By GRAHAM BROOKS / Staff Writer

COLUMBIANA – The Shelby County Schools district office was filled with current and retired teachers and administrators, family members and friends on Thursday, Jan. 3, to celebrate the swearing in ceremony of Dr. Lewis Brooks as the newest superintendent of Shelby County Schools.

The main order of business at the Jan. 3 Shelby County Board of Education meeting was the swearing in of Brooks, who replaces Randy Fuller after Fuller served as superintendent of the district from 2006-2018.

Shelby County Probate Judge Allison Boyd conducted the swearing in of Brooks, who was surrounded by his wife Dr. Resia Brooks and sons Jordan and Justin.

“I’d like to just thank the citizens of Shelby County for supporting me in this endeavor and I’d like to thank everyone who I’ve had the opportunity to work with over the years who have supported me,” Brooks said after being sworn in. “I probably would miss people if I called names but I want to certainly thank my wife and sons for their support, my mom, my sister and my family. My mother-in-law and one of our closest family friends for being so supportive of us and I’m just excited about this opportunity.”

Brooks brings more than 28 years of experience to the superintendent role after serving in many capacities that includes being a teacher, principal, elementary district coordinator, middle school district coordinator, assistant superintendent of administration and a deputy superintendent.

Brooks was born in Birmingham and attended the University of Montevallo where he holds a bachelor of science degree, a master’s degree and an educational specialist degree in education all from UM.

Other accomplishments for Brooks include being the recipient of the University of Montevallo’s “Distinguished Alumni Award” and “Outstanding Alumnus Award,” the Alabama Association of Prevention and Support Services “Sue B. Adams Leadership Award,” the Samford University “Learning For Life Award,” and most recently, the recipient of Samford University’s “Orlean Beeson School of Education Featured Alumnus Award” which highlights alumnus for exceptional character, leadership and professional achievement.

“I shared with the cafeteria staff the other day that they can be guaranteed of three things; that I’m going to lead with energy, continue to be a learner and lastly, and I think the most important thing I’m going to do is I’m going to love people,” Brooks said. “I’m excited about what’s ahead for us as a school district and thank you all for being here and thank you board members for this great opportunity.”