Monday afternoon April 17 the Haleyville Board of Education held interviews with the four finalists for the next Superintendent of Education. All four candidates praised the Haleyville School System and each told the board why they would make a good superintendent. From a bank of prewritten questions, each candidate was asked several questions including what they would consider their own strengths and weaknesses for the job. Another question was what they would do to resolve a conflict between the board and the superintendent.

Dr. Bill Bishop stated he had held almost every job one could hold in the school system including a bus driver. Dr. Bishop expressed his love for education and his desire to be the Superintendent. In his comments, he stated grads should be prepared for a career, not just college.

Dr. Bart Reeves, of Guntersville, expressed his passion for education and stressed the importance of good communications between the board and staff and the importance of technology as aids to supplement teaching. He stated he seeks excellence in everything.

Wayne Trucks, presently principal at Chelsea High School, is working on his doctor’s degree. He discussed the system he is presently in and the programs he was a part of. He recognized Haleyville as being a great school system that did not need “fixing” because it was not broke. He addressed many specific questions and one concerning equality and how he had dealt with transgender students at Chelsea.

Dr. Holly Sutherland, presently principal at Haleyville High, stated her greatest strength was serving others.  She stressed her strong points as leadership, trust, and experience dealing with a wide diversity of economic and educational backgrounds and sexual orientations.  She stated she strives to be fair and consistent with everyone.

The Board will soon announce when they will meet again to decide who will become the new Superintendent of Education for the Haleyville School System.