Madison City Schools Superintendent to retire at end of 2025-26 school year
Search now begins for replacement
MADISON – Madison City Schools Superintendent Dr. Ed Nichols announced plans to retire at the end of this school year at Thursday’s school board meeting.
His retirement caps off nearly 38 years in public education and a career teaching and mentoring that started as a teenager teaching clarinet and trumpet in high school band. Prior to joining Madison City Schools, Dr. Nichols served in Decatur City Schools for 28 years, including four years as superintendent, 9 years as assistant superintendent, and more years as teacher, band director and principal at Austin High School. He retired from Decatur City Schools superintendent in 2016.
Dr. Nichols came out of retirement in 2020 to become the Madison City Schools superintendent, succeeding Superintendent Robby Parker. He was first introduced to MCS in late fall 2016 serving as interim superintendent following Dr. Dee Fowler’s retirement.
Nichols cited his 37.5 year career, his age, and a desire to spend time with his family as motivations to step down now.
He also noted, “The system’s in a great place. We’ve secured funding for the future. We’re getting ready to do a five year capital plan that will add some buildings. I kind of felt like the district might need somebody new to kind of carry those through.”
Under his six-year tenure, Madison City Schools saw a lot of growth and change. 3 new schools, Midtown Elementary, Journey Middle School, and the West Madison PreK Center, and a new Special Education wing at Bob Jones opened. He oversaw the groundbreaking of another new school, Russell Branch Elementary, which will open this fall. Enrollment grew from 11,868 starting the 2020-2021 school year to 13,260 now. Facilities have been through a number of upgrades, including new playground, athletic facility and transportation improvements, and the expansion of STEM, art, music, and Career Tech programs.
Nichols says his crowning achievement is creating a culture within the district that strives to empower all students.
“When I came, I told the board the first thing I would do is change the vision statement and that I would add three letters ‘a-l-l’, and we would not just empower students, we’d empower all students,” said Nichols. “When we’re not just focused on one group of kids but we’re focused on all kids, I think that that is the thing I will carry with that I hope I’ve done, that I hope that I’ve helped people to get a culture that Madison City Schools is doing our best for all kids, and I’m proud of the work we’ve done throughout the district that has empowered all kids.”
Nichols also faced many challenges, from the Covid-19 pandemic, to funding challenges, to multiple rezonings. Earlier this year, Nichols saw through the Madison city council’s vote to extend the half cent sales tax to fund the school system.
His official last day is set for June 30. Board Attorney Woody Sanderson advised the board of state job posting timelines that may necessitate an earlier departure and rehiring as interim superintendent until his ultimate retirement date.
His retirement is not a retirement from community service, however. Nichols plans to stay involved in the local community through local organizations he currently contributes to including Main Street Madison and Huntsville Symphony Orchestra.
Nichols had a parting message for the family and students, “Thank you. Thank you for letting me be part of a great team to help all kids in Madison.”
