Suzanne Lacey has served as teacher, assistant principal, principal, Elementary/Federal Programs Coordinator, Director of Personnel and Deputy Superintendent in Talladega County Schools prior to being appointed Superintendent in 2008.
Dr. Lacey holds membership with the School Superintendents of Alabama (SSA) where she served as President during the 2015-2016 year and is past president of both the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD) and the Council for Leaders in Alabama Schools (CLAS). She is also a member of Leadership Alabama Class XX.
Under Dr. Lacey’s leadership, Talladega County Schools has implemented a comprehensive plan to increase student engagement by implementing Project Based Learning, redefining learning spaces, and equipping every student (K-12) with a personal learning device. Her goal of empowering both students and teachers to “own” their learning is a trademark throughout Talladega County Schools and well-known at both the state and national level. As a result of Dr. Lacey’s dedication and high expectations, Talladega County Schools currently boasts an all-time high graduation rate of 97%.
Past AASA Alabama Superintendent of the Year Winners:
2020 Alabama Superintendent of the Year: Jeff Goodwin
2019 Alabama Superintendent of the Year: William Wilkes
About the Superintendent of the Year:
As a sponsor of the superintendent of the Year program, First Student wants to recognize these leaders in a special way this year, because of the Covid-19 pandemic and the disruption that has affected all education systems but also the innovative approaches that the superintendents and school districts addressed through radio, television, zoom and take-home packages. These superintendents are the very best in public education and are needed more than ever during this crisis.
About the Award:
The superintendent of the Year program, sponsored by First Student and AASA, The School superintendents Association, pays tribute to the talent and vision of the men and women who lead the nation’s public schools.
State level winners are selected on the following criteria:
- Leadership for Learning
- Communication
- Professionalism
- Community Involvement