HCS Index
September 22, 2023
Dr. Kevin Maddox Takes the Helm of the Hoover City Schools District as New Superintendent
The Hoover City Schools District is thrilled to announce the Hoover Board of Education’s (HBOE) unanimous appointment of Dr. Kevin Maddox as the new superintendent of education.
Dr. Maddox is the former assistant superintendent of Homewood City Schools with 29 years of experience as an educator and 20 of those years as an administrator. His professional journey has been marked by a commitment to investing in staff members, coordinating hiring processes, leading strategic planning teams, and engaging with stakeholders on various topics and issues.
Dr. Maddox said, “Hoover City Schools is an amazing school system with high academic expectations, extracurricular successes, and dedicated employees. I am extremely humbled and excited to serve the Hoover community, and I look forward to working alongside the administrators, teachers, staff, and families of Hoover.”
Dr. Maddox, a student-centered educator with a wide range of leadership skills, brings his extensive experience in human resources, capital improvement projects, budget management, and organizational climate improvement.
HBOE President Kermit Kendrick said, "Our task is not simply to select a well-qualified leader but one whose educational philosophy, experience, and temperament will further elevate the already high standard of educational achievement that has been the hallmark of Hoover City Schools."
HBOE Vice President Alan J. Paquette says he saw lots of energy in Dr. Maddox and was pleased with the exciting vision he shared for the District. Paquette believes the Board will see Dr. Maddox build on Dr. Fowler’s successes. Read the District's full story here.
Hoover City Schools Makes the Forbes "America's Best Employers By State" List, Again
This recognition, which marks the school district's second appearance (in a row) on the list, underscores our unwavering commitment to providing an exceptional working environment for all employees.
The Executive Director of Human Resources, Kristi Williams, says HCS prides itself on hiring and retaining high-quality employees in a collaborative and professional environment where everyone is valued.
Williams said, "This achievement is a testament to our dedicated educators, administrators, and support staff who work tirelessly to provide an outstanding learning experience for our students while maintaining an enriching workplace for themselves.” Read the District's full story here.
U.S. News & World Report Names Hoover and Spain Park "Best Alabama High Schools"
The Hoover City Schools (HCS) District is proud to announce that its two (2) high schools, Hoover High School (HHS) and Spain Park High School (SPHS), were named among the Best High Schools in Alabama for 2023 by U.S. News & World Report. SPHS took the #6 spot on the list, and HHS ranked as the #14 best high school in the state. This outstanding recognition highlights the dedication of HCS to providing exceptional education and preparing students for future success.
HHS and SPHS Class of 2023 Data:
23 National Merit Semi-Finalists
97.3% Graduation rate
87% College attendance rate
8% Entered military or workforce
92% College or career ready
71% Qualifying scores on AP exams
55% of graduates received scholarships totaling $67,382,511
The average scholarship accepted was $40,873 per recipient
The U.S. News and World Report Best High Schools rankings, a comprehensive and respected evaluation of secondary education, use data from nearly 25,000 public high schools across all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Read the District's full story here.
Eleven Seniors Selected as 2024 National Merit Scholarship Program Semifinalists
Source: National Merit Scholarship Corporation
(Hoover, AL) - National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) officials have announced the names of 11 exceptional high school seniors from the Hoover City Schools District selected as Semifinalists in the prestigious 69th annual National Merit Scholarship Program.
The District’s 11 high-achieving students, named 2024 National Merit Scholarship Program Semifinalists, are four (4) students from Hoover High School and seven (7) students from Spain Park High School, who have earned a well-deserved place among the nation's brightest minds.
These academically talented students now have the opportunity to compete for one of the 2,500 National Merit scholarships worth $2,500 each, which will be awarded in the spring of 2024.
Semifinalists must fulfill several requirements to advance to the Finalist level of the competition. About 95% of the Semifinalists are expected to attain Finalist standing, and approximately half will win a National Merit Scholarship, earning the Merit Scholar title. Read more here.
Hoover High School National Merit Semifinalists
(1st row L to R) Stephen McCollum and Isaac McCollum
(2nd Row L to R) Jakub Hel and Benjamin Smith
Spain Park High School National Merit Semifinalists
Hoover City Schools Students Earn Academic Honors from National Recognition Programs
The academic honors for rural area, Black, Indigenous, and/or Latino students are an opportunity for students to share their strong academic achievements with colleges and scholarship programs that are seeking to recruit diverse talent. The awards recognize high-performing students and help them stand out to colleges.
In August 2023, the College Board awarded 72,000 students nationwide with academic honors through the annual National Recognition Programs. The programs celebrate underrepresented students who excel academically on College Board assessments, including PSAT/NMSQT, PSAT 10, and AP exams. Read the District's full story here.
Hoover High School National Program Awardees
(1st Row L to R)
Jillian Clark-Williamson, Jasmine Clark, Jillian Maclin, Sofia Galvan Guerrero, and Camille Myhand
(2nd Row L to R)
Keith Delarosa, Collin Pate, Matthew Eligwe, and Fernando Acevedo
Spain Park High School National Program Awardees
Hoover City Schools' Successes Highlighted at Shelby County Chamber’s Community Luncheon
Before his retirement, Hoover City Schools District Superintendent Dr. Dee O. Fowler was among the speakers at the annual "State of Schools Throughout Shelby County" luncheon on August 30.
Superintendents from Alabaster City Schools, Hoover City Schools, Pelham City Schools, and Shelby County Schools spoke about academic successes, challenges, and exciting student workforce development opportunities.
Dr. Fowler said, “School safety is always number one. But I always say that we’ll build this District on the rock of academics. I would be remiss if I didn’t brag about our teachers and students. Hoover has 23 National Merit Semi-Finalists. There were only five (5) school districts in the state of Alabama where every school in the District received an A on the state report card. There were only five (5) out of 139. Hoover was one of them. Two years in a row, Hoover City Schools has been listed by Forbes Magazine as one of the best places to work. I say this to brag on what our staff, Board of Education, and community have done by committing to making academics the rock in Hoover.”
The luncheon was a fantastic event to celebrate education, collaboration, and the bright future that our schools are shaping for Shelby County.
Hoover Board of Education Meeting Room Named in Honor of Dr. Charles E. Hickman
During the September regular meeting, the Hoover Board of Education (HBOE) passed a Resolution to name the Board meeting room in honor of Dr. Charles E. Hickman, known to his family and friends as "Doc." Dr. Hickman was pivotal in establishing the Hoover City Schools System and was an original member of the newly formed HBOE. Dr. Hickman passed away in June.
As a lasting tribute to his legacy, the HBOE's meeting room at the Farr Administration Building/central office will be forever known and officially called the "Dr. Charles E. Hickman Board Room." Dr. Hickman's family (pictured) attended the meeting to witness the Board's unanimous approval of the Resolution.
HBOE member Craig Kelley read the Resolution during the Board meeting, saying, in part, "Dr. Hickman’s steadfast leadership in the early days of the Hoover School System was critical in establishing a model school system that continues to set ever-higher standards of excellence in public education. Dr. Hickman was not only a champion of quality public education but a lifelong civic leader and patron of the Hoover Public Library, an active member of the Hoover Historical Society, the author of “A History of the Hoover City School System,” and a regular attendee at Board of Education meetings throughout the last decade of his life." View the Resolution here.
Riverchase Career Connection Center Opens New Cosmetology and Barbering Lab
The Riverchase Career Connection Center (RC3) is proud to announce the grand opening of its sixth academy program, the Cosmetology and Barbering Academy. The state-of-the-art lab provides students with a brand-new simulated workspace, empowering them to prepare for a prosperous future in the industry.
The opening of the Cosmetology and Barbering Academy marks another significant milestone for RC3 and its dedication to shaping the workforce of tomorrow. The new academy has the latest industry-standard equipment with the goal that students will graduate fully prepared to excel in the industry.
Dr. Debra Walker Smith, Hoover City Schools executive director of career and technical education, said, “This has been a dream of mine and others in Hoover City Schools for a long time. I’m thankful to the superintendent and the Hoover City Schools Board of Education for all of the support they give to RC3 in adding additional high-wage/high-demand programs. Our goal is always for students’ interest to meet our instructional practices to create post-secondary opportunities of success for them.” Read the District's full story here and watch a video from the Ribbon Cutting below.
RC3's Dr. Debra Walker Smith Receives Prestigious Patriotic Employer Award
Riverchase Career Connection Center's (RC3) Dr. Debra Walker Smith received the prestigious Patriotic Employer Award from the Department of Defense. The Office of the Secretary of Defense Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve presented the award to Dr. Smith and praised her unwavering support for employee participation in America's National Guard and Reserve Force.
"I feel it is my duty to support those who work so tirelessly to protect the rights and freedom of others. This is one of the greatest honors I have ever received," said Dr. Smith.
First Sergeant (Retired) Tyler Shane Nabors, a former Rocket Battery K 2/14 member (United States Marine Corps Reserve based in Huntsville, Alabama), nominated Dr. Smith for the Award. Nabors is the lead skilled trades instructor at RC3.
Nabors said, “My supervisor, the staff, and fellow teachers have all been more than accommodating during my absences for time with the Marine Corps. I work with a number of Veterans as well that have all been included with recognition for their service to their country. The school system, from the superintendent down, supports me and the ones I love while I am serving our country."
Hoover High's Janet Ort Named the 2023 Conservation Educator of the Year
Source: Alabama Wildlife Federation
Hoover High School's Janet Ort, environmental science teacher and STEM coach, was awarded Conservation Educator of the Year by the Alabama Wildlife Federation. Ort was presented the Conservation Educator of the Year Award at the 2023 Alabama Wildlife Federation (AWF) Governor’s Conservation Achievement Awards banquet.
The AWF Governor’s Conservation Achievement Awards are the most respected conservation honors in the state of Alabama. Over the past 50 years, AWF has presented these awards to individuals and organizations that make great contributions to the conservation of Alabama’s wildlife and related natural resources. Click here to read the full article from the AWF.
Green Valley Elementary School Celebrates its 60th Birthday
Green Valley Elementary School (GVES) opened its doors in Hoover (originally part of the Jefferson County School System) on August 25, 1963. On Friday, August 25, 2023, the school celebrated its 60th birthday! There was a celebratory program with students, employees, District leaders, and city officials, as well as former GVES teachers and administrators.
With a Resolution, the Hoover City Council proclaimed August 25 as "Green Valley Elementary School Day" in the city, and the school received a Key to the City (pictured) from Mayor Frank Brocato. The celebration included a trip down memory lane with many school photos from over the years, old yearbooks, and newspaper clippings.
Principal Amy Burbank said, “Over the past six decades, we’ve witnessed tremendous change within our school and the Hoover community. We’ve weathered challenges, embraced opportunities, and adapted to an evolving world. Looking ahead, we’re excited about the future and its endless possibilities. We remain committed to setting goals, pushing boundaries, exploring new ideas, and continuing to deliver exceptional education and guidance to our student population.” Watch a video from the celebration below!
Meet the District's New Lead Counselor and Mental Health Services Specialist!
Terri Coleman is the district lead counselor, replacing Dr. Alfreda Brown, a new assistant principal at Simmons Middle School.
As the district lead counselor, Coleman will support and oversee the implementation of the District’s comprehensive guidance plan and lead the Hoover City Schools Counseling and Guidance Advisory Committee.
“I am super excited to start in this new role and the opportunity to lead and advocate for the amazing counselors and students in our great district as we align our counseling programs with the mission and vision of Hoover City Schools,” said Coleman.
This is Coleman’s 19th year in education and her tenth year with Hoover City Schools. She has served as a school counselor at Brock’s Gap Intermediate and Trace Crossings Elementary and just began her first year at Riverchase Career Connection Center. She was the 2020 Alabama Elementary School Counselor of the Year and the 2022 Alabama School Counselor of the Year.
Stewart has been with the Hoover City Schools District for 19 years. Her journey began at Crossroads School, where she served as a counselor for students with the New Beginnings and Second Chance programs. She also served as the mental health counselor at Gwin Elementary, Bluff Park Elementary, Green Valley Elementary, and Simmons Middle Schools.
Stewart said, "I'm honored to continue serving Hoover City Schools in this new capacity. Together, we will prioritize mental health and well-being for every student, ensuring a nurturing environment for growth and success that aligns with the District's mission and goals."
Stewart’s duties include enhancing students' social and emotional well-being, supporting students' mental health needs, supporting school-level mental health counselors, coordinating mental health awareness initiatives, and supporting teachers.
You're Invited to Hay Hoover!
The City of Hoover invites families to "Hay Hoover" on Saturday, October 14, from 11:00 a.m.- 3:00 p.m. at Veterans Park. There will be goodies, a hayride, inflatables, pony rides, a petting zoo, and so much more! Children are encouraged to come in costume.
Hoover City Schools
EEOC Notice
Email: hcsnotices@hoover.k12.al.us
Website: hoovercityschools.net
Location: 2810 Metropolitan Way, Birmingham, AL, USA
Phone: 205-439-1000
Facebook: facebook.com/HooverCitySchools
Twitter: @HooverSchools