The quality of schools and growth of an area have always gone hand in hand, and Shelby County has been one of the fastest growing counties in both Alabama and the nation.

Shelby County School Superintendent Evan Major has had a huge role in directing the advance of excellence in Shelby County Schools. Major has always stated that the kids are what&8217;s important and everything else will take care of itself.

This attitude is testament to the fact his career began as a physical education teacher at Thompson Elementary School and that he later served as assistant principal and principal of Chelsea School.

He came to the central office as the placement coordinator and gained experience as curriculum coordinator, director of instructional services, and director of administration.

He has been superintendent of Shelby County Schools for the past eight years and will attend his last school board meeting Oct. 19.

Major has always been an open, honest ,straight-talking superintendent. He has always been just as open with the media as he has been with anyone who approaches him about any school related subject.

When he felt property taxes needed to be raised, though an unpopular subject, he set out to inform the public of that need and held public hearings. And when a increase in taxes failed, he continued to search for means to help build schools as the county continues to grow at a rate of 1,000 students per year.

Major is headed for a well-deserved retirement and we want to wish him well in that retirement