Trussville welcomes Superintendent Martin with meet-and-greet, bids heartfelt farewell to Costanzo

By Crystal McGough, Associate Editor

TRUSSVILLE – Trussville City Schools held a public meet-and-greet ceremony on Monday, April 17, 2023, at 3 p.m., to give the community an opportunity to come out and meet the new superintendent of the school system, Dr. Patrick Martin.

(Photo by Crystal McGough)

From parents and students to administrators and teachers, former Board of Education members to current city council members, stakeholders in the community came out to shake hands and get to know their new superintendent while enjoying some light refreshments.

Following the meet-and-greet, the Board of Education held its regular monthly meeting at 5 p.m., where Martin’s superintendent contract was officially approved.

“I’d just like to say that my family, we are all very excited,” Martin said. “We’re excited to be part of the Trussville community and now it’s official after this evening. My children started school today – this was their first day here at Trussville – so, I had the opportunity to go pick up all three. I asked all three how was school today and they loved it. As a father, that’s really all you can ask for.”

Tears were shed as board members then gave a heartfelt farewell to Interim Superintendent Dr. Frank P. Costanzo.

“I’m pretty sure what I say will never be adequate to describe what you meant to Trussville,” Board President Kathy Brown said. “You came and you lead us through some tough times.”

Board Vice President Kim DeShazo seconded the appreciation for Costanzo leading the school system through recent hardships.

“You have been nothing but a godsend for all of us,” DeShazo said. “We have had some really tough times over the last six months, and you came in when you did and just, night one, the calming presence and the confidence and the ability was just immediate. I think all of us just took a deep breath because it’s been so much turmoil and you just calmed those waters quickly.”

Board member Sherrye Tolbert thanked Costanzo specifically for his leadership over the last six months.

“I don’t think we would’ve made it,” Tolbert said. “Every time I would see you, I was like, ‘Can you stay?’”
Finally, board member Dr. Steve Ward expressed his appreciation and respect for Costanzo, educator to educator.

“As a fellow educator, I cannot tell you how much I appreciate what you have done; what you are doing,” Ward said. “You are a true school man, and that’s one of the highest compliments I can pay someone. So, thank you again. It’s a pleasure and honor to have worked with you. I wish you the best.”

Dr. Frank P. Costanzo and his wife Teresa. (Photo by Crystal McGough)

The board presented Costanzo with a proclamation, which read, “Whereas Trussville City Schools has been fortunate to have Dr. Frank Costanzo serve as the Interim Superintendent of Schools Oct. 22, 2022, through April 2023; and whereas Dr. Costanzo has demonstrated a deep commitment to the Trussville City Schools and to ensuring that every student receives an excellent education; and whereas Dr. Costanzo has worked to lead the Trussville City Schools through a challenging time while ensuring that students and staff have a safe learning environment; and whereas Dr. Costanzo’s leadership and dedication has inspired the entire Trussville City Schools community to come together and support our students and staff; Now, therefore, be it proclaimed that Trussville City Schools expresses its deepest gratitude and appreciation to Dr. Frank Costanzo for his exceptional service and dedication and Interim Superintendent.”

City Councilor and liaison Lisa Bright introduced the board to newly appointed BOE member Jason Daniel, giving them a brief bio on his credentials and qualifications.

“Jason currently serves as the vice president for Physician Practice Administration for the UAB Health System,” Bright said. “He has been with UAB for almost 25 years and has served in many capacities during his career. … He is currently serving as a board member and treasurer for Leadership Trussville.

“We thank you (Jason) for applying. Jason applied multiple times and that shows his tenacity to serve on this board and we’re just grateful to have (him) join it and be a part.”

In other business, the board recognized two groups of students with Leadership Hewitt-Trussville who came to present their proposals for school improvement projects.

The students were introduced by Business Education teacher Amber Benson, who said the students were selected for Leadership Hewitt-Trussville after going through an application and interview process.

The first group, consisting of Katherine Andrae, Jia Jones, Bilal Khan and Emma Johnson, presented their proposal for directional signs around the high school campus that would not only be helpful to students, but first responders, as well.

The second group, consisting of Ella Grace Young, Ella Allen, Ava Njoroge and Abby Holloway, proposed “flexible lunch seating” at the high school in the form of counter-top style seating at various locations around the campus.

“This just again shows you what I have seen, that sometimes we take for granted how great our students are,” Dr. Costanzo said after both presentations.

The May monthly Board of Education meeting will be held Monday, May 15, 2023, in the boardroom of the TCS Central Office at 5 p.m. The meeting will be livestreamed on the TCS website.