Parker named MCS Superintendent
Robby Parker, longtime employee with the Madison district, is the new Superintendent of Madison City Schools. RECORD PHOTOS/JFD PHOTOGRAPHY & DESIGN
MADISON – Madison Board of Education has selected Robby Parker as Superintendent of Madison City Schools.
At its Jan. 26 meeting, the board announced its unanimous choice for Parker from a field of four finalists that included Mobile County Assistant Superintendent Dr. Reginald Eggleston, Lauderdale County Principal and former Superintendent Dr. Jennifer Leigh Gray and Scottsboro Schools Superintendent Dr. Sandra Spivey.
Parker, a 28-year veteran with Madison schools, has worked as a teacher, coach, assistant principal and principal. He is the current MCS Assistant Superintendent.
“He has been with the school system since its inception in 1998, seeing it through explosive enrollment and rising accolades as a top performing school district,” MCS Public Relations Manager John S. Peck said. “He was principal at Bob Jones High School for 10 years, principal at Discovery Middle School and has been superintendent for the 1.5 years.”
Board members said the quality of applicants made the decision difficult because each had strong qualifications, good insights and worthwhile ideas.
All board members agreed Parker demonstrated the best in experience, familiarity with the district, innovative spirit, community ties, leadership, collaborative mindset, regard for teachers and compassion for the students, Peck said.
“He is the best one to take us to the next level,” board member Tim Holtcamp said.
Board member Ranae Bartlett said Parker has always demonstrated an ability to take a goal that is clearly defined and make that goal happen. She also said he is a humble servant skilled at spotting and cultivating strong leaders.
Board member Connie Spears and board chairperson Dr. Terri Johnson said Parker had earned his elevation to school superintendent from his longtime involvement, dedication and successes with Madison City Schools.
Parker will assume the superintendent role on Feb. 1. The board now must approve a contract that will set salary, terms, expectations and other aspects.
Parker and his wife Anita, who works at Discovery Middle School, have two sons, Tyson and Seth. The Parker family members are avid fans of Crimson Tide football and often tailgate together in Tuscaloosa.
In an advisory role, Interim Superintendent Dr. Ed Nichols will continue to work for MCS during part of February for the transition.
The vacancy for MCS Superintendent was advertised nationwide. The board accepted applications until Dec. 19, 2016.
Parker will be the third MCS superintendent. Dr. Henry Clark was hired as charter superintendent when Madison seceded from Madison County Schools and founded its own separate district. The superintendent position became open when then superintendent Dr. Dee Fowler resigned in November 2016 to accept the position of Assistant Superintendent for the Alabama Department of Education.
