Eric Terrell named new Superintendent of Madison City Schools

MADISON – Eric Terrell was named Superintendent of Madison City Schools at the Tuesday, July 28 Board of Education meeting.

Terrell became Interim Superintendent following Dr. Ed Nichols’ retirement in June.

“I’m just very, very grateful to be able to continue to serve Madison City Schools, to serve our students, to serve our staff and our community. I don’t know any other way to do it,” said Terrell.

Terrell has served Madison City Schools for over 25 years in various roles.

He was a teacher and coach at Discover and Liberty Middle Schools, a teacher, coach, and assistant principal at Bob Jones High School, assistant principal at James Clemens High School, and principal at Discovery Middle School.

He has also served as assistant superintendent for the last nine years, serving as interim superintendent twice during that time with the first instance during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“On each occasion, he’s exhibited exceptional competence, good judgement, and the ability to make tough decisions promptly, with good grace, and good humor. There is no one who is more ardent and a loyal supporter of Madison City Schools,” said board attorney Woody Sanderson.

According to Sanderson, Terrell was ranked highest out of all the applicants by every member of the board of the education, leading Sanderson to present him as the only finalist for superintendent.

“I’m happy for you, Mr. Terrell. I’m happy for the system,” said board president Travis Cummings. “We love having the opportunity to promote and develop within and this speaks volumes to where we are now.”

Madison Mayor Ranae Bartlett, a former president of the board of education, also extended her congratulations, “Congratulations to the Board of Education. Selecting a superintendent is one of the most consequential decisions you will ever make. Well done. Congratulations, Mr. Terrell.”

Terrell will be overseeing a school district of over 13,000 students and the opening of the district’s eighth elementary school, Russell Branch Elementary, this fall.