Monday, Oct. 14, during its regular meeting, the city council for the City of Pell City announced the formation of the Pell City Board of Education steering committee.

Among other responsibilities, the committee will be tasked with interviewing and recommending future members of the Pell City Board of Education to the city council for appointment. Its members will serve a two-year term.

Named to the committee were:

— Tammie Williams: Former Pell City Board of Education member, Pell City resident.

— Cory Bline: Pell City Business community, attendance zone resident.

— Rusty Jessup: Mayor of Riverside, attendance zone resident.

— Jeff Jones: Former Pell City Board of Education member, Pell City resident.

— Monique Bowman: Former Pell City Schools educator, attendance zone resident.

— Roland St. John: Pell City Business community, attendance zone resident.

— Kelly Furgerson: Pell City Attorney, Pell City resident.

The city council created the committee in anticipation of Local Amendment 1, a Nov. 5, 2024 referendum that could return the Pell City Board of Education to an appointed board.

The same amendment, which will appear on the ballot throughout St. Clair County, will provide representation on the board to families who live outside city limits, but whose children attend Pell City Schools. The ordinance creating the steering committee would not go into effect until voters approve Amendment 1.

“First and foremost, as we prepare for the possibility that the council will return to appointing board of education members, we know we want to find people in our community who have a proven track record of developing young minds for success,” council president Jud Alverson said. “But more than that, we want to find Pell City citizens and residents of the attendance zone who know about excellence and are equipped to lead all our schools in that direction.”

The council is developing an application, review and appointment process for the Pell City Board of Education should the amendment pass. Following this process, during which transparency will be prioritized, the steering committee will be asked to evaluate applicants from the city and attendance zone, and will recommend candidates for appointment to the board of education.

The Pell City Board of Education drove support for Amendment 1 via a unanimous vote on Resolution 2024-1 during its Jan. 25, 2024 meeting. Conversations between the council and board dating back to that time led to the creation of the steering committee. Those appointed to serve were chosen from suggestions made by both the council and Board.

Earlier this year, the council created criteria that would be used to evaluate potential members for the Education steering committee. These criteria included holding a degree in education or business administration or having equivalent experience, a minimum of five years of continuous residency in the city limits or attendance zone, and experience in serving the Pell City School System, via employment, elected or appointed office, PTO/PTA involvement, local education advocacy groups or a board focused on community well-being.

In addition, the council desired individuals with a commitment to educational excellence. In its search for committee appointments, the city engaged with the Board of Education for recommendations to find those with a proven track record of advocating for and implementing successful educational initiatives, an understanding of current educational research and best practices, a strong belief in data-driven decision making for improving student outcomes, and a commitment to goals of equity and achievement for all students.

Upon the approval of Amendment 1 in November, the city council will release additional information and guidelines for the steering committee’s role in the appointment process, as well as detail on how interested individuals can apply to serve on the Pell City Board of Education.

“We’re presenting a committee that was created after much thought and discussion,” mayor Bill Pruitt said. “Its members include individuals with experience on the board of education and in the classroom, as well as those who have children and grandchildren in the system. Its members also reside in both the city limits and the attendance zone, and we’re expecting this collection of diverse perspectives and experiences to produce the best possible candidates for the board should Amendment 1 pass.”

Qualifications for appointment to the Pell City Board of Education include:

Legal Requirements

— Be a resident of the of Pell City or the Pell City Schools attendance zone for a period of no less than 90 days.

— Be of good moral character.

— Be at least 21 years old.

— Have a high school diploma or equivalent.

— Not be a convicted felon or on a sex offender registry.

— Not be employed by the City of Pell City or the Pell City Board of Education.

— Not serving on the governing board of a private elementary or secondary education institution.

— Recommended Skills and Experience (Currently under evaluation by the Pell City council).

— A strong interest in public education and student success.

— A commitment to excellence and continuous improvement.

— Experience with budgeting and financial oversight.

— Understanding of school law and policy.

— Ability to analyze complex data and make sound decisions.

— Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

— Willingness to collaborate with others and build consensus.

— Strong work ethic and ability to dedicate time to board responsibilities.