2001-2003) and a teacher/coach at Talladega County Schools (1996-2001).
“I consider it an honor and a privilege to apply to lead one of the top districts in Alabama,” Maddox stated in his letter to the Board. “… Much like Homewood, Trussville City Schools is a multi-faceted organization with a tradition of sustained excellence. Our districts are very similar in terms of overall size, academic expectations, extracurricular successes, and community support. Because of my diverse experiences working in a similar high performing school district, I feel uniquely qualified and prepared to take on this challenge.”
Dr. Bart Reeves is currently the Alabama Association of Schools Boards Assistant Executive Director/Government Relations, a position he has held since 2021. Formerly, he was Superintendent of Satsuma City Schools in Alabama (2018-2021), High School Principal at Jasper City Schools (2017-2018) and Superintendent of Jasper City Schools (2015-2016), in addition to several other positions in education since 1998.
“After reviewing the Board’s qualifications and expectations, I am convinced that I am a viable candidate with the knowledge, skills, and the ability to lead Trussville City Schools,” Reeves stated in his letter. “Additionally, I am highly motivated, experienced, and ready to take on the responsibilities of becoming your superintendent. I’m currently in my 26th year in education. I have superintendent experience in the Jackson County and Satsuma City School systems. … I’m familiar with Trussville City Schools, its culture, and the high expectations school officials and the community have for its school system. It would be an honor to lead such an esteemed school district.”
Dr. Holly Sutherland is the current Superintendent of Haleyville City Board of Education, Alabama. She has been in this position since 2017. Before that, Sutherland was a principal at Haleyville City Schools (2014-2017), a principal at Hoover City Schools (2008-2014), assistant principal at Hoover City Schools (2006-2008) and a teacher at Hoover City Schools (2001-2005).
“Given my experience as a superintendent, prior leadership experience at multiple levels, advanced level of education, success in the achievement of goals and objectives in the commitment to helping all students succeed, I am prepared to provide an educational experience where students will receive the highest quality education that will ensure future success,” Sutherland’s letter stated. “… I consider myself a visionary leader in student development with a firm understanding of and appreciation for the impressive tradition of excellence that the Trussville school district is known for.”
Mr. Charles (Tony) Willis is currently the Superintendent of the Demopolis City Board of Education in Alabama. He has held this position since 2021. He is also the Supervisor of Accountability at Decatur City Schools, a title he has held since 2020. His previous experience includes principal at Decatur City Schools (2018-2020), principal at Sheffield City Schools (2013-2018), assistant principal at Limestone County Schools (2008-2013), and Dean of Students at Mars Hill Bible School (1996 to 2008).
“It is with much excitement and eagerness that I submit my application and resume for consideration for employment as the superintendent for your outstanding school district,” Willis stated in his letter. “In your flyer, you list five qualities of the ideal leader for your district. I hope that you will find I am able to give both qualitative and quantitative data to strongly support each of the five. … I am involved in the community, and I love few things more than diving into data and finding solutions alongside my team so we can make things better for students and employees. I love what I do, and I would love to work with the wonderful district in Trussville and resolve to become not just one of the best in the state, but work tirelessly until we are the undisputed best district in the state.”
Barber provided each board member with a packet of materials that included the candidates’ transcripts, letters of recommendation, accolades they have received during their careers and more.
Dr. Costanzo said the interviews of the candidates will not be live-streamed, in order to not give some candidates the unfair advantage of listening to interviews that went before them. However, he did say the interviews will be recorded and made available to the public once all interviews have been completed.