CLAS School Leader - 2026 Fall Issue

CLAS SCHOOL

Fall 2026 Vol. 54, Iss. 1

CLAS LEADERSHIP

Meet your CLAS president and president-elect.

ETHICAL GIFTING

What gifts can you accept from your students?

ANCHORS AWEIGH

Highlights from the 2026 CLAS Convention.

An EducAtion Is nEvEr Just for You 39 Graduate deGree and CertifiCate OptiOns in eduCatiOn Online and Hybrid Formats Designed for Working Educators

It’s time tO mOve fOrward online.ua.edu/clas

2026-2027 CLAS Board of Directors CLAS Officers President...................................................................Annie Spike Marshall County Schools President-Elect......................................................... Willie Moore Athens High School Past President.................................................Regina Thompson Fairfield City Schools

Alabama Leaders Advocating for English Learners (ALA-EL) Leah Dobbs-Black.................................. Shelby County Schools Alabama Alliance of Black School Educators (AL-ABSE) Bobby Phillips................................. Bush Hills STEAM Academy Senovia Wilson.....................Golden Springs Elementary School

Alabama Association of Secondary School Principals (AASSP)

Alabama Statewide Alliance of Instructional Leaders (ALSAIL)

Daniel Barrentine........................................... Ozark City Schools Cedric Brown........................................... Southside High School David Diaz............................. Mary G. Montgomery High School Mathew Epps............................................... Hoover City Schools Kyle Futral.............................................. Wetumpka High School Robert Jones............. Allen Thornton Career Technology Center Antjuan Marsh...................................... Autauga County Schools Willie Moore.................................................. Athens High School Seth Taylor.................................................... Oxford High School

Lisa Beckham................................................ Samford University Ashley Catrett.................................... Crenshaw County Schools Patrick Chappell............................................................... Retired Sheila Jones......................................Chambers County Schools Carlos Nelson............................................Sheffield City Schools Evelyn Nettles-Hines........................................................ Retired Tiffany Yelder.............................................. Opelika City Schools

Alabama Association of Elementary School Administrators (AAESA)

Michael Alford.............................................. Hoover City Schools Jasmine Green........................................ Huntsville City Schools Melissa Lindsey....................................... Huntsville City Schools Gary Noles.............................................. Blount County Schools

Dana Bottoms............................W J Carroll Intermediate School Veronica Coleman....................... Chastang-Fournier K-8 School Jenny Davis........................... Fairhope West Elementary School Laura Herron....................................Daphne Elementary School Christie Mitten................................ Holly Hill Elementary School Preeti Nichani............ Tuscaloosa Magnet Schools - Elementary Tisha Lewis........................................... Sweetwater High School Sheneta Smith..................................... Howell-Graves Preschool Kimberly White..................................... Gwin Elementary School Alabama Association of Middle School Principals (AAMSP) Tamala Maddox......................................................... i3 Academy April McCutcheon.............. Madison County Career Tech Center Caroline Obert......................................... Huntsville City Schools Ross Reed.........................................Auburn Junior High School Tony Sanders................................................................... Retired Keith York......................................................................... Retired Alabama Council of Administrators of Special Education (ALA-CASE) Charla DeLeo........................................St. Clair County Schools Christy Jackson................................................................ Retired La’Keisha Newsome.................................Henry County Schools Bruce Prescott...................................... Tuscaloosa City Schools Alabama Child Nutrition Directors (ACND) Melinda Bonner........................................... Hoover City Schools Alabama Association of 504 Coordinators (ALA504) Kathryn Black........................................... Hartselle City Schools Annie Spike..........................................Marshall County Schools Richard Templeton........................... Muscle Shoals City Schools

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Alabama Association for Prevention, Attendance and Support Services (AAPASS)

Alabama Association of Career/ Technical Administrators (ACTA) Chris McCullar................... Walker County Center of Technology John Wilson............. Limestone County Career Technical Center School Superintendents of Alabama (SSA) Becky Birdsong.....................................Geneva County Schools Jason Davidson.................................... Jackson County Schools Walter Gonsoulin.................................Jefferson County Schools Wayne Vickers......................................... Alabaster City Schools Cindy Wigley........................................Marshall County Schools Alabama Association of School Personnel Administrators (AASPA) Resia Brooks.......................................... Shelby County Schools Phillip Hazelrig......................................... Blount County Schools Affiliate Presidents Terina Gantt......................................................AASSP President Katie Holland....................................................AAESA President Ashley Bowling................................................ AAMSP President Bruce Prescott............................................ALA-CASE President Casey Partain.................................................... ACND President Ann Marie Batista............................................ ALA-EL President Lisa Adair......................................................... ALSAIL President Michael Alford................................................ AAPASS President Jeremy Knox...................................................... ACTA President Marcia Smiley....................................................... SSA President Latanza Harrison.............................................. AASPA President Kelly McCollough.............................................ALA504 President Regina Thompson........................................ AL-ABSE President 3

ISSUE

contents 06

8

Director’s View

CLAS Leadership

Buses Rolling, Purpose Renewed

Meet Your 2026-27 CLAS President & President-Elect

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14

9 Administrators of the Year

16

CLAS Banner Schools & Schools of Distinction

Can You Receive a Christmas Gift from Your Students?

Certified Instructional Leader Credentials Awarded

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20

21

2026 CLAS Convention Highlights and Photos

Ethically Speaking

NAESP Pre-K-3 Leadership Academy Participants

2026 CLAS Leadership Award

22 Upcoming Events

28 Legal Forum The Duty to Report Child Abuse Versus the Right to Free Speech

39 CLAS Little Red School House Award

34 Partnership Directory CLAS Business Partners with Contact Information

24 ALSDE Update Momentum & Achievement to Start the Year

34 Advocacy Update 2026 Legislative Session Recap

26 Professional Learning Update A Celebration of Leadership

38 CLAS Dr. James A. Street Award

Buses Rolling, Purpose Renewed Dr. Farrell Seymore

DIRECTOR’S

view

CLAS Executive Director Hello CLAS Family, As I write this, another Alabama school year is underway. Parking lots are full before sunrise, buses are rolling, cafeterias are serving breakfast at record speed, and somewhere in Alabama, a principal has already answered three radio calls and helped find a missing backpack. Welcome back to school!

Before we turned the page to a new year, we had the privilege of gathering together in Mobile for another outstanding CLAS Summer Conference.

What an incredible few days! Over 1,000 Alabama educational leaders came together to learn, laugh, reconnect with colleagues, and renew 6

their passion for serving students. Every year I leave our conference reminded that the greatest strength of Alabama education isn’t found in a program, initiative, or piece of legislation—it’s found in the people who choose every day to lead schools.

Thank you to everyone who attended, presented, exhibited, volunteered, and helped make the conference such a tremendous success. Whether you were taking notes during a keynote session, sharing ideas in the hallway between presentations, or simply enjoying conversations with friends you’ve made over the years, you contributed to Fall Issue 2026

an event that continues to strengthen educational leadership across our state.

Now comes the part where all those notebooks full of ideas meet the reality of ringing bells, overflowing email inboxes, and copier jams.

The beginning of every school year is filled with excitement and optimism, but it also brings its share of challenges. Through it all, remember why you chose this profession. Every decision you make, every conversation you have, and every student you encourage has the potential to change a life.

School leadership isn’t always easy, but it is always meaningful. Your influence extends far beyond classrooms and hallways. You shape school culture, support teachers, inspire students, and strengthen communities.

I continue to be inspired by the remarkable work happening in schools across Alabama. I have the privilege of visiting campuses throughout our state, and I am constantly reminded that our members are among the finest educational leaders anywhere in the nation. Thank you for your unwavering commitment to excellence and your dedication to serving students.

As we begin this new school year, know that CLAS stands beside you. We are committed to providing the professional learning, advocacy, resources, and support you need to lead successfully. More importantly, we are committed to reminding you that you are never leading alone.

Thank you for all you do for Alabama’s children. I hope this year is filled with meaningful victories and joyful moments. Have a wonderful school year.

We’re cheering you on every step of the way!

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Meet Your 2026-2027 CLAS President CLAS proudly welcomes Dr. Annie Spike as the 2026–2027 CLAS President, effective July 1, 2026.

As Deputy Superintendent of Marshall County Schools, Dr. Spike brings more than three decades of experience in Alabama public education, with a career built on strong advocacy for students with exceptional needs and steady, hands-on leadership across her district.

Dr. Spike was nominated for the CLAS presidency by the Alabama Council of Administrators of Special Educators (ALA-CASE), an organization she has served in nearly every officer capacity over the past two decades. Her election reflects a career defined by consistent, hands-on service to Alabama’s special education community and to CLAS itself.

A dedicated educator and administrator, Dr. Spike holds a Doctor of Education from Samford University, an Educational Specialist degree and a Master of Arts from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and a Bachelor of Science from Auburn University. Her career began in the classroom as a

Meet Your 2026-2027 CLAS President-Elect

2027–2028.

CLAS proudly welcomes Mr. Willie Moore as the 2026–2027 CLAS President-Elect. Currently Executive Principal of Athens High School in Athens City Schools, Mr. Moore steps into this role after more than three decades in Alabama public education, with a career built on strong instructional leadership and a deep record of service to his profession. He will assume the CLAS presidency in

Mr. Moore was nominated for the CLAS presidency by AASSP (Alabama Association of Secondary School Principals), where he served as President in 2025–2026 following a term as President-Elect the year prior. His election reflects a career defined by strong instructional leadership and consistent service to Alabama’s school administrators.

Mr. Moore’s educational background includes coursework in Instructional Leadership from Alabama State University, Driver/Traffic Safety from Jacksonville State University, and 8

teacher with Blount County Schools in 1990, followed by a role as 504/At-Risk Contact for the district. She then moved to Marshall County Schools, where she served as Special Education Supervisor for two decades before being named Deputy Superintendent in 2019, a role she has held ever since.

An active CLAS member since 2002 and CLAS Board Member since 2017, Dr. Spike also serves as CLAS Membership Coordinator for Marshall County Schools. Her leadership reaches well beyond CLAS: she is Past President and an Executive Board Member of the Alabama Association of 504 Coordinators (ALA504), and she has served ALACASE in nearly every officer role — Treasurer, PresidentElect, President, Past President, and currently Secretary and Executive Board Member. She is also a member of the School Superintendents of Alabama (SSA) and the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC), belongs to the Beeson Society at Samford University, and co-chairs the Marshall County Children’s Services Facilitation Team.

As CLAS President, Dr. Spike brings deep expertise in special education leadership, a long record of service to Alabama’s professional organizations, and a genuine commitment to the students and administrators of Marshall County and beyond. We are honored to welcome her leadership and look forward to all she will bring to CLAS in the year ahead.

Special Education Learning Disabilities from The University of Alabama. His career began as a teacher and coach at West Blocton High School in Bibb County in 1995, followed by a role as teacher, coach, and assistant athletic director at Bibb County High School. He moved into administration as Principal of Dallas County High School in 2015, then joined Athens City Schools in 2018 as Academy Principal before being named Executive Principal of Athens High School in 2020, a position he has held ever since.

Mr. Moore’s leadership within the profession runs deep.

He served as President of AASSP in 2025–2026 and President-Elect the year prior, following four years as District 8 President (2019–2023) and a term as District 8 Vice President in 2018. He was named District 8 Principal of the Year twice, in 2021 and again in 2024, and was a State Principal of the Year finalist in 2025. He has been a member of NPA (National Principals Association, formerly the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) since 2015, served as an Excellent Schools Coordinator from 2015–2018, and led Athens High School to CLAS Banner School status from 2021–2023.

As CLAS President-Elect, Mr. Moore brings proven instructional leadership, a strong track record of recognition among his peers, and a genuine commitment to Alabama’s school leaders. We are honored to welcome him into this role and look forward to his continued leadership as he prepares to take the helm of CLAS. Fall Issue 2026

Administrators of the Year Kelli Fischer, Principal Opelika High School Opelika City Schools Sponsor:

Heather Bardwell, Principal Mountain Gap Middle School Huntsville City Schools Sponsor:

Preeti Nichani, Principal Tuscaloosa Magnet Schools - Elementary Tuscaloosa City Schools Sponsor:

Brenda Box, Assistant Principal Mary G. Montgomery High School Mobile County Schools Sponsor:

Clint Brannon, Assistant Principal Sardis Middle School Etowah County Schools Sponsor:

Erica Cruthirds, Assistant Principal Florence B. Mathis Elementary School Baldwin County Schools Sponsor: Fall Issue 2026

High School Principal of the Year

A ASSP 2026

Middle School Principal of the Year

A ASSP 2026

Alabama’s NAESP National Distinguished Principal

A A ESA 2026

High School Assistant Principal of the Year

A ASSP 2026

Middle School Assistant Principal of the Year

A ASSP 2026

Alabama’s NAESP National Outstanding Assistant Principal

A A ESA 2026 9

AI & Workforce Readiness

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Woz STEM Career Pathways Curriculum

Classroom to Career High School Program

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Learn more about AI & Career Readiness for AL Students!

Contact your Alabama Partner in the classroom, Shoney Brice, to schedule a live demonstration or receive a quote. shoney@powerupedu.com 205.203.8800 10

www.PowerUpEDU.com

Fall Issue 2026

Sponsors:

C L A S

B A N N E R

S C H O O L S

The CLAS Banner School Award originated in 2001 with the purpose of identifying, recognizing, and publicizing schools with outstanding educational programs which serve as models across our state. Recognition is among all State School Board districts, with exemplary schools selected from each district as a CLAS School of Distinction. Eight Banner Schools are selected from the Schools of Distinction, one from each district. The Schools of Distinction were honored at an awards luncheon in May where the Banner Schools were announced. The honored principals and superintendents were recognized and presented with a CLAS banner to display in their school signifying this distinguished honor.

Alma Bryant High School

Houston County Career Academy

Sylacauga High School

STARS Academy

Tuskegee Public School

Brindlee Mountain Elementary School

Florence Middle School

Mountain Gap Middle School

Agriculture Mobile County Schools

Blooming in SEL Tuscaloosa City Schools

Falcon Period Florence City Schools

Fall Issue 2026

Cow Pals Houston County Schools

RADAR Character Initiative Macon County Schools

Extended Time to Level Up Sylacauga City Schools

Momentum that Matters Marshall County Schools

Advisory for the Win: Growing Student Leaders and a Positive School Culture Huntsville City Schools 11

Sponsors:

DISTRICT 1

D I S T I N C T I O N

Dauphin Junior High School

Grand Bay Middle School

Semmes Elementary School

DISTRICT 2

O F

Mount Olive Primary School

Opelika High School

Russell County Middle School

DISTRICT 3

S C H O O L S

Fayetteville School

Helena Middle School

Meadow View Elementary School

DISTRICT 4

C L A S

Skyland Elementary School

Tuscaloosa Magnet Schools-Elementary

Westlawn Middle School

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Fins Up Culture Enterprise City Schools

Book Fairy Challenge: Inspiring Accuracy, Stamina, and Love of Books Russell County Schools

Forged in Gold: The Wolf Trading Card Company Talladega County Schools

The Power of Four Tuscaloosa City Schools

Power of ICU Mobile County Schools

DIG Advisory Period Opelika City Schools

Medical Detectives Shelby County Schools

Beyond the Classroom Initiative Tuscaloosa City Schools

Eagle Eye Digital Media Mobile County Schools

Warrior Wellness: Building Resilience, One Student at a Time Russell County Schools

International Coffee Trolley Alabaster City Schools

Twilight Transforming a School’s Culture through Character Education Tuscaloosa City Schools Fall Issue 2026

DISTRICT 5

George P. Austin Junior High School

Pine Level Elementary School

Robert E. Lee Elementary School

DISTRICT 6

Cherokee County High School

Cold Springs High School

Lincoln Elementary School

DISTRICT 7

Harlan Elementary School

Hatton Elementary School

L. E. Willson Elementary School

DISTRICT 8

Fort Payne High School

Hampton Cove Elementary School

Roger B. Chaffee Elementary School

Mad Scientist Hour Linden City Schools

ACT Bootcamp Cherokee County Schools

Read to Right: Reading Makes Everything Right Florence City Schools

Forging the Future: How the BEAT Center is Revolutionizing CTE Fort Payne City Schools

Fall Issue 2026

Cultivate More Autauga County Schools

1936 Club Cullman County Schools

Fast Track Fridays Colbert County Schools

Parade of Readers Huntsville City Schools

Milestones and Masterpieces Satsuma City Schools

The House that Character Built: Developing Community with Heart and Service Talladega County Schools

PUSH Leadership Sheffield City Schools

Number Ninjas Huntsville City Schools

13

Ethically Speaking & Mark Boardman

Attorney Boardman, Carr, Petelos, Watkins & Ogle & Howard, P.C.

Christy Boardman Kuklinski Attorney Balch & Bingham LLP

C A N YO U R EC E I V E A C H R I ST M A S G I F T F R O M YO U R ST U D E N TS ?

A topic of great interest this time of year is what the Ethics Act says about receiving gifts. What seems to be a matter of generosity can become entangled in the requirements of the Alabama Ethics Act. Under the Alabama Ethics Act, as an employee of a board of education, you are either a public official or a public employee.

The Alabama Ethics Act says: “No public official or public employee shall solicit or receive anything for himself or herself or for a family member . . . for the purpose of corruptly influencing official action, regardless of whether or not the thing solicited or received is a thing of value.”

(Alabama Code section 36-25-7(b)) According to the Act, the gift giver has also committed a crime if the purpose of the gift is for corrupt influence.

Let’s examine a few scenarios.

SCENARIO: I received a gift card from one of my students as a Christmas gift. Have I violated the Ethics Act?

ANSWER: The Alabama Ethics Commission says accepting a gift of a “de minimis” value is not a violation of the Ethics Act. Advisory Opinion No. 2011-12, Opinion to Sally B. Howell, Executive Director, Alabama Association of School Boards, Dec. 7, 2011, page 24. Alabama Code Section 36-25-1(11) 14

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defines a “de minimis value” as a value of twenty-five dollars ($25) or less. The statute says that amount will increase with inflation. The Alabama Ethics Commission voted on December 9, 2022, that the “de minimis” amount is $32.00 per occasion and $64.00 total for a calendar year, due to inflation.

law’s “safe harbor” requires gifts, regardless of the source, to be of a de minimis value only. Advisory Opinion No. 2011-12, Opinion to Sally B. Howell, Executive Director, Alabama Association of School Boards, Dec. 7, 2011, page 24. The Commission presumes that gifts with a “de minimis” value are not a “personal gain” and are not being given for the purpose of corruptly influencing action absent additional facts indicating such a motive or gain. Advisory Opinion No. 2016-34, Opinion to Thomas B. Albritton, Executive Director, Alabama Ethics Commission, Oct. 5, 2016, page 4.

Alabama Ethics Commission Advisory Opinion No. 2011-12 reflects the thin line that educators walk when accepting Christmas gifts from students. Although it is not unreasonable to expect that students will bring teachers gifts, the gifts must be reasonable. Many harbor a common misconception that only legislators and public officials are prohibited from accepting gifts of value. However, the Ethics Law does not make a distinction between public officials and public employees. The

The Ethics Commission provided examples, while not all inclusive, of types of gifts that are acceptable for teachers to receive, such as fruit baskets, homemade cookies, Christmas ornaments of little intrinsic value, coffee mugs, items to assist the teacher in performing his or her functions as a teacher, CDs or books of a nominal value, and scarves. Advisory Opinion No. 2011-12, Opinion to Sally B. Howell, Executive Director, Alabama Association of School Boards, Dec. 7, 2011, page 15.

SCENARIO: What if Johnny gives me a Christmas coffee cup with a note from Johnny’s mother that says, “I hope to see Johnny selected as Class Representative!”

ANSWER: The Alabama Ethics Commission noted in Advisory Opinion No. 201112 that nothing may be given if it is an attempt to influence action by the teacher. Accepting a gift of any value, including a mere coffee cup, is a violation of the Ethics Act if the facts indicate the gift is in exchange for corrupt action or inaction by the teacher. Again, Alabama’s ethics law does not make a distinction between an elected official such as a legislator and a person employed by a board of education. The Ethics Act applies to both.

The language of the Ethics Commission explains this best: While it is clearly understood that nothing may be given in an attempt to corruptly influence official action, there are subtle ways to attempt to influence official action.

The suggestion that it is harmless for a school child to give a Christmas gift to their teacher ignores the potential for abuse.

Suppose for example that a Junior High school child is struggling and hopes by giving a nice gift to the teacher, the teacher will reward them with a better grade. Or that the High School Senior who is attempting to get into a quality college, does the same thing.

Finally, what of a college senior who is attempting to get into Harvard Law School?

These examples illustrate the potential for abuse. What started off as a simple gift now may be attempting to corruptly influence official action.

Advisory Opinion No. 2011-12, Opinion of Sally Brewer Howell, Executive Director, Alabama Ethics Commission, December 7, 2011, Page 16.

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The Certified Instructional Leader credentials are awarded annually during the Awards Session at the CLAS Convention.The following individuals received their Certified Instructional Leader credential this year:

Certified Instructional Leader Credentials Awarded

Nate Ayers Russellville City

In 2013, the CLAS Board of Directors established the Certified Instructional Leader (CIL) program. This program is designed to identify school or district administrators who demonstrate the knowledge and skills which are essential to the practice of effective instructional leadership.

SM

LEADER

C E RT I F I E D

AL

For the twelfth year of this program, 9 participants were selected after an extensive application and review process. The 2025-2026 cohort began C in June 2025 with quarterly face-toS TRU T I ON IN face meetings. Candidates were required to implement learned content in their school and/or district and meet benchmarks on student growth and achievement, school culture, strategic management, effective instructional practices, and ethical leadership.

A CIL Commission was established to be an independent certifying body, which is responsible for the governance of the program, policies, and standards related to the CIL credential. This unique CIL program is administered by members of the CLAS staff who implement the policies. The CIL faculty delivers the identified content.

After completing extensive coursework and providing evidence of systemic, systemized, job-embedded implementation for competent instructional leadership, CIL participants met with the CIL Commission to determine their CIL credential status as “Accepted” or “Not Accepted: Revisions Needed.”

Paula Bruno

Indian Valley Elementary Sylacauga City

Marquetta Gradford-Hope Columbia High Huntsville City

Jeremy Knox Pike County

Kay Lancaster

Chickasaw Middle/High Chickasaw City

Debbie McCauley Woodland Elementary Randolph County

Amy Richardson Rock Mills Junior High Randolph County

Demetrius Scott Moody Intermediate St. Clair County

Natalie Smith Huntsville City

Ramona Robinson and Dr. Linda Felton-Smith served as faculty members. The 2025-2026 CIL Commission members were Daniel Barrentine, Veronica Coleman, Charles Gardner, Jason Golden, Eric Kirkman, April McCutcheon, Orletta Rush, and Alice Turney.

If you are interested in pursuing the Certified Instructional Leader (CIL) credential, please visit the CIL webpage at clasleaders.org/CIL for detailed information. The application process will open in April 2027 for the 2027-2028 cohort.

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Fall Issue 2026

Ethically Speaking Continued

SCENARIO:

SCENARIO:

Must I refuse a gift that I suspect exceeds $25?

What if the class, rather than an individual student, purchases a substantial gift for the teacher?

ANSWER: Not necessarily. A gift that exceed $25, in particular given by multiple students, probably does not violate the law, especially if no single student gave more than $25.

Likewise, since the Ethics Commission says that items which a teacher may use in the classroom are acceptable gifts, and given how expensive those items can be, something for use in the classroom may not be a violation of the law. If in doubt, you may decide to share the gift with other teachers or donate it to the school, rather than keep it yourself. If you do that, you have not taken ownership of the gift.

The Alabama Ethics Commission wrote in Advisory Opinion No. 2016-34 that the purpose of the Ethics Act is to prevent official corruption. The facts of each situation surrounding the giving and receipt of the gift are relevant. When the facts make it clear that the gift is not in exchange for any action, inaction, or decision by the teacher in the discharge of his or her official duties, then those facts mitigate a finding of an attempt to corruptly influence official action. In situations that are less than clear, the best course of action remains keeping the gift under the “de minimis” amount. Advisory Opinion No. 2016-34, Opinion to Thomas B. Albritton, Executive Director, Alabama Ethics Commission, Oct. 5, 2016, page 4.

Fall Issue 2026

ANSWER: Allowing the class as a whole to purchase the gift enables the class to give a substantial gift to the teacher while maintaining a de minimis value contributed by each student. Advisory Opinion No. 2011-12 says school boards may enact a policy which allows students to contribute a de minimis amount towards a gift from the class, provided the policy is reasonable, done in good faith and complies with the de minimis requirements in the Alabama Ethics Law. Understandably, most teachers would insist that receiving a gift from a student would not affect the teacher’s duties in any way. However, as the Ethics Commission opinions indicate, whether intentional or non-intentional, there remains potential for abuse. There also exists a potential argument of bias by other students and parents although the teacher would adamantly disagree. This Ethics Law protects teachers from such a situation.

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Fall Issue 2026

The 2026 CLAS Convention set sail June 14–17 in Mobile, Alabama, bringing Alabama’s education leaders together under the year’s theme, “Anchored in Purpose. Driven to Lead.” Attendees were energized by powerful keynotes from Gerry Brooks, Hamish Brewer, and Krystal Hardy Allen, each bringing unique insight, inspiration, and impact to the stage. From transformative sessions and packed exhibit halls to rich networking moments, the convention charted a course for a truly blockbuster professional learning experience.

Fair winds until next time — plans are already underway to reconvene for the 2027 CLAS Convention in Birmingham!

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NAESP Pre-K-3 Leadership Academy Participants The NAESP Pre-K-3 Leadership Academy™ is a yearlong program designed to promote and build the capacity of principals and program directors to lead Pre-K-3 communities. The NAESP Pre-K-3 Leadership Academy™ is provided in partnership with CLAS and the Alabama

Department of Early Childhood Education. The NAESP Pre-K-3 Leadership Academy™ has been offered in Alabama since 2017.

A dedicated team of experienced Pre-K-3 advisors helps provide mentorship and guidance to participants throughout the year. The 2025-2026 cohort advisors were Paula Bruno, Tanya Guin, Waller Martin, Dena Mayfield, Haley Moore, Kara Scholl, Camille Wright, and Tracey Wray.

The following NAESP Pre-K-3 Leadership Academy™ participants were recognized at the 2026 CLAS Convention during the Awards Session on June 16, 2026.

Alabama’s NAESP Pre-K-3 Leadership Academy Participants Tracy Berry

Eufaula Primary Eufaula City

Tanya Boone

Tisha Lewis

Nedjra Russell

Sweet Water High Marengo County

West Madison Pre-K Center Madison City

Holtville Elementary Elmore County

Early Learning Curriculum Support Birmingham City

LaShaunta’ Matthews

Elizabeth Shaddix

Tara Boyd

Tiffany Moore Adams

Jason Simmons

Forest Hills Community Development Center Fairfield City

Blount Elementary Montgomery County

Gerald Pace

Cullman City Primary Cullman City Webster Elementary Muscle Shoals City

Amanda Smith

Myeshia Glover Brooks

Leroy High Washington County

Geneva County Elementary Geneva County

Christi Butler

Einstein’s Playground

Monica Patton

La’Terika Anniece Smith

Teisha Pessoa

Jessica Thompson

Wetumpka Elementary Elmore County

Center Point Elementary Jefferson County

Sharod Campbell Central Elementary Lowndes County

Marie Chastain Asbury Elementary Marshall County

Cindy Cleveland

Indian Valley Elementary Sylacauga City

Resurrection Catholic

Wesley Pounders

Highland Park Elementary Muscle Shoals City

Shalonda Reed Arcadia Elementary Tuscaloosa City

Jaclyn Rivers

Birmingham City

Oakman Elementary Walker County

Jacob Walker

New Bethel Elementary Colbert County

Cyndal Whiten

Pike Road Elementary Pike Road City

Sylacauga City

Jerri Dutton

Curry Elementary Walker County

Carrie “Beth” Ferrell Parkside Elementary Cullman County

Leslie Howard

Anna Booth Elementary Mobile County

Patricia Key

Valley Junior High Walker County 20

Fall Issue 2026

CLAS Honors Justin Hefner with 2026 CLAS Leadership Award

Additional Leadership Award Nominees

Dr. Justin Hefner, Superintendent of Homewood City Schools, has been named the recipient of the 2026 CLAS Leadership Award, presented at the 2026 CLAS Convention. This prestigious award recognizes exemplary school and district leaders for their outstanding service, leadership, and contributions to public education in Alabama. Dr. Hefner, who represents the Alabama Statewide Alliance of Instructional Leaders (ALSAIL), was selected by a committee of CLAS Board of Directors members from a field of nine nominees.

Alabama Association of Elementary School Administrators (AAESA)

As president of ALSAIL, Dr. Hefner provided steady, visionary leadership during a pivotal period in the organization’s history, guiding its transition from the Alabama Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (AASCD) to ALSAIL. Through thoughtful collaboration, strategic planning, and transparent communication, he led a comprehensive organizational rebrand that preserved member engagement, maintained stability, and positioned the organization for continued growth.

Dr. Hefner’s influence reaches well beyond Homewood City Schools. As chairperson of the Alabama Literacy Task Force, he has led development of the Continuum for Teacher Development in the Science of Reading and guided statewide reviews of literacy interventions and assessments for K-3 students. He also serves on the Accountability Task Force, contributing expertise to the refinement of Alabama’s school report cards and accountability measures alongside the Alabama State Department of Education, state legislators, educators, and community stakeholders.

Jasmine Green

Alabama Association for Prevention, Attendance and Support Services (AAPASS)

Sheneta Smith

Willie Moore

Alabama Association of Secondary School Principals (AASSP)

April McCutcheon

Alabama Association of Middle School Principals (AAMSP)

Stephanie Dillard

Alabama Child Nutrition Directors (ACND)

Dr. Dell Goodwin

Alabama Association of School Personnel Administrators (AASPA)

Dr. Todd Freeman

School Superintendents of Alabama (SSA)

Dr. Bruce Prescott

Alabama Council of Administrators of Special Education (ALA-CASE)

The CLAS Leadership Award is sponsored annually by Horace Mann, a longtime CLAS partner dedicated to supporting educational excellence. Horace Mann also served as an Official Convention Sponsor of the 2026 CLAS Convention. At the convention, representative Yahrasiel Colbert presented Dr. Hefner with a $1,000 check, honoring his leadership and outstanding contributions to Alabama education.

Congratulations to Dr. Justin Hefner on this well-earned recognition. His impact on students, educators, and communities across the state is a powerful example of leadership in action.

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Upcoming Events September 2026

Leadership Institute: ALSDE Safety Nuggets and Updates Mobile, AL

OCT 20

Leadership Institute: ALSDE Safety Nuggets and Updates Prattville, AL

OCT 21

Leadership Institute: ALSDE Safety Nuggets and Updates Florence, AL

OCT 22

AASPA Fall Drive-In Alabaster, AL

OCT 23

Lunch & Learn: Understanding PowerSchool and Attendance Webinar

OCT 28

LEArn & LEAd Montgomery, AL

SEP 02

New Principals Institute Prattville, AL

SEP 08-09

ALA504 Empower Hour #1 Webinar

SEP 16

Leadership Institute: Building a Responsibility-Centered School Culture Daphne, AL

SEP 22

ALSAIL WE Lead Alabama Alabaster, AL

SEP 24

Leadership Institute: Building a Responsibility-Centered School Culture Prattville, AL

SEP 23

Leadership Institute: Building a Responsibility-Centered School Culture Florence, AL

SEP 24

Leadership Institute: Ready for Real Life Huntsville, AL

NOV 03

LEArn & LEAd Alabaster, AL

SEP 28

Leadership Institute: Ready for Real Life Prattville, AL

NOV 04

CLAS Culture Training (Day 1 of 2) Montevallo, AL

SEP 29

Leadership Institute: Ready for Real Life Daphne, AL

Lunch & Learn: Leading Forward: They Need to See You Webinar

SEP 30

NOV 05

ALSAIL Curriculum & Instruction Fall Bootcamp Virtual

NOV 05

AASSP/AAMSP Fall Conference Orange Beach, AL

NOV 08-11

October 2026

November 2026

Aspiring School Leaders Academy (2026-2027 Cohort) Yearlong Cohort, Blended

OCT 01

AAESA Fall Instructional Leadership Conference Orange Beach, AL

NOV 15-18

ALA-CASE Fall Conference Orange Beach, AL

OCT 04-07

ALA504 Empower Hour #2 Webinar

NOV 18

AAMSP Virtual Professional Learning Series 2 of 4 Virtual Meeting

OCT 20

Lunch & Learn: From Core to More: Making MTSS Tiered Instruction Work Webinar

NOV 20

December 2026

22

CLAS Administrative Professionals Conference Orange Beach, AL

DEC 02-03

ALA504 Winter Conference Birmingham, AL

DEC 03-04 Fall Issue 2026

January 2027

March 2027

Leadership Institute: What’s Going on in the Area of Special Education Law? Huntsville, AL

JAN 12

Leadership Institute: What’s Going on in the Area of Special Education Law? Prattville, AL

JAN 13

Leadership Institute: What’s Going on in the Area of Special Education Law? Daphne, AL

JAN 14

ALA504 Empower Hour #3 Webinar

JAN 20

AASPA Winter Conference Montgomery, AL

JAN 20-22

LEArn & LEAd Alabaster, AL

JAN 21

ALSAIL Winter Conference Orange Beach, AL

JAN 24-26

CLAS Assistant Principals Conference Orange Beach, AL

JAN 27-28

February 2027

CLAS Law Conference Prattville, AL

MAR 04

CLAS Culture Training (Day 2 of 2) Montevallo, AL

MAR 05

Lunch & Learn: Ethical Leadership Webinar

MAR 05

Leadership Institute: Leading the Right Work: Building Highly Effective Teams That Drive Student Learning Huntsville, AL

MAR 10

Leadership Institute: Leading the Right Work: Building Highly Effective Teams That Drive Student Learning Prattville, AL

MAR 11

Leadership Institute: Leading the Right Work: Building Highly Effective Teams That Drive Student Learning Mobile, AL

MAR 12

April 2027 Leadership Institute: Intro to Conscious Leadership Florence, AL

APR 06

Leadership Institute: Intro to Conscious Leadership Prattville, AL

APR 07

AL-ABSE State Conference Birmingham, AL

FEB 02-04

Leadership Institute: Intro to Conscious Leadership Mobile, AL

APR 08

ALA-CASE Spring Conference Birmingham, AL

FEB 07-09

ACTA Spring Conference Orange Beach, AL

APR 14-17

CLAS Assistant Principals Conference Prattville, AL

FEB 10-11

AAMSP Virtual Professional Learning Series 4 of 4 Virtual Meeting

APR 20

Leadership Institute: Inside Out Leadership: Setting the Tone for your School Florence, AL

FEB 17

Lunch & Learn: Standards-Based Grading Webinar

APR 21

Leadership Institute: Inside Out Leadership: Setting the Tone for your School Prattville, AL

FEB 18

May 2027

ALSAIL Curriculum & Instruction Spring Bootcamp Virtual

FEB 18

Leadership Institute: Inside Out Leadership: Setting the Tone for your School Mobile, AL

FEB 19

AAMSP Virtual Professional Learning Series 3 of 4 Virtual Meeting

FEB 23

ALA504 Empower Hour #4 Webinar

FEB 24

Lunch & Learn: Human Resources Webinar

FEB 25

Fall Issue 2026

Lunch & Learn: State Legislative Update Webinar

MAY 20

June 2027 CLAS Convention Birmingham, AL

JUN 13-16

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MOMENTUM & ACHIEVEMENT TO START THE YEAR Dr. Eric Mackey

Alabama State Superintendent of Education School is officially back in session across Alabama, and if you’ve been anywhere near a school zone lately, you already know it. Classrooms are full, buses are rolling along their routes, and freshly sharpened pencils have found their way into the hands of our amazing students.

The start of a new school year has always carried a special kind of energy...and no...it’s not all about football!

The energy I am referring to is the renewed purpose and the promise of what is possible when students, educators, families and communities work together for the good of public education.

This year, Alabama educators and students enter classrooms across the state with more than anticipation.

It enters with momentum. Recent academic results offer encouraging signs that Alabama students are continuing to move forward. Preliminary results from the Alabama Comprehensive Assessment Program (ACAP) show improvement in several key areas, including growth in science and noteworthy gains among eighth-grade students, a segment of our student population that I am particularly interested in.

Science proficiency increased in every grade tested.

The percentage of fourth-grade students reaching proficiency rose from 43 percent to 51 percent. Sixthgrade proficiency climbed from 35 percent to 41 percent, and eighth-grade proficiency jumped from 41 percent to 54 percent. This established a new floor with updated assessment and cut scores, but we hope it signals that our many STEM efforts are coming together to improve science achievement.

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These results are especially encouraging because they came during the first school year in which Alabama’s new science course of study was required statewide. With the unwavering support of the Alabama State Board of Education, schools are working with newly adopted textbooks, updated academic standards and a redesigned assessment with new achievement-level cut scores.

Often, major changes in standards and testing lead to an initial decline in scores as teachers and students adjust. Usually when we do new standard setting, we actually see it go backwards, and then you build again.

Not here… Alabama experienced just the opposite. Instead of stepping backward, Alabama students moved ahead!

The science assessment measures more than students’ ability to memorize vocabulary or recall facts. It also asks them to examine information, reason through problems and apply scientific principles. That makes the results an important indication that students are not simply learning more science; they are developing the thinking skills needed to understand and respond to an increasingly complex world.

Fall Issue 2026

a difference. That has been a goal of mine for years. Of course, we still have a lot of ground to cover; however, I am happy to see these flickers of improvement in the middle school grades. Teachers, principals, superintendents and support professionals across the state deserve credit for placing a renewed focus on these students. Middle school is a critical bridge between the foundational learning of elementary school, and the greater academic and career oriented demands of high school.

Science was not the only area in which Alabama students made progress. Eighth-grade students improved in English language arts and mathematics too!

English language arts proficiency among eighth graders increased from 55 percent to 59 percent, while mathematics proficiency rose from 25 percent to 27 percent. Since 2023, eighth-grade proficiency has grown from 50 percent to 59 percent in English language arts and from 21 percent to 27 percent in mathematics.

These percentages also tell a larger story. For years, Alabama has worked to address concerns about academic performance in the middle grades. Fourthgrade improvements often received attention, while eighth-grade results have remained flat or declined.

These latest scores suggest that the attention being given to middle-school students is beginning to make

Fall Issue 2026

Alabama’s national eighth-grade rankings remind us that improvement cannot lead to complacency. Yes, we acknowledge areas in need of improvement, but we also celebrate our achievements. Think of it this way, every percentage-point increase represents not numbers, but students; students who have reached an important academic milestone.

At the high school level, students also improved on the ACT with writing, which is administered to all Alabama public school juniors. In fact, Alabama is one of only 10 states that administers the ACT with writing statewide. The average composite score increased from 17.31 to 17.65. Although we’ve not yet reached our long-term goal of an average composite score above 18, we are experiencing momentum in the right direction.

Alabama’s students are also gaining recognition beyond statewide assessments. During the first year of the state’s partnership with National Math Stars, 307 Alabama families submitted applications, making Alabama the organization’s

Continued on Page 31

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Dr. Demica Sanders CLAS Director of Professional Learning

Professional

Learning Update

A Celebration of Leadership: Reflections from the 2026 CLAS Convention The 2026 CLAS Convention brought educational leaders from across Alabama together in Mobile for four days of learning, collaboration, and inspiration. This year’s convention was centered on the theme “Anchored in Purpose. Driven to Lead.” It provided school and district leaders with meaningful opportunities to strengthen their leadership practice, connect with colleagues, and gain new ideas to support student success. As Alabama’s premier leadership event, the convention once again demonstrated the power of bringing leaders together to learn from one another and focus on what matters most.

Throughout the convention, participants engaged in a wide variety of general sessions, clinic sessions, and networking opportunities designed to address the challenges and opportunities facing today’s schools. Sessions focused on topics such as instructional leadership, school climate and culture, student achievement, legal updates, strategic planning, and wellness.

Whether attendees were new administrators or seasoned leaders, there was something for everyone. Participants left sessions with practical strategies, valuable resources, and fresh perspectives that can be applied immediately in their schools and districts.

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Fall Issue 2026

The keynote speakers delivered powerful messages that resonated with leaders at every level. Gerry Brooks challenged participants to be intentional about the culture they create and the influence they have on those around them. Hamish Brewer encouraged leaders to embrace resilience and continue pushing forward despite obstacles, reminding us that meaningful change requires persistence and courage. Krystal Hardy Allen’s message reinforced the importance of leading with purpose and remaining committed to the work of serving students, educators, and communities.

Together, these speakers inspired attendees to reflect on their leadership journey and embrace the opportunities ahead.

One of the greatest strengths of the CLAS Convention continues to be the opportunity for leaders to connect with one another. Across sessions, meals, and informal conversations, participants shared successes, discussed challenges, and exchanged ideas that will continue to influence their work long after the convention ended. Educational leadership can often feel isolating, but events like the CLAS Convention remind us that we are part of a larger community of professionals who are committed to supporting one another and advancing education throughout Alabama.

continue to influence leadership practices across Alabama, ensuring that schools remain places where both students and educators can thrive. Anchored in purpose and driven to lead, Alabama’s school leaders are well-positioned for another successful year.

Purpose.

D r i v e n Lead.

Anchored in To

So, as you begin making preparations for the 20262027 school year, mark your calendars for the 2027 CLAS Convention, which will be held in the Magic City of Birmingham, AL, June 13-16, 2027.

The convention also provided an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the outstanding work taking place in schools across the state. During the awards sessions, exceptional principals, assistant principals, and educational leaders were honored for their contributions to students, schools, and communities.

These recognitions served as a powerful reminder of the incredible talent, dedication, and innovation that exist throughout Alabama’s public schools.

As the 2026 CLAS Convention came to a close, participants left energized, encouraged, and ready to begin a new school year. More than a conference, the convention served as a reminder of the collective impact educational leaders have when they remain focused on their purpose and committed to continuous growth. The learning, conversations, and connections made throughout the week will

Fall Issue 2026

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The Duty to Report Child Abuse Versus the Right to Free Speech A school administrator with responsibility for special education programming worked in a high school in Texas. His direct supervisor was the high school principal. After the occurrence of several events during the school year, the administrator was terminated from his position. The administrator sued his principal, the superintendent, the school district, and two teachers, alleging that his termination was retaliation for reporting child abuse and participating in child abuse investigations. The federal district court granted the school defendants’ motion to dismiss for failure to state a claim, and the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeal affirmed the motion to dismiss. This commentary is based upon the events discussed in Castille v. Port Arthur ISD, 2026 WL 507783 (5th Circuit).

Early in the academic year, the administrator learned that a special education teacher withheld lunch from a student as a means of discipline. Another incident soon occurred with another teacher vigorously overturning a student’s table, emptying the student’s backpack, ripping papers, and tossing other items on the floor, as the student cried. The court report did not mention whether the administrator interceded when the incidents occurred. However, the administrator provided the principal with documentation about these incidents. In a subsequent meeting, the principal and administrator met to review the video of the teacher flipping the student’s table, and the principal redirected the administrator in how he described the incident.

A few weeks later, the administrator intervened to stop a fight between students. The principal suspended the administrator for three days with pay during an investigation, for failure to attempt to deescalate the fight between the two boys. In December, a Child Protective Service agent interviewed the administrator in the principal’s presence about the alleged child abuse represented by the first two incidents involving special education teachers.

After the administrator borrowed two “fogger” machines from the school district’s warehouse to sanitize the auditorium in December, a school official asked the administrator to provide a written statement about the handling of the machines. Soon, the superintendent told the administrator that he was being suspended without pay,

Continued on Page 33

LEGAL

forum Dr. Amy Dagley

Associate Professor, University of Alabama at Birmingham

and

Dr. Dave Dagley Professor Emeritus, University of Alabama

Fall Issue 2026

29

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ALSDE Update Continued most successful new state in 2026 by applicant volume! An impressive 30 Alabama students advanced as National Math Stars finalists. Out of more than 8,700 applicants nationwide, fewer than 1,300 earned finalist status. The recognition speaks to the mathematical potential found in classrooms and communities throughout our great state.

Alabama’s educational momentum extends beyond traditional academic measures. Thanks to elected officials who believe in the value of education, the state is also investing heavily in career and technical education to ensure that students can pursue pathways aligned with their interests, talents and career goals.

The new Alabama Career Pathways Program is designed to connect students with training for highdemand occupations and give families access to information about career fields, educational requirements, training locations and potential salaries. The initiative is supported by a $250 million state investment in new and expanded career technical facilities, along with matching local funds and assistance from industry partners. Alabama currently has 10 career technical centers in some stage of development, with approximately 10 more expected to begin within the next year. In all, the statewide effort is expected to include 25 new centers over the next 36 months. These facilities will help prepare students for careers in “in-demand” fields such as health care, advanced manufacturing, construction, automotive technology, welding, electrical work and other skilled professions that are essential to Alabama’s economy.

of Alabama’s many rural communities, that student deserves an opportunity to build a successful future close to home. These efforts reinforce a fundamental truth: Students can achieve when adults remove barriers, set meaningful expectations and give them the time and support necessary to succeed. As I have said to groups all summer, this year we need to align strategy, focus, and investment.

Alabama’s recent progress is not the result of a single program, law, test, or investment. But when you put all of them together, combined with the steadfast support of educators, parents, and communities… the outcome is remarkable. When you have educators arriving at school each day prepared to teach, administrators examining data and adjusting strategies, parents reinforcing the value of education, community partners contributing resources and students deciding to work hard… the synergy is amazing!

As the new school year begins, Alabama has every reason to celebrate its progress. But resting on our laurels is not what we do in Alabama. Celebration is accompanied by determination. We will continue strengthening early literacy, improving mathematics achievement, supporting middle-school students, expanding advanced learning, reducing absenteeism and connecting more students with college and career pathways.

A new school year is upon us. School doors are opening, the buses are rolling, and a new year of possibilities awaits. The winds of educational achievement are to our backs, and we look forward to unleashing the potential of (you guessed it…)

Every Child, Every Chance, Every Day!

A student’s zip code should not determine whether that student can learn a skilled trade, participate in advanced coursework, study the arts or prepare for a high-demand career. Whether a young person lives in Birmingham, Mobile, Tuscaloosa, Rainsville or one Fall Issue 2026

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Fall Issue 2026

Legal Forum Continued because he had not supplied the requested statement. At this point, the administrator filed a discrimination charge with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). Near the end of the school year, after the school district provided its position statement with the EEOC, the superintendent notified the administrator he was initiating a termination action.

The administrator challenged the proposed action, on grounds that he was protected by the Texas Whistleblower Act and the termination action violated his right to free speech. Texas law sets out procedures for school employee contract terminations, including review by a hearing examiner and appeal to the Texas Commissioner of Education. After the hearing examiner recommended support for his termination, the special education administrator filed an appeal with the Commissioner, on grounds in part that his speech was protected by the Whistleblower Act. The commissioner concurred and the school board terminated the administrator’s contract. The administrator then filed suit but eventually lost in the federal district court and the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeal.

At the heart of this story is a conflict between the duty of school personnel to report allegations of child abuse and the right of school personnel to speak freely without repercussions, especially when the speech is about reporting criminal behavior. In 1968, the U.S. Supreme Court adopted a “balance test” in Pickering v. Board of Education, 391 U.S. 563 (1968), which required a court to weigh a teacher’s interest in expressing views on public concern against the school district’s interest in providing educational services. Pickering and subsequent cases sorted through competing rights and competing responsibilities for nearly forty years, but in 2006 the U.S. Supreme Court obliterated previous understanding under the U.S. Constitution that school personnel have a right to speak on issues of public concern. In Garcetti v. Ceballos, 547 U.S. 410 (2006), the Supreme Court adopted a new rule, that when employees make a statement pursuant to their official duties, the Constitution does not insulate communications from employer discipline. Said more pointedly, even when directed to speak under state law (for example, when required to

Fall Issue 2026

report child abuse) or federal law (for example, when required to report that a special education student’s IEP is not working) a school employee is not protected from retaliatory disciplinary consequences for their speech that is considered part of their job.

In his dissent for Garcetti, Justice David Souter pointed out that faith in whistleblower laws expressed by Justice Anthony Kennedy in his majority opinion was probably overblown. 547 U.S. 410, 440-441. Whistleblower laws are more scarce in their existence than believed and more sparse in their coverage than expected. In the Castille case, which provides the story for this commentary, Texas has a whistleblower act and it was raised as a defense at the hearing examiner stage. It seems that at that stage, an administrative hearing and not a judicial hearing, that a decision was made to discount the application of the Texas Whistleblower Act because Garcetti dictated that the administrator’s speech was not protected by the Constitution. The administrator attempted to revive his claims about the application of the Texas Whistleblower Act, but the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeal declined because the administrator had failed to properly brief that claim earlier in the proceedings and he had therefore waived its application.

Texas makes it mandatory for a school employee to report alleged child abuse to a law enforcement agency or the Department of Family and Protective Services.

Tex. Fam. Code Ann. §261.103(a)(d). Alabama has the same requirement for school employees, except for the agency name. §26-14-3, Code of Alabama (1975). In this case from Texas, the administrator only reported the allegations of child abuse to his supervisor. The only way to discharge one’s duty to report in Alabama is by reporting to a law enforcement officer or the Department of Human Services, not by reporting to a supervisor. If school districts in Alabama adopt a policy that requires that school employees report allegations of child abuse to a supervisor, it would seem appropriate to include with that policy statement an admonition that school employees do not discharge their duty to report alleged child abuse by only informing a supervisor, but by reporting to law enforcement or the DHR.

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Whitney Miller-Nichols

CLAS Director of Governmental Relations

Advocacy

UPDATE The Alabama Legislature sent dozens of educationrelated bills to Governor Kay Ivey for her signature this year, and dozens more failed to cross the finish line. You can view ALSDE’s guidance for enacted legislation in State Superintendent’s Memo FY26-1014. You can also see all enacted bills CLAS tracked in 2026 here, as well as those bills that failed. Remember that bills that failed this year often come back next year.

This year is an election year, and all legislative seats are up for consideration in November. The Legislature will meet for an organizational session in January before convening in February for the regular legislative session.

Implementing Legislation as School Leaders Once a bill is signed into law by the Governor, it becomes the responsibility of the local superintendent and board of education to review the legislation to align board policy and the student code of conduct accordingly.

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However, we know that policy alone is not enough.

Without clear procedures, policies often fall short in practice. Ideally, district leadership will assemble a team to develop implementation procedures, provide guidance for educators, and design a training plan for all staff responsible for enacting the changes at the school level.

Consistency is essential. All stakeholders must operate from a shared understanding of key terms and processes, and those must be applied uniformly across the district and within a school building.

School leaders also play a critical role in communicating expectations to students and families. Research shows that people need to hear a message multiple times— typically between two and seven—before it sticks. In a world of competing communication channels, relying on a single method isn’t enough. School and district leaders should work together to create a multi-pronged communication plan to ensure families and staff are fully informed of all changes.

Fall Issue 2026

Advocacy for School Leaders

National Principals Month Shadowing Visits

Over the next few months, take time to connect with your state legislators (find their info here). If they don’t already know you, introduce yourself and let them know which school and system you represent. Check in every few weeks with updates—both successes and challenges.

You know your school best, and legislators need to see you as a trusted source for education insight.

Two of our national associations, NAESP and the National Principals Association, collaborate each fall on the National Principals Month Shadowing Visits. School leaders are encouraged to invite state lawmakers into their schools to shadow the principal for a day. These school visits provide “a wonderful opportunity for officials to experience firsthand the role and responsibilities of exemplary principals and see how the policy they create directly impacts schools and students. Getting lawmakers in school buildings can also have an enormous impact on securing their support for the policies we know will benefit students and educators.” Visit the Shadowing Visits page for more details and resources to use when inviting lawmakers into your schools. Be sure to take pictures and tag CLAS on your socials so we can amplify your visit!

When legislators understand the real needs in their schools—and know those ETF budget requests represent students, not just numbers—they’re in a stronger position to advocate for funding.

My role is to be the first, but not the only, voice legislators hear on education issues. For that voice to carry weight, it needs your support. Every CLAS member should be engaging with lawmakers about what’s best for students.

Our advocacy team can provide legislators issue briefs and talking points, but only you can explain what a bill means for the students in the legislator’s district. If questions come up that you can’t answer, send them my way—I’m here to support you, too. Whether you need more information or have ideas for legislation, I’m just a call or email away.

CLAS Advocacy Days CLAS will host Advocacy Days for each affiliate at our office in Montgomery. You’ll get a morning briefing, then we’ll head to the State House to attend committee meetings and speak with legislators. We’ll regroup afterward over lunch to share what you heard and plan what we need to do next. These days are also a chance to give feedback to the CLAS team on how proposed laws could affect your schools. Visit the CLAS Advocacy page to learn more.

As a former teacher, I know it’s tough to leave campus— but showing up in person makes a lasting impact. Your voice matters.

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Dr. Vic Wilson Receives Dr. James A. Street Award Dr. Vic Wilson was named the recipient of the Dr. James A. Street Award at the 2026 CLAS Convention Awards Session, one of the highest honors presented by the Council for Leaders in Alabama Schools (CLAS). This award recognizes exceptional service in the interest of administrators and supervisors, and to the field of public education, whether for a single significant contribution or a body of work over time.

This year’s recognition honors Dr. Wilson’s exemplary service as Executive Director of CLAS from 2017 to 2025, where he worked on behalf of professionals serving students from Pre-K through graduate school.

years leading CLAS, he has spent his career building up the people who lead our schools. The Principals Act alone will shape how Alabama develops school leaders for generations to come. On behalf of CLAS, I am honored to present him with the Dr. James A. Street Award.”

Dr. Vic Wilson stands as a model of achievement and dedication, embodying the highest ideals of the Dr. James A. Street Award. Congratulations to Dr. Wilson on this well-earned recognition, and thank you for a lasting impact on school leadership across Alabama.

Prior to leading CLAS, Dr. Wilson served as Superintendent of Hartselle City Schools, and his career spans every level of public education — principal, assistant principal, teacher, and coach.

In 2014, he stepped into statewide leadership as president of the Alabama Association of Secondary School Principals and was later named Alabama’s 2017 Superintendent of the Year by the School Superintendents of Alabama (SSA). He has also received leadership awards from the Alabama Music Educators Association, the University of Montevallo, and SSA. Most notably for CLAS members, Dr. Wilson was the architect of the Principals Act, a groundbreaking piece of legislation sponsored by Senator Arthur Orr and Representative Alan Baker that ties together formal mentorship, accountability, and professional learning to drive school improvement, while rewarding principals for their commitment to professional growth. Delivered through the Alabama Principal Leadership Development System, this unprecedented program has set a national standard for mentorship and school leader development, with states across the country looking to Alabama’s model as an exemplar.

“Vic Wilson’s impact on education is immense,” said Dr. Farrell Seymore, CLAS Executive Director. “From the classroom to the superintendent’s office to eight

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Sheffield Education Foundation Receives 2026 CLAS Little Red School House Award The Sheffield Education Foundation was honored with the 2026 Little Red School House Award at the CLAS Convention. Presented by the CLAS Board of Directors, this award recognizes a person, school, or school system that has inaugurated a significant curriculum or instructional innovation with high potential for statewide impact. Since 1989, the Foundation has been a steadfast partner to Sheffield City Schools, providing support through the generosity of alumni, donors, and community members.

Congratulations to the Sheffield Education Foundation on this well-earned recognition. Its nearly four decades of generosity exemplify the purpose and spirit of the Little Red School House Award.

For more than three decades, the Foundation has expanded opportunities for students and teachers by funding innovative programs, classroom initiatives, scholarships, and projects that enrich the educational experience across the district.

In the past three years alone, the Foundation has invested more than $300,000 in Sheffield City Schools, supporting transformative improvements across the district. Through its commitment to student achievement, educator support, and community engagement, the Sheffield Education Foundation has created a lasting impact and serves as a model of excellence in public education support.

“For nearly four decades, the Sheffield Education Foundation has shown what a community can do when it invests directly in its schools,” said Dr. Farrell Seymore, CLAS Executive Director. “Their support has funded real opportunities for Sheffield City Schools students and teachers, and their generosity is exactly the kind of leadership the Little Red School House Award was created to recognize. Congratulations to the Foundation and its representatives.”

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BCI Burke Company

BCI Burke is a leading manufacturer of commercial playgrounds, outdoor fitness and recreation equipment.

Play is our passion and sharing it is our mission.

Scott Bender (920) 921-9220 info@bciburke.com https://www.bciburke.com

Belhaven University

Belhaven University is a private, Christian institution that offers 80+ areas of study and flexible options including online and on-campus programs.

Renea Brandon (601) 968-8882 rbrandon@belhaven.edu www.belhaven.edu

33 ALERTS

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Barry Peterson (800) 575-1043 info@33systems.net 33alerts.com

806 Technologies

806 Technologies helps schools simplify planning and compliance through educator-designed software, dedicated support, and innovative solutions that reduce administrative burden and support student success.

Matt Smith, Ed.L.D. (877) 331-6160 matthews@806technologies.com https://www.806technologies.com/

A+ Best Practices Center

The A+ Best Practices Center offers timely, collaborative, and impactful professional learning for all educators. The learning is approved for ACLD PLUs and APLDS Hours.

Dakota Punzel (205) 908-0059 dakota@aplusala.org aplusala.org/best-practices-center/

American Book Company

Bill Miller Photographers

American College of Education

Black & White Photography Inc.

American Fidelity

Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence

ABC’s all-inclusive Alabama solutions meet 100% of the Alabama Course of Study Standards. Our content prepares students for the ACAP assessments, guaranteeing improved student scores.

Lindsey Cohn (757) 641-6593 lcohn@abck12.com abck12.com https://americanbookcompany.com/home/al American College of Education (ACE) is an accredited, fully online private college specializing in high-quality, affordable programs in education, business, healthcare and nursing.

Laurisa McKissack (850) 450-3093 laurisa.mckissack@ace.edu https://ace.edu American Fidelity provides benefit solutions and benefit compliance services for the education market. Allowing you get unique and tailored services that fit your needs.

John Cole (205) 847-2762 john.cole@americanfidelity.com www.americanfidelity.com

ACCESS Virtual Learning

ACCESS Virtual Learning, an ALSDE initiative, provides free asynchronous learning opportunities to Alabama public and private school students in grades 6–12 statewide.

Carolyn Harvey (256) 774-4609 cdharvey@madisoncity.k12.al.us https://www.madisoncity.k12.al.us/

ACE Sports

Ace Sports delivers industry-leading video boards, scoreboards, audio, and production systems with turnkey design, installation, and support for high school, collegiate, and professional venues nationwide.

Russell Johnson (214) 869-1428 holly.johnson@acesports.com www.acesports.com

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At Bill Miller Photographers, our mission is to provide high-quality photography services that preserve memories for families and schools across our community.

Abby Miller Mattox (256) 892-3150 hello@billmillerphotographers.com www.billmillerphotographers.com PowerSchool data for security purposes, yearbooks (digital or hard copy), from preschool to college service, banners for all purpose, teacher appreciation product, fundraising.

Ricky White (205) 714-3000 blackandwhitephoto.inc@gmail.com mybwpdc.com BRSE is a one-of-a-kind assessment that provides actionable insights that can be used for school improvement. It is a comprehensive approach to helping schools grow.

April Stansberry (256) 339-2153 april@blueribbonschools.com https://blueribbonschools.com

Bluebird Innovators American Village Citizenship Trust

Educational/ immersion experience teaches all ages about the Founding era and its history. We help students become the next generation of leaders in our nation.

Val Crofts (608) 676-7043 vcrofts@americanvillage.org https://www.americanvillage.org/

Bailey Education Group

Bailey Education Group delivers data-driven coaching, instructional modeling, leadership development, student tutorials, special education expertise, curriculum alignment, and state assessment support that accelerate student achievement.

Terry Roller (205) 613-2913 info@baileyarch.com http://baileyeducationgroup.com/

Hatched AI by Bluebird Innovators redefines AI education for learners ages 9-99 — an all-inclusive, unplugged experience that makes artificial intelligence engaging, accessible, and real.

Robin Fenton (251) 379-1034 robin@bluebirdinnovators.com https://www.bluebirdinnovators.com

Brainchild

The study buddy educational tutor is a portable, gamelike device that supplements instruction in core subjects for students in grades 1-12 + adult education.

Jeff Olive (678) 462-9031 jeff.olive@brainchild.com https://brainchild.com/

Fall Issue 2026

BSN Sports

We provide customized apparel and equipment needs for the whole campus. We have dedicated sales professionals to come to your campus and meet with you.

Eric Hill (334) 850-4613 ehill@bsnsports.com www.bsnsports.com

Capturing Kids’ Hearts

Capturing Kids’ Hearts empowers educators with research-based training, support, and curriculum to build trust, foster meaningful connections, and create positive school cultures where students thrive.

Rob Kirk (979) 575-4944 rob.kirk@capturingkidshearts.org www.capturingkidshearts.org

Powered by Flippen Group

Circool

Circool is a Birmingham-based K–12 safety platform helping schools manage guests, events, student check-in/out, and reunification with deep PowerSchool integration.

Jeff Colegrove (256) 490-7790 jeff.colegrove@circool.com www.circool.com

Cognia

Cognia provides accreditation, continuous improvement tools, diagnostic reviews, and professional learning to help education systems improve teaching effectiveness and student outcomes worldwide.

Jeff Langham (334) 312-2432 jeff.langham@cognia.org www.cognia.org

Compliance Director

Compliance Director is an online set of educator training modules. It exists on a user-friendly platform with completion data maintained for seven years.

Sandy Bales (770) 540-5810 sbales@compliancedirector.org https://www.compliancedirector.org

Curriculum Associates

Curriculum Associates® makes classrooms better by connecting data-driven insights to high-quality instruction. Our i-Ready® solutions span assessment, personalized instruction, and core literacy and mathematics programs.

Kelly-Ann Parson M.Ed. (205) 949-7744 KParson@cainc.com https://www.curriculumassociates.com/

Fall Issue 2026

Dynamic Connection, LLC

Dynamic Connection, LLC provides leadership development services that encompass both training and coaching.

Debra Mays-Jackson (601) 259-7108 2021dynamicconnection@gmail.com https://bit.ly/4cY1xBi

Edmentum

Founded in innovation, we are committed to being educators’ most trusted partner in creating successful student outcomes everywhere learning occurs.

Dee Dee Jones (256) 221-0807 deedee.jones@edmentum.com www.edmentum.com

Enterprise Paper and Janitorial

EP&J is a 32 year old family company that can meet all of your Janitorial and Custodial needs specializing in Autonomous Cleaning Equipment!

Chris Mitten (334) 301-8589 chris@enterprisepaperandjanitorial.com www.enterprisepaperandjanitorial.com

EPS Learning

EPS Learning partners with educators to advance literacy as the springboard for lifelong learning and opportunity, with science of reading-based solutions supporting grades PreK-12.

Mary Grace Dennis (256) 417-6036 marygrace.dennis@epslearning.com https://www.epslearning.com/

Grand Canyon University

Grand Canyon University is a private, nonprofit Christian university offering an affordable and purpose-driven education. Find your purpose at gcu.edu.

Sheree Booker (334) 322-3321 Sheree.Booker@gcu.edu www.gcu.edu

Greene Education

Horace Mann Companies

Horace Mann is the largest financial services company helping America’s educators achieve lifelong financial success, offering auto, homeowner, life insurance as well as retirement solutions.

Yahrasiel Colbert (470) 493-7146 association.relations@horacemann.com https://www.horacemann.com ®

Illuminations Literacy Solutions

Illuminations provides innovative literacy tools, including VTO Reading, an AI-driven oral reading platform that delivers personalized practice, real-time feedback, and meaningful progress data.

Leta Palmiter (601) 484-7430 staff@illuminationsdyslexia.com https://illuminationsdyslexia.com/

Imagine Learning LLC

Imagine Learning provides digital curriculum, assessment, and intervention solutions that personalize learning, support educators, and improve student outcomes across K–12 through data-driven instruction and content.

Anissha Officer (334) 223-3432 anissha.officer@imaginelearning.com imaginelearning.com

Instructure

Instructure is obsessed with student success through cutting-edge solutions like Canvas LMS, Mastery Connect assessments and LearnPlatform for measuring EdTech effectiveness and ROI. Tammy Graham (803) 319-4031 tammy.graham@instructure.com instructure.com

IntentionalleadersK12

We offer effective, personalized solutions, including job-embedded coaching for teachers and leaders, data analytics, and high-dosage tutoring, all designed to improve student outcomes.

Windell Greene (601) 941-1736 wgreene@greeneeducation.com https://greeneeducation.com

We work with K-12 principals around three pillars — culture, agency, and belonging. One framework, one strategy session, and one map.

Harriette Thompkins (205) 585-8386 harriette.thompkins@gmail.com https://intentionalleadersk12.kit.com/5688b0235f

Hammill Recreation

We offer: SchoolsPLP: Curriculum platform for online learning/credit recovery. Otus: Assessment and data analytics platform. eWalk: Classroom walkthrough platform for observations, coaching, and monitoring.

Eric Moon (770) 789-1941 eric@jnreducation.com SchoolsPLP.com

For 45 years, Hammill Recreation has helped schools create engaging play spaces. As an OMNIA Partners supplier, we provide playground equipment proudly manufactured in Alabama.

Angela Collins (205) 706-3993 playgrounds@hammill.net www.hammill.net

JNR Education / SchoolsPLP / Otus

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Legacy of Hope

Legacy of Hope saves lives through organ and tissue donation, honors the legacy & generosity of donors, and supports donor families in their time of need.

Amy Morris (251) 716-4169 apmorris@legacyofhope.org https://www.legacyofhope.org

Magma Math

Jumpstart Test Prep

Jumpstart Test Prep serves partner-schools by providing educators with proven tools enabling the MOST improvement in the LEAST amount of review time for high-stakes exams.

George Kushner (833) 835-8329 gkushner@jumpstarttestprep.com www.jumpstarttestprep.com

Just Right Reader

Just Right Reader provides high-quality decodable books and literacy resources aligned with the Science of Reading to support foundational reading success for students and educators.

Britney Watson (479) 414-6552 britney.watson@justrightreader.com https://justrightreader.com/

K12 Coalition/iteach Alabama

K12 Coalition helps districts and schools strengthen teacher pipelines, improve instruction, and accelerate student outcomes through certification (iteach Alabama), coaching, curriculum, and professional learning.

Nichole Cooley (901) 592-7949 nichole.cooley@k12coalition.com www.k12coalition.com

K12 Skills Arcade

Discover a standards-aligned PreK–12 program that strengthens math, reading, language arts, and science skills with adaptive learning, progress monitoring, real-time data, interactive games, and dashboards.

Kristen Randolph (571) 461-0287 krandolph@k12.com https://LearningHub.com

Karen Maury Jewelry

We do onsite engraving on sterling silver jewelry.

Karen Maury (205) 790-8349 kayrena16@gmail.com

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KIDaccount

KIDaccount is an integrated school safety platform that helps schools track and protect students, staff, and visitors throughout the day.

Keith Petty (800) 578-1448 kpetty@kidaccount.com https://kidaccount.com/

Kids First Education

At Kids First Education, we identify priorities and design strategies that drive student success through collaboration, creation, and commitment —our C³ Success Model™ in action.

Shannon Uptain (601) 765-5437 info@kidsfirst.llc www.kidsfirst.llc

Lathan McKee Architects

Lathan McKee Architects is a full-service design firm offering a comprehensive range of services, including architecture, interior design, construction administration, and roofing.

Barry Davis (205) 988-9112 bdavis@lathanassociates.com www.lathanassociates.com

Learning Ally

Learning Ally, we believe learning begins with listening, equipping struggling readers with human-read text so every student can access information, knowledge, and reach their potential.

Cameron Klingener (800) 221-4792 cklingener@learningally.org https://learningally.org

Learning Without Tears

Learning Without Tears provides educators with simple, effective tools to foster early literacy skills, from readiness to handwriting to phonics, ensuring a strong foundation.

Jennifer Perez (407) 421-5184 jennifer.perez@lwtears.com https://www.LWTears.com

Magma Math is a math learning platform for K–12 classrooms. Magma Math enables students to show their thinking clearly while building confidence as problem-solvers.

Alex Morton (512) 670-6066 alexmorton@magmamath.com https://magmamath.com

MasteryPrep

MasteryPrep provides a suite of test-prep programs and services that help improve student achievement on high-stakes assessments—at no cost to families.

Stacy Pearson (615) 516-2258 stacy.pearson@masteryprep.com https://www.masteryprep.com/

MOOV

MOOV is a real-time attendance, safety, and hall pass system. One tap of a student ID handles check-ins, security, and zero-touch hall passes.

Samera Shim (720) 556-4603 samera@joinmoov.com https://www.joinmoov.com/

Orchestrated Adventures and Tours

Travel Services provided for schools and school groups of all types. We travel domestically and internationally at an affordable price.

Shaun Hammonds (800) 670-3139 info@orchestratedadventurestoursllc.com https://www.orchestratedadventurestoursllc.com

OxEd

OxEd is a science-led organisation helping schools improve early oral language and literacy through assessment, instruction, and professional learning grounded in the Science of Reading.

Christa Bryant (205) 812-5588 christa@oxedandassessment.com https://oxedandassessment.com/us/

Pearl Education

The Pearl Student Support Platform provides the operations and insights to run student support programs at scale and make informed decisions about what’s working.

Jared Nuby (954) 756-0331 jared@poweredbypearl.com poweredbypearl.com

Fall Issue 2026

Perfection Learning

Perfection Learning has been committed to working side by side with educators and students across the country to deliver the best curriculum solutions.

Chris Opstad (515) 309-1198 nationalexhibits@perfectionlearning.com https://perfectionlearning.com/?plcstate=ia&plcsite=nat

Performance Based Education Company

Your one stop for “educational support”...... professional development, teacher coaching, student remediation and enrichment for ACAP prep, ACT and WK prep, curriculum alignment, motivational keynotes.

Wade Whitney (251) 735-9522 wwhitney@pbecms.com https://www.pbecms.com

Playworld Preferred, Inc.

Real Deal Gaming

Real Deal Gaming provides services that help schools reward students for the following: ACAP & iready Incentive, PBIS Incentive, Attendance Recognition, STEM Events, and much more.

Darryl Hughley (256) 504-7169 RealDealGamingExperience@gmail.com www.realdealgaming.com

Renaissance

Renaissance is a global leader in assessment, reading, math, and early literacy solutions for pre-K–12 schools and districts.

Jennifer Whitt (651) 403-9025 jennifer.whitt@renaissance.com https://www.renaissance.com/

Playworld Preferred specializes in providing high-quality playground equipment, fitness systems, site amenities and expert services to help you make a difference in your community..

Jeff Wingo (800) 459-7241 info@playworldpreferred.com www.playworldpreferred.com

Riverside Insights

PowerSchool

S&W Integrated

PowerSchool is a leading provider of cloud-based software for K-12 education in North America. Learn more at www.powerschool.com.

Patty Garnto (877) 873-1550 sales@powerschool.com https://www.powerschool.com/

PowerUpEDU

PowerUpEDU, a technology solutions provider for Alabama classrooms, creates transformational learning environments that engage students and empower teachers, bridging the gap between teaching and technology.

Shoney Brice (888) 517-3824 shoney@powerupedu.com https://powerupedu.com/

Presentation Solutions, Inc.

Our company provides the ColorPro Ultra Family of Poster Makers, The CoolLam non-heat and non-electric Laminator and the Recognizer Ultra Award & Signage Maker.

Steven Sanders (800) 280-7809 steven@presentationsolutions.com www.presentationsolutions.com

Publishers’ Warehouse

Publishers’ Warehouse is Alabama’s one-stop shop for instructional materials. Our partnership with schools & the ALSDE allows us to provide textbooks with ZERO shipping charges!

Patrick Chappell (205) 516-5821 pchappell@publisherswarehouse.com publisherswarehouse.com

Fall Issue 2026

We offer a variety of solutions to better understand student’s academic and behavioral needs. Our data leads to improved student outcomes.

Kevin Burke (440) 773-8252 kevin.burke@riversideinsights.com riversideinsights.com Alabama Educator Owned and Managed. Provider of school solutions from furniture, weapon detection, security window film and AI data analysis solutions.

Patrick Patterson (256) 318-3237 patterson@swiss256.com https://www.swiss256.com

Samford University School of Education Samford University’s School of Education Graduate Programs Marcie Harchuck (205) 726-4337 mjparson@samford.edu https://www.samford.edu/education/

simpldiscipline

simpldiscipline streamlines behavior and attendance management, automates incident writeback to PowerSchool, improves communication, and reduces Alabama SIR errors through validations, workflows, and real-time syncing.

Josh Shepard (844) 927-2888 sales@simpledu.com https://www.simpledu.com

Smart Solutions Group

Comprehensive curricula and services are designed to meet the needs of K-12 school systems, post-secondary educational institutions, college and career readiness organizations, and businesses & industry.

Josh McCullough (251) 654-4825 info@smartsolgrp.com www.smartsolgp.com

Strawbridge Studios, Inc.

Leading provider of school day portraits, senior portraits, sports portraits, special events portraits, and yearbooks.

We believe honest value never fails.

Todd Diefenderfer (334) 301-3562 todd.diefenderfer@strawbridge.net www.strawbridge.net

Stryker

Vocera provides wearable, hands-free communication for K–12 schools enabling everyday collaboration and a discreet panic button for faster emergency response.

Miranda Phillips (864) 704-3181 miranda.phillips@stryker.com https://www.stryker.com/us/en/acute-care/vocera/ workplace-communications/education.html

Studies Weekly

Studies Weekly is an award-winning, standardsbased core curriculum for K-8, founded on strategies that increase knowledge and skills in Social Studies, Science, and Health & Wellness.

Kirby Weaver (251) 656-7482 kirby.weaver@studiesweekly.com StudiesWeekly.com

Subject.ai

At Subject.ai we provide a unique digital curriculum solution for original credit, credit recovery and blended learning.

Cameron Roemer (310) 803-4631 cameron@subject.com https://subject.com/

Suntronics LED, Inc

Suntronics LED offers school marquees, indoor video walls for gyms and auditoriums, jumbotrons for stadiums and athletic complexes. We also scoreboard software, professional installation, onsite training.

Richard Bishop (205) 482-7017 bishopr424@gmail.com https://www.suntronicsled.com/

Technical Training Aids

Technical Training Aids (TTA), we’re here to help, a new program, upgrading existing equipment, or exploring innovative ways to engage learners.

Bobby Conrad (205) 936-1485 bobby@ttaweb.com www.ttaweb.com

Terrell Enterprises, Inc.

We strive to deliver an outstanding level of value by offering products of exceptional quality and personal service that exceeds our customers’ expectations.

Al Brannon (334) 382-7415 al@terrellenterprises.com https://www.terrellenterprises.com/

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Virco Manufacturing

Since 1950, Virco has proudly manufactured industryleading furniture and equipment for K–12 schools in the US. John Havicus (205) 721-0514 johnhavicus@virco.com www.virco.com

Ward Scott Morris Architecture

The Kirkland Group

We are a professional development company that provides services to school districts k12 students, teachers and administrators.

Chan Cleveland (601) 206-5505 c.cleveland@kirklandgroup.org www.kirklandgroup.org

The Princeton Review

The Princeton Review partners with hundreds of schools, districts, and organizations across the country to provide the best test-prep solutions available.

Tanya Walker (914) 295-9110 tanya.walker@review.com https://www.princetonreview.com/k12/partnerships/testprep?ceid=footer

The University of Alabama

The programs in Educational Leadership prepare candidates to lead complex educational organizations in ways that improve schools, foster democratic communities, and promote justice.

Benjamin White (251) 423-5403 bkwhite2@ua.edu https://catalog.ua.edu/graduate/education/

University of Alabama - Early College

Early College lets high school students earn college credit online or on campus, with exceptional support to jump-start academic growth and future success.

Juliana Clements (205) 723-3336 jmclements1@ua.edu https://earlycollege.ua.edu/

University of West Alabama Online

Flexible, 100% online education degrees and certification programs helping educators earn certification, advance their careers, and grow into leadership roles in today’s schools.

Jessica Hughes (205) 533-0131 jhughes@uwa.edu online.uwa.edu

Varsity Tutors for Schools

AI-powered tutoring and intervention platform aligned to Alabama standards, delivering personalized, highdosage support, real-time insights, and measurable gains to improve student outcomes at scale.

Brandy Martin (321) 297-1911 brandy.martin@varsitytutors.com https://www.varsitytutors.com

Founded in 1983, Ward Scott Morris Architecture serves Alabama communities from Tuscaloosa, Huntsville, and Mobile, specializing in collaborative, community-focused K-12 educational design.

Carol Coleman (205) 577-7027 carol@wardscottmorris.com www.wardscottmorris.com

Yondr, Inc.

Yondr gives schools phone-locking pouches that create phone-free classrooms, helping students focus on learning, engage with teachers, and reconnect with peers face-to-face.

Luke Stultz (724) 840-0195 luke@overyondr.com www.overyondr.com

Zaner-Bloser

Zaner-Bloser develops curriculum resources to teach foundational literacy and math skills to grades PreK–6 students. Our resources help teachers inspire more “aha” moments.

Jessica Wright (850) 517-8466 jessica.wright@zaner-bloser.com www.zaner-bloser.com

The University of Alabama Online

UA Online empowers Alabama’s school leaders with flexible, affordable graduate degrees—designed to fit demanding schedules while strengthening leadership, strategy and impact across K–12 education.

Hannah Homan (800) 467-0227 online@ua.edu online.ua.edu/clas

ThriveWay

Peer Helpers PLUS empowers students through peer support, teaching essential skills for healthy choices, conflict resolution, and positive relationships to promote academic and personal success.

Ruby McCullough (844) 705-1981 ruby@thriveway.com www.thriveway.com

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Fall Issue 2026

It’s Renewal Time!

You have some amazing benefits with your CLAS membership. Don’t lose them. Renew today!

Benefits for all members: • • • • • • • •

Discounts on professional learning activities sponsored by CLAS Access to CLAS communications and updates The quarterly magazine, CLAS School Leader Complimentary subscription to The Main Idea, a monthly email newsletter with book summaries on the latest education-related books.

Access to membership directory online Access to CLAS job bank Access to networking opportunties Discounts on insurance through Horace Mann Companies

Additional Benefits For Individual and Institutional members • Legal defense fund • Legal counsel, information, and support • Contract review service

visit us online at www.clasleaders.org/membership