Hoover Schools Superintendent Dr. Dee O. Fowler is retiring in September.The Hoover Board of Education and its law firm have launched the search for a new city schools superintendent to succeed Dr. Dee O. Fowler, who is retiring in September, according to a press release from Hoover City Schools.
“I do not have the words to adequately express my personal and professional gratitude for the opportunity to serve as superintendent of Hoover City Schools. The board and the Hoover community have been so welcoming to Marcia and me. Leaving is bittersweet. Hoover is truly a wonderful place to live and work,” Fowler said.
Fowler, who has been with the school system for two years, announced his retirement earlier this month. It is effective Sept. 30.
If the board selects Fowler’s replacement before Sept. 30, he has agreed to work as a consultant until his retirement date to assist in the transition of the new superintendent, the press release said.
Fowler came out of retirement to lead Hoover schools in April 2021. He replaced former Superintendent Kathy Murphy, who accepted the role of president at Gadsden State Community College.
Before his first retirement, Fowler spent more than 40 years in public education in positions from teacher to deputy state superintendent. He was a principal for 15 years and served 10 years as superintendent of Madison City Schools in North Alabama.
The Hoover school board expressed gratitude for Fowler’s service, leadership and accomplishments while serving as superintendent but understands his desire to spend more time with his family in South Alabama, according to the press release.
The school district is working with its law firm, Bishop, Colvin, Johnson & Kent, LLC, to conduct the superintendent search. The notice of vacancy for the position has been posted, and according to state law, the job will remain posted for 30 days.
The last day for applicants to submit their application to the law firm is Aug. 14. The board will interview qualified candidates that the firm identifies.
School board members have discussed the qualifications for an ideal candidate, including requiring a doctoral degree and a preference for someone with superintendent experience. The minimum salary for the position is $200,000 plus benefits, but it is negotiable based on the successful candidate’s experience.
Fowler said he’s leaving the district in a good place and looks forward to seeing more accomplishments and milestones.
During his tenure, Fowler emphasized the importance of improving academics. He consistently met with administrators to analyze student data to identify deficits and develop intervention plans.
Under his leadership, all schools in the district received a state grade of “A” for the first time. Reading scores are now back to pre-pandemic levels & math scores increased by 13%.
A national study conducted by Stanford and Harvard Universities recognized Hoover City Schools for overall positive academic outcomes in math and reading and substantial learning gains for students in poverty, black students and Hispanic students.
English (US)