Four finalists vie for MCS Superintendent

MADISON – On Jan. 12, Madison Board of Education approved four finalists for Superintendent of Madison City Schools.

At board request, its legal counsel, Woody Sanderson, served as search consultant and assisted with applications and screenings.

The finalists are all Alabama educators:

* Dr. Reginald Eggleston — Assistant Superintendent, Mobile County Schools.
* Dr. Jennifer Gray — Past Superintendent, Lauderdale County Schools.
* Robert ‘Robby’ Parker — Assistant Superintendent, Madison City Schools.
* Dr. Sandra Spivey — Superintendent, Scottsboro City Schools.

Eggleston has worked as assistant superintendent since 2007 and supervised 29 schools. An active Army Reservist, he served with Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation New Dawn and with Joint Chiefs of Staff.

He earned a bachelor’s degree in broadcast journalism at Troy State University, master’s degree in education at University of Alabama at Birmingham, education specialist degree at Auburn University at Montgomery and doctorate’s degree in educational leadership from Nova Southeastern University.

Eggleston previously worked for Butler County Schools as Students Services Director and principal at Carver and Lanier high schools. A native of Florence, Eggleston and wife Regina live in Mobile.

Gray has worked 26 years with Lauderdale County Schools, including District Superintendent; Principal at Brooks Elementary School; federal programs/curriculum supervisor; assistant principal; and elementary classroom teacher.

At University of North Alabama, Gray earned bachelor’s, master’s and education specialist degrees in early childhood education. She received a doctorate’s degree in educational leadership from Samford University. Gray and husband Jeff have two college-age children.

Parker has served as MCS Assistant Superintendent since 2015. He was Principal at Bob Jones High School 10 years, Discovery Middle School Principal three years and an assistant principal, classroom teacher and coach at Bob Jones another 13 years.

Parker earned a bachelor’s degree in education at Samford and master’s degree in administration at UNA. He graduated from the University of Alabama Superintendent’s Academy in 2011. He was selected “Principal of the Year” by Alabama PTA in 2014.

Parker and wife Anita have two adult sons.

Spivey has worked as Scottsboro’s superintendent since 2015. She has worked as math teacher, Assistant Principal and Principal, Phenix City and Alexander City high schools; Principal and HR Director, Hoover City Schools; Secondary Education Director, Madison County Schools; regional support coordinator, state department; and adjunct professor, Samford.

Spivey received a bachelor’s degree in education at Auburn; master’s degree in mathematics at AUM; master’s certification in educational administration; educational specialist degree; and doctorate’s degree in educational leadership at Auburn.

Spivey and husband George live in Scottsboro.

Forty people applied for the opening, and 25 satisfied all requirements.

Madison Board of Education hopes to name a superintendent in early February. For the finalists’ interview schedule, visit madisoncity.k12.al.us and click “Superintendent Search.”