The Greene County Board of Education met in a special session, Monday October 13, 2025, to discuss and determine the procedure for initiating its superintendent search. All board members were present as well as board attorney Hank Sanders.
Board President Leo Branch noted that the board had at least two options; conduct the search itself or engage the professional services of the Alabama Association of School Boards (AASB). Branch asked Attorney Sanders to further explain the options. Attorney Sanders confirmed that all the steps for the superintendent search would be conducted by AASB staff, including, but not limited to, advertising the position, receiving and screening all applicants and submitting finalists to the board. The board then interviews finalists and makes its decision. Sanders stated that should the board conduct the search itself, board members would be charged with conducting all components of the process.
President Branch informed the board the he was not able to lead such a search with the board.
“There is too much work involved and it is too difficult to get all board members together, which this process would require. We are already 13 days behind starting this search,” he stated. Vice-President Veronica Richardson said she would lead the process if the board chose to conduct its superintendent search. Board member Brandon Merriweather offered his assessment that since some board members have work obligations, the more efficient approach would be to go with AASB’s plan.
President Branch asked for a motion for action on the superintendent search. Mr. Merriweather moved to engage AASB and Board member Carrie Dancy seconded. All voted to approve, except Ms. Richardson, who voted no.
A second motion was made, seconded and carried to select the AASB Gold approach for the superintendent search. AASB offers a service tier which determines the expanse of the search, related tasks and the cost. AASB’s options are delineated as Silver, Gold and Platinum. The board selected the Gold tier which includes the following AASB tasks at a cost of $9, 999:
* Advertise the position statewide and regionally and recruit candidates.
* Publish a descriptive brochure.
* Facilitate a board meeting or work session to finalize a profile of the desired leader.
* Provide an interview guide for the board.
* Conduct up to five meetings with constituent groups.
* Present analysis of staff and community feedback.
* Survey staff and community on desired superintendent qualities and skills. Utilize a communication style assessment to assist with candidate screening.
* Receive and screen applications.
* Respond to inquiries regarding the vacancy.
* Check credentials and references.
* Notify candidates who are not selected as finalist.
Submit finalists to the board.
Once superintendent takes office, facilitate discussion of board and superintendent communication styles.
The board also approved scheduling a Superintendent Search Workshop with AASB, which would serve as the board’s required annual Whole Board Training, at no additional cost to the board.