Alabaster City Schools: Shaping the Future Through Education
Alabaster City Schools (ACS) stands as a testament to a community's commitment to providing exceptional education for its children. From its inception as a newly formed district to its current status, ACS has remained focused on fostering a learning environment where students can thrive and become "Champions of our Future." This article delves into the history, structure, and values that define the Alabaster City School system.
Genesis of a School System
The story of Alabaster City Schools began with a vision to create a school system tailored to the specific needs of the Alabaster community. In April 2011, the Alabaster City Council took the first step by commissioning a feasibility study to explore the possibility of forming its own school district. Ira Harvey of Decision Resources conducted the study, which cost $32,000. In September of the same year, Harvey delivered the study, which found that Alabaster was well-positioned to create its own system, but should implement a 1-cent sales tax increase to do so.
Driven by the findings of the feasibility study, the city council's education committee initiated the process of selecting the inaugural Alabaster Board of Education in January 2012, interviewing 32 applicants. This led to the swearing-in of the first board on March 26, 2012, consisting of Linda Church, Melanie Shores, John Myrick, Tyrone Quarles, and former city councilor Adam Moseley.
Building the Foundation
With the board in place, the focus shifted to establishing the administrative framework for the new school system. In January 2013, Phil Hammonds, former Jefferson County Schools superintendent, was hired as interim superintendent. Hammonds had spent the previous six months as part-time coordinator of administrative services for the group and had retired from his position as Jefferson County superintendent the month before. This appointment provided valuable experience and leadership during the crucial initial phase. It was decided that Alabaster would begin its first school year that fall.
A pivotal moment arrived on May 1, 2013, when the board announced the selection of Wayne Vickers, then serving as Saraland superintendent, as the system's first permanent superintendent. This decision marked a significant step forward in solidifying the leadership and direction of ACS. On May 1, the board approved Dr. Vickers as superintendent. The board also voted in May to have Alabaster officially separate from Shelby County Schools on July 1, 2013.
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Transition and Growth
The separation from Shelby County Schools on July 1, 2013, marked a new chapter for Alabaster. As ACS embarked on its independent journey, careful consideration was given to ensuring a smooth transition for students. Arrangements were made to allow out-of-town students already attending what would become Alabaster schools to gradually transfer to county schools through 2020. However, students in sixth grade for the 2013-14 school year were permitted to stay through 12th grade. Alabaster students attending the Linda Nolen Learning Center in Pelham would continue attending it until 2020 and those attending the Shelby County School of Technology in Columbiana would be able to stay through graduation. The only unresolved matter was what to do with the Shelby County Instructional Services Center located in Alabaster, as both systems wanted to keep it.
A System of Excellence
Under the leadership of Superintendent Dr. Wayne Vickers, Alabaster City Schools has distinguished itself as a system dedicated to providing a high-quality education. Vickers, being in his 36th year in education and 19th as a superintendent, highlighted that a school system cannot be good if it doesn’t have an “outstanding” group of board members that care about the children and the city. The system's commitment to excellence is reflected in its focus on student achievement, innovative programs, and a supportive learning environment.
The ACS Board of Education plays a crucial role in the success of the school system. Board members Adam Moseley, Derek Henderson and Dr. John Myrick have served on the ACS Board of Education since the system’s formation in 2013. Misty Johnson has served since her appointment in 2019 and Dr.
School Board Recognition
The Alabaster City Schools community deeply appreciates the dedication and hard work of its Board of Education. Each year, during school board recognition month, the schools express their gratitude for the board's service.
Each of Alabaster City Schools' five campuses expressed its gratitude for the ACS Board of Education and the important role it plays in the daily life of the school system during a meeting on Monday, Jan. 12, at the Central Office. During the meeting, each school principal took time to offer thanks to the board and delivered gifts from students representing their gratitude for each of the BOE’s five members.
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Vickers said that the system’s Board of Education is one of the major differences between ACS and other school systems over the past 13 years.
“I will tell you, we have a group of board members here that care about what happens every day in every school,” Vickers said. “They ask great questions, they spend a lot of time outside of just showing up at a school board meeting-to show that they care and are concerned about our students.”
The ACS Board of Education was presented with videos featuring students showing how much they love school, as well as a variety of gift bags and goodies to show each school’s appreciation for their service.
“I appreciate each and every one of you,” Vickers said. “There’s just an overwhelming support for this board to the mission we’ve set out and the vision, and I think that is so helpful.”
By the Numbers
As of the 2020-2021 school year, Alabaster City School District serves 6,187 students and employs 354 teachers and 351 staff. These numbers demonstrate the scale and scope of the school system's operations.
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