Jacksonville, AL – In a decisive move, the Jacksonville Board of Education has chosen Dr. Michael Barber to serve as the interim Superintendent of Jacksonville City Schools. The announcement followed a special called meeting on Monday night, convened primarily to address the critical task of appointing an interim leader for the district.
Dr. Barber’s appointment, effective January 1, 2024, comes at a crucial juncture for Jacksonville City Schools, which has been navigating the aftermath of the resignation of former Superintendent Dr. Michael Howard last month. The decision was part of the board’s agenda to approve personnel changes within the school district.
Boasting an long career in education spanning over thirty years, Dr. Barber served as the superintendent of Pell City Schools for six years before his retirement in 2019. His wealth of experience and proven leadership made him a natural choice for the interim position.
During the meeting, board members highlighted the urgency of the superintendent hiring process, acknowledging the standard 120-day window allotted for such decisions. However, the Jacksonville Board expressed its commitment to a more expedited timeline, signaling their dedication to ensuring a smooth transition.
To kickstart this transition, the board announced a training session scheduled for December 11th in collaboration with the Alabama Association of School Boards (AASB). This session aims to establish a clear and effective timeline for the superintendent search, leveraging the expertise of the AASB to streamline the process.
Dr. Barber’s ties with the AASB extend beyond his retirement. He has been actively involved in assisting with board training, superintendent searches, and evaluations of school administrators, showcasing his continued dedication to advancing the field of education.
Notably, Dr. Barber played a pivotal role in the previous superintendent search that led to the appointment of Dr. Howard. His familiarity with the Jacksonville Board’s processes and commitment to the district make him a trusted figure during this transitional phase.
Further details on the superintendent search process, including criteria and timelines, are anticipated to be discussed at the next regularly scheduled school board meeting on December 13 at 6 p.m.
