Fowler a candidate for Mobile superintendent

Dr. Dee Fowler, Madison City Schools superintendent, is one of the three finalists as superintendent for the Mobile County Public School System.

“I have always visualized myself retiring one day in Madison city and becoming the Superintendent Emeritus, possessing the rights and privileges of that position as speaker at graduations and Institute Days,” Fowler said.

He said the “initial lure” he had to Mobile was to be closer to his family.

The other two candidates are Edwin Smith of Auburn and Marcell Smith of Sugarland, Tx.

“I am extremely excited to be considered a candidate for the position of superintendent of Mobile County Public Schools,” he said. “Mobile is the largest district in the state and has a very rich history. This year they are celebrating their 175th year of existence.

Mobile has shown a commitment to students and is ground zero for the initiative to eliminate the learning gap in the state of Alabama.”

Fowler said there are few educators in the state who are not aware of the “Herculean task” George Hall Elementary and other schools in Mobile have preformed in lowering the learning gap.

“Dr. Fowler is an outstanding superintendent ad our schools have thrived under his leadership,” said Board of Education President Ray White. “It is my hope that he will finish his career in Madison.  However, with his family living in the Mobile area, I can understand anyone seeking the opportunity to relocate to be near their only child and I support him doing what he thinks is best for his family.”

Fowler said he will interview sometime between Nov. 8 through Nov. 10, and will find out about the position in early November.

“I believe that Mobile and Madison are similar in the fact that they have high expectations and have resisted entering the maintenance mode of teaching and learning,” Fowler said. “Both systems are moving forward, charting new paths. The opportunity to interview in Mobile and the possibility to relocate closer to family members has been a great pull professionally and personally.”