Superintendents give ‘State of the Schools’ report

MADISON – The lead administrators for Madison County’s three public school districts collaborated to present the “State of the Schools” report on Feb. 7.

Huntsville-Madison County Chamber of Commerce hosted the event, which attracted business leaders, professionals and school staff employees.

“Madison City Schools Superintendent Robby Parker joined his counterparts from Huntsville and Madison County in a panel discussion on successes and challenges in their districts and in education in general,” John S. Peck said. Peck is MCS Public Relations Manager.

The Schools Foundation of Huntsville/Madison County organizes the annual session. A 501(c)3 non-profit organization, The Schools Foundation supports Huntsville, Madison County and Madison school districts by creating widespread community support, which leads to world-class performance of principals, teachers and students. (theschoolsfoundation.org).

“Mr. Parker said one thing that sets MCS apart is its ‘small town’ feel where each student is known and has equal chances to succeed,” Peck said. “Top challenges are the need for new schools and finding a way to pay for them.”

Parker discussed the need for new schools, expanded curriculum and extracurricular offerings, demographic equality among schools and top priorities for MCS.

“Mr. Parker shared his vision of expanding advanced math into elementary schools, increasing language opportunities so every student can graduate bilingual and growing career-tech programs for students destined for ‘new collar’ jobs, rather than the traditional post-secondary path,” Peck said.

In addition, Parker wants to expand pre-kindergarten until every eligible child in the City of Madison can attend.

Audience members asked superintendents about report cards from State Department of Education. “All agreed the full measure of any school goes beyond just a simple letter grade. Parker, noting MCS was one of only two districts across the state where every school received an A, said that wouldn’t have happened without the concerted effort by the board and school leadership to keep schools socio-economically balanced through rezonings,” Peck said.

“The cornerstone of our success in Madison City Schools is making each school as demographically equal as possible,” he said.

Parker said MCS’ growth of 300 students per year will demand construction of a new elementary school by 2021, a new middle school by 2023 and a third high school or expanding the two existing high schools by 2025.