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ALABASTER – For Amanda Wilbanks, former Thompson Middle School teacher and more recently principal of Pelham High School, a new position with Alabaster City Schools represents “coming home.”

Wilbanks was approved as the school system’s new coordinator of secondary education by the ACS Board of Education at its meeting on Monday, June 15.

“I was excited to return to where I began my career in education,” said Wilbanks, an Alabaster resident. “It’s a good opportunity to do more and offer more for my hometown.”

Wilbanks began her career in education in 2005. She taught seventh grade life science at TMS for six years before leaving for an assistant principal role at Pelham High.

After two years as assistant principal, she served as principal at PHS for three years.

Wilbanks has also taught at the post-secondary level.

As coordinator of secondary education, Wilbanks will serve students, teachers and administrators for grades 6-12.

Her responsibilities will include working with principals and teachers on vertically aligning curriculum to make sure the courses offered are what is needed and wanted, she said.

Wilbanks said she wants to ensure each ACS student can go through secondary school in order to meet their goals for what they want to do after high school—whether that is continue their education or begin working.

“A huge part of that is that they are successful throughout,” Wilbanks said.

Wilbanks will work with a variety of stakeholders, including local colleges and the community at large.

“I’m really anxious to get out there and meet everyone and get them on board for our students,” she said.

In other business, the Board of Education:

• Were updated on two projects. Panel drains will be installed across the outfield at the Thompson High School baseball field and then connected to a perforated drain that was part of the first phase of work. Also, HVAC equipment will be installed at Thompson Intermediate School.
• Approved a budget amendment that included carryover for district initiatives for K-5 software, approval of projects as part of a bond refinance section and approved state funds for library enhancement.
• Approved financial statements, payroll, bank reconciliations and a pay request.