State Names New Schools Superintendent

MONTGOMERY, AL - The Alabama State School Board announced it has chosen its new leader. Eric Mackey, who has been the executive director for the School Superintendents of Alabama since 2010, beat out Hoover Superintendent Kathy Murphy and Jefferson County Superintendent Craig Pouncey for the job.

The board voted 8-1 to confirm Mackey's nomination. A contract will be negotiated and presented to the board for approval on May 10 with the expectation that Mackey begin his responsibilities on May 14.

Mackey, who was also previously Superintendent for the Jacksonville City School System, received his B.S. in Education from Jacksonville State University, his M.A. from the University of Alabama and his Ed.S from the University of Alabama as well.

The four finalists out of 41 total applicants for the job were chosen last week. In addition to Mackey, Puncey and Murphy, Robert Scott, former education commissioner in Texas, was a finalist, but removed his name from consideration before the board made its decision.

The position has been vacant since former Superintendent Michael Sentance resigned in September. Former state superintendent Ed Richardson has served as interim superintendent since then.

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