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Superintendents and students from across the county shared an update on local schools during the Shelby County Chamber’s annual “State of Our Schools throughout Shelby County” luncheon on Aug. 28. (Reporter photos/Alec Etheredge)

By NOAH WORTHAM | Managing Editor

PELHAM – Superintendents and students from across the county shared an update on local schools during the Shelby County Chamber’s annual “State of Our Schools throughout Shelby County” luncheon on Aug. 28 at the Pelham Civic Complex and Ice Arena.

This year, the Shelby County Chamber veered from the typical format and instead offered a video presentation from each superintendent in Shelby County, followed by three panels featuring students and educators.

Dr. Chuck Ledbetter, superintendent of Pelham City Schools, was the first to give a presentation which focused on the school’s mission to inspire, empower and achieve. The presentation also highlighted the school system’s recent milestone of reaching 10 years as a school system.

Pelham City Schools has invested more than $97 million in facilities and infrastructure improvements, including two new schools and a purchase of land for a future new school site. PCS  includes four schools with 3,400 students and was ranked the No. 7 most diverse school system in Alabama and the No. 12 best school system in Alabama by Niche.com.

“We’re big enough to have everything that any student can be or want in their educational opportunities, but we’re also small enough where the Pelham family is a real thing,” Ledbetter said. “We have great support from our community. Our city government supports us greatly, financially and with other resources in any way they can.”

Hoover City Schools Superintendent Dr. Kevin Maddox provided an update and highlighted the five key pillars of the school system’s success which include academic achievement, innovative programs, award-winning teachers, a safe and supportive learning environment and community partnerships.

Hoover City Schools is the 11th largest school district in Alabama with 18 campuses, a diverse student population that represents 54 languages and has a 33 percent poverty rate. In 2024, Niche.com rated Hoover City Schools at No. 5 for the best school district in Alabama.

In 2024, HCS’ graduation rate was at 97 percent with 80 percent of its graduates enrolling in college or a post-secondary education.

“We expect students to be college or career ready upon graduation,” Maddox said. “We also expect them to be good citizens and future leaders within the community.”

HCS has 120 national board certified teachers and offers a variety of programs including dual enrollment classes, online learning and seven career academies. The school system also aims to provide a safe learning environment through a comprehensive safety plan, security cameras, secured access to entrances and by having a full-time school resource officer at every school.

“We are Hoover City Schools—our momentum is strong and our resolve for continuous improvement is unshakable.”

During his presentation, Dr. Wayne Vickers focused on the quality of education at Alabaster City Schools and the impact its teachers has on its 6,300 students which attend its five campuses.

“Our teachers are more than educators, they’re mentors guiding students on their journeys of discovery and achievement with a focus on innovative teaching practices,” Vickers said.

Alabaster City Schools has received an A on its Alabama State Report Card for four consecutive years and Niche.com ranked ACS at No. 8 for best school system in Alabama. Alabaster City Schools features a graduation rate of 98 percent.

“The future is indeed bright for Alabaster City Schools,” Vickers said. “Our momentum continues on every level… We invite you to visit anytime so you can see for yourself how we truly build champions of our future.”

During the final superintendent presentation. Shelby County Schools Superintendent Dr. Lewis Brooks spoke on the school system’s mission to empower and inspire its students.

“Shelby County Schools believes in preparing our students for the journey ahead of them,” Brooks said. “We believe in empowering and inspiring our students to achieve academic excellence in order to become productive citizens who will make positive contributions to the world.”

Shelby County Schools has a graduation rate of 96 percent and saw the graduating class of 2024 receive $41 million in scholarships. The school system has three schools in the top schools in Alabama, according to U.S. News and World Report and received a gold medallion award by the National School Public Relations Association for its strategic plan.

“Shelby County Schools is committed to bring out the very best in our teams across every school and every department,” Brooks said. “You may ask, ‘Where do we see the return on this investment?’ In the classroom and in the ultimate success of our graduates… Shelby County students are being prepared to be critical thinkers and problem solvers—ready to make a difference in an ever changing world.”

After the superintendents completed their presentations, a panel of four elementary school students from across Shelby County answered questions highlighting why they love their schools.

Emma Tinsley, a fifth grader at Pelham Ridge Elementary School was asked what she loved most about her school.

“I love how much diversity we have in our school,” Tinsley said. “I’ve made so many friends with different backgrounds and that’s helped me grow as a person and we work together to gain a better understanding of whatever topics we’re learning about.”

Fifth grader Paige Denson of Greystone Elementary School was asked how the house system at her school helped her feel a part of Greystone and whether or not other schools should adopt the system.

“I think other schools should use this because it adds an element of competitiveness to the school and is just helpful to kids when they get older,” Denson said. “And also, it helps kids learn how to work as a team and get along.”

Bennett White, a fifth grader at Thompson Intermediate School, was asked for examples of how he and his classmates have worked together to solve problems.

“You can work together by doing group talk and maybe doing just a project together,” White said. “And you can turn and talk to maybe someone around you and you can just talk to them and be like, ‘Hey, if something’s going on, you can tell me and I’m here for you.’ And just be with each other.”

Blakelyn Burns, a fifth grader at Helena Intermediate School, was asked what made her school special.

“Every morning when I walk in I feel so welcomed,” Burns said. “I’ve had a great experience at Helena Intermediate School. And I can’t even mention Helena schools without talking about my first grade teacher… She was so nice and she inspired me and my love for reading.”

Following a round of applause, the elementary-aged panelists returned to their seats before a group of four secondary-aged panelists took the stage.

Pelham High School senior Camdyn Martin highlighted the support she’s received from staff as she’s pursued multiple academic interests.

“One thing that I can say about Pelham is that no matter what you want to do, they’re going to find something for you to pursue in that field,” Martin said.

Jayden Vaughan, a senior at the Riverchase Career Connection Center, highlighted how the school benefitted his educational pursuits.

“All of my team leaders—they’ve always pushed me to do better (and) showed me different opportunities and what I can do in life,” Vaughan said.

Thompson High School senior Sasha Gann discussed how Alabaster City Schools has prepared her for the future.

“I feel like my experience at Thompson High School and Alabaster City Schools has very much prepared me in pretty much every aspect of my future,” Gann said. “Teachers will help you with whatever you need and really just help you be your best self (so you can) contribute to your community in the future.”

Aiden Poe, a senior at Vincent Middle-High School, closed out the secondary-aged panel by discussing how his school has helped prepare him.

“I’m supposed to be here to talk about Shelby County, but I can’t get up here and not brag about Vincent,” he said. “Everybody has the same opportunities to get a head start. It’s more about your ability to put forth effort and not the situation you’re in.”

The luncheon concluded with a final panel featuring four educators from different schools throughout the county, including Pelham High School’s Rebecca Burnett, Spain Park High School’s Candace Strickland, Meadow View Elementary School’s Olivia Cushing and Calera High School’s Anna McEntire.

“At the end of the day, they’re going to need to know how to cooperate with others, how to communicate with others, how to work hard, how to be committed, how to bounce back and have resilience if they fall short and to understand that it’s okay to fall short at times,” Burnett said. “They’re on this bridge to adulthood, and we’re there to encourage them

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