Finalist interviews for MCS superintendent position to start next week
Candidates narrowed to three after one of the finalists took another position
MADISON – The Madison City Board of Education will begin interviews next week to find the school district’s next superintendent. Four finalists were chosen earlier this month, but that has been narrowed to three after one of the finalists took a position in California.
The position was left vacant by Robby Parker’s departure in February. Assistant Superintendent Eric Terrell has been serving as the interim until the position is filled.
Candidates for the position include both head high school principals in Madison, Sylvia Lambert from Bob Jones High School, and Dr. Brian Clayton from James Clemens High School. Also included is former Decatur City Schools superintendent Dr. Ed Nichols.
Dr. Natasha Baker, the former Michigan Department of Education Deputy Superintendent of Education Services, removed her name from being considered after she accepted a position in California.
Madison City Schools spokesperson John Peck said the interviews will begin Tuesday, May 5 and continue through Thursday, May 7.
Dr. Clayton will be interviewed on May 5; Lambert on May 6 and Dr. Nichols on May 7. All interviews will start at 5:30 p.m, and streamed live by Madison City Schools.
Peck said that citizens wishing to monitor actions by the Board can do so through the school district’s livestreaming site: https://mcs.eduvision.tv/LiveSched.aspx.
The board rescheduled the interviews from early April after the governor issued a stay home directive.
“Plans are now to do a face-to-face interview under social distance guidelines and livestream the interviews for the public,” Peck said. “Due to social distancing guidelines, no more than 10 people will be allowed in the board room so public wanting to view the interviews should use the livestream link.”
Information about each candidate:
Dr. Brian Clayton. CONTRIBUTED
Dr. Brian Clayton
Clayton facilitated the opening of James Clemens, Madison’s second high school, in August 2012 and coordinated development of all programs in academics, athletics and fine arts. He developed “Refuel Hour,” one hour of flex time for students at midday. In 2018, Clayton was honored as “Alabama Principal of the Year.”
In other positions as principal, Clayton led Liberty Middle School, where he oversaw the school’s transition from grades 7-9 configuration to grades 7-8, 2011-2012; Rock Quarry Middle School, 2008-2011; Tuscaloosa Middle School, where he coordinated closing the school and establishing three new middle schools, 2007-2008; Thomasville High School, 2006-2007; and Hale County High School, 2000-2006. He also worked as assistant principal at Hale County and taught mathematics at Greensboro West High School.
At the University of Alabama, Clayton earned a doctorate’s degree in Educational Leadership; Education Specialist in Education Leadership; Administration Certificate, Class A; and master and bachelor’s degrees, Mathematics. Clayton has held committee and leadership roles in his church and community groups.
Sylvia Lambert. CONTRIBUTED
Sylvia M. Lambert
Lambert holds a bachelor’s degree in special education, University of Mississippi; master’s in learning handicaps and reading, and Master Certification, educational administration, Auburn University in Montgomery; and Educational Specialist, Alabama A & M University.
Since 2015, Lambert has been Principal of Bob Jones High School and has led students in championing academic quality. She adjusts curriculum for 1,850 students that can pursue 31 advanced placement, along with various academics in career technology.
Also at Bob Jones, Lambert worked as Assistant Principal, Curriculum & Instruction. She produced the master schedule and catalog for curriculum and coordinated AP classes. Lambert also was Assistant Principal at Liberty Middle School and Administrative Lead for the district’s Extended School Year Program.
At James Clemens High School, she was Department Lead for Collaborative English and Reading. She taught in that field at James Clemens and Bob Jones. Her first teaching assignment was at Baldwin Magnet School in Montgomery. Her family formerly owned Express Employment Professionals.
Lambert has participated with numerous education committees and training conferences. She has traveled on missions across Europe, Central America and Europe.
Dr. Ed Nichols. CONTRIBUTED
Dr. Edwin C. Nichols Jr.
Nichols’ career started as band director at Tullahoma High School and then Austin High School in Decatur. His work in administration started as principal of Austin in 1998. He was promoted to Assistant Superintendent and then to Superintendent for Decatur City Schools.
Since 2016, he has worked as Director of Principally Speaking Network with The Schools Foundation in Huntsville and as Associate Consultant, ERI Services Inc. in Baton Rouge, La. Since 2018, Nichols has been President of ENspire Consulting LLC in Decatur. He also has served as media consultant for Decatur Morgan Hospital and Music Director of Central United Methodist Church.
At the University of Tennessee, he earned bachelor and master’s degrees in Music Education. At the University of Alabama, he completed the Innovative Leadership Program in 1998, followed by Education Specialist credentials in Educational Administration and a doctorate’s degree in Education Leadership.
Nichols has been an Adjunct Professor for Samford University and UA. He has been active in civic and professional organizations and earned honors from state education agencies and community groups. He grew up in Maryville, Tenn.
