Greene County Democrat

Tag: Ms. Susan Salter

  • School Board presented four finalists for superintendent’s position

    Shown above Dr. Jessica Constant, Mr. Demond Mullins,  Ms. Taurus Brown and Dr. Timothy Thurman

    At its December 15, 2025 regular meeting, the Greene County Board of Education received four applicant finalists for the position of Superintendent. Ms. Susan Salter, special consultant with the Alabama Association of School Boards (AASB), led the superintendent search for Greene County School System. She presented the following finalist detailing their experiences and education: Dr. Jessica Constant, currently Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning, Phenix City Schools; Mr. Demond Mullins currently Director of Curriculum and Federal Programs, Lowndes County Schools; Ms. Taurus Brown Smith currently Education Administrator Alabama Department of Education, Office of School Improvement; Dr. Timothy Thurman currently Superintendent Linden City Schools.

    Ms. Salter noted that applications were received from 39 candidates with 28 completions. Applications were received from Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, Illinois, Arizona and Missouri. AASB reviewed all applicants and a committee determined the top candidates. AASB vetted all candidates. Salter narrated to the board the credentials and work experiences of each finalist, in alphabetical order. through a public Power Point presentation. The board has scheduled interviews with each finalist for Thursday, December 18, beginning at 10: am in the Central Office. The interviews are open to the public, but only board members may participate in the interviews. Dr. Jessica Constant’s experiences include Coordinator of Student Services, Tuscaloosa City Schools; Experiences in Hale County Schools – Principal, Greensboro High School; Principal Akron Community School; Assistant Principal, Greensboro Middle School; Teacher, Greensboro East Elementary. Education – Doctorate in Education Management; Education Specialist; Master’s Education Administration and Supervision; Master’s Education Leadership; Bachelor’s Elementary Education.

    Mr. Demond Mullins’ experiences include Director of Curriculum and Federal Programs, Lowndes County Schools; Principal Johnson Elementary, Jeff Davis High School, Montgomery County Schools; Principal Hazelwood Elementary, Lawrence County Schools; Assistant Principal Bob Jones High School, Madison City Schools; Assistant Principal, Forest Avenue Magnet Elementary, Montgomery County Schools; Teacher, Seth Johnson Elementary, Montgomery County Schools; Teacher, Westwood Elementary, Tuscaloosa County schools.
    Education – Education Specialist, Master’s Education Leadership; Bachelor’s Elementary Education; currently Ph.D candidate.

    Ms. Taurus Brown Smith’s experiences include Principal Payne Elementary, Selma City Schools; Teacher, Selma City Schools. Education – National Board Certification, Early Childhood Generalist; Master’s Elementary Education; Master’s Education Administration; Bachelor’s Elementary Education.
    Dr. Timothy Thurman’s experiences include Assistant Superintendent Linden City Schools; Principal Linden High School; Teacher and Coach Perry County Schools; Director Perry County Alternative School. Education: Doctorate Educational Leadership; Master’s Education Administration; Bachelor’s Elementary Education.

  • School Board receives report on Superintendent Search Community Input Process

    The Greene County Board of Education held a called session, Monday, November 10, 2025 to receive a report on the Community Input Process of the Superintendent Search for Greene County School System conducted by the Alabama Association of School Boards (AASB). Ms. Susan Salter, AASB Consultant, coordinated local stakeholder engagements in October and November with 33 attendees as well as a stakeholder survey with 76 respondents. Salter noted that although there was a small number of parent and community participants, the responses were similar. “There was a consistency in views,” she said.
    Regarding superintendent traits desired, the community input listed the following: strong communication skills, good listener, relationship builder, approachable, committed to accountability and transparency, creates a good work environment, leadership ability – has strength to make difficult decisions but can be flexible, and have strong visibility in community.
    In responding to challenges the new superintendent will face, the participants listed declines in enrollment; issues at the middle school; special education services; parent involvement. Other challenges include student achievement (academic and behavior), teacher recruitment, morale and retention and improving communications with parents and the public.
    When asked if the superintendent should be hired from among existing employees, from outside the school system, or no preference, approximately 44% indicated no preference; 32% said from within the system; 25 % said from outside the system.
    Ms. Salter stated that next steps include accepting applications through December 10, 2025. All applications must go through AASB. In this process the board does not accept superintendent applications.The link to apply is on the board’s website and can be widely distributed. AASB will screen and vet all applicants (checking credentials and references) and select five finalists. Salter and the board will compile a list of questions for the finalists. She suggested creating about 10 questions for an hour interview with each finalist.
    On December 15, Susan Salter will give the board the final list of the top five candidates screened and recommended by AASB. The board will schedule the interviews beginning December 17. The interviews of the top five applicants for superintendent will be open to the public.