MONTGOMERY – (Sept. 2025) Local school board members from northwest 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 8 meeting in Decatur, led by District 8 Director Donna Jones of the Haleyville school board, honored 34 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 8 includes the school boards of Athens, Colbert County, Cullman (City), Cullman County, Decatur, Florence, Franklin County, Haleyville, Hartselle, Lauderdale County, Lawrence County, Limestone County, Morgan County, Muscle Shoals, Russellville, Sheffield, Tuscumbia and Winston 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 8, Colbert, Lauderdale and Limestone counties, as well as Florence were presented with 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 Decatur City Schools Superintendent Michael Douglas as the District 8 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 8 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)
- Toby Harrison, Athens
- Jill Bradberry, Cullman City
- Robert Rogers, Russellville
- Marsha Ricks, Tuscumbia
- Howard Densmore, Winston County
- Kristen McCay, Winston County
Level II (Requires 50 training hours)
- Karen Clem, Athens
- Anthony Townsend, Athens
- Jarrod Johnson, Colbert County
- Carol Murphree, Franklin County
- Brian Vickery, Haleyville
- Titian Scales, Sheffield
Level I & II (Reached all levels in the same year)
- Tammie Haddock, Florence
Level III (Requires 75 training hours)
- Delandrion Woods, Lawrence County
- Cory King, Muscle Shoals
Level I, II & III (Reached all levels in the same year)
- Randy Burns, Lauderdale County
Level IV (Requires 100 training hours and all eight core cores in the Academy)
- Ricky Saint, Colbert County
- Douglas Bachuss, Decatur
- Christopher Humphries, Morgan County
- Sonya Allman, Muscle Shoals
Master (Requires Level IV plus 15 hours, including one additional core course)
- David Yarber, Colbert County, first time
- Lynn Sparks, Florence, first time
- Rachel Winston, Florence, first time
- Donna Jones, Haleyville, first time
- Belinda Maples, Limestone County, first time
- Jacqueline Witt, Colbert County, first time
- Randy Lee, Winston County, second time
- Marilyn Davis, Muscle Shoals, second time
- Mark Finley, Winston County, third time
- John Holley, Morgan County, fifth time
- Thomas Wissert, Florence, sixth time
- Michele King, Decatur, eighth time
- Daniel Patterson, Lauderdale County, ninth time
- Mike Tarpley, Morgan County, twelfth time
Media Release/Tamia Heard/AASB
