Today, I announce that I am resigning as Superintendent of Birmingham City Schools effective December

31, 2014. This decision will allow me to pursue other opportunities, and gives the Board of Education the
time needed to make a smooth transition as it searches for a new superintendent.
In the past 4 years as Superintendent for Birmingham City Schools I have gained 24,500 great
memories I can take along with me the rest of my professional journey. I thank this board, our parents,
community members, and our students for allowing me the wonderful opportunity to serve as
superintendent.
When I reflect on my time as superintendent, I recount the great strides made during my tenure. Under
my leadership, I am pleased that I was able to help bring about the following achievements for our
district and students:
Increased graduation rate by 15 points based upon latest preliminary data
Reduced dropout rate by 8 points at 4 percent
Worked with state team to increase fund balance from $2 to $20 million
Made strides toward restoration of districts accreditation
Implemented and expanded career academies across Birmingham City Schools
Implemented Dropout Recovery Program, graduating over 500 students
Reduced student flight from the district by increasing student retention
Expanded enrollment in Advanced Placement offerings and International Baccalaureate
Programming
Expanded the number of pre-kindergarten classrooms in the district from 9 to 23
Secured a $19 million GearUp grant to help advance learning at middle schools
Each of these accomplishments helped us establish a solid foundation for the future of Birmingham City
Schools. I am personally excited about that future.
In closing, I thank the Board of Education for allowing me to serve. I also thank the teachers, staff and
principals. Our work together helped contribute mightily to every one of our accomplishments.
I send a special thanks to parents and community members for being vested and engaged in our schools.
The kind of community interest we have in Birmingham is rare and does not get enough appreciation.
Lastly, I thank our students. It is because of you that I awake each day to work in education.
The foundation is set for a strong future. And, the time is now for this Board of Education to write
others chapters of success for our district.
I am honored to have played a role in pointing Birmingham City Schools toward a path of progress.

October 7, 2014