TCS Halts Superintendent Search, Plans Contract Extension For Mike Daria

TUSCALOOSA, AL — The Tuscaloosa City Board of Education announced Thursday it has halted its search for a new superintendent and will instead consider extending the contract of current Superintendent Mike Daria through the end of 2027.

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Daria had previously announced plans to retire June 30, after more than three decades in education, which included 30 years with Tuscaloosa City Schools.

Daria has served as superintendent since 2016.

TCS says his announcement was intended to give the board time to conduct a large-scale national search for his successor. However, after further consideration, board members determined that maintaining Daria’s leadership is in the district’s best interest.

“From the moment Dr. Daria announced his plans to retire, the Board has been trying to convince him not to leave,” Board Chair Eric Wilson said Thursday. “From our perspective, he is the best superintendent in Alabama, and Tuscaloosa City Schools needs his continued service.”

Wilson pointed to several major initiatives and measurable academic gains during Daria’s tenure.

Among them is the formation of the Saban Center, a community partnership in which Tuscaloosa City Schools plays a pivotal role. Wilson also highlighted strengthened community collaborations and the district’s sustained focus on early literacy.

Wilson pointed out that in the 2015-16 school year, approximately 39% of third graders in the district were reading on grade level. By 2024 and 2025, that number had climbed to 90%, according to district data.

Patch also reported that the school system also earned the highest state report card rating in its history in 2025, improving from an 80 in 2018 to an 86.

Mid-year data from the current school year indicates continued progress toward the district’s goal of becoming an A-rated system.

“We want to cement those successes,” Wilson said. “We believe continuity of leadership is essential to maintaining our current path of progress.”

During his 30 years with Tuscaloosa City Schools, Daria has worked as an English teacher, assistant principal, principal, executive director of personnel and assistant superintendent.

In 2023, Patch reported that Daria was named State Superintendent of the Year by the School Superintendents of Alabama.

“I am deeply grateful for the Board’s confidence and support,” Daria said. “The progress we have made is the result of the hard work of our teachers, staff, students, families and community partners. I believe strongly in the direction we are headed, and I am honored to continue serving the Tuscaloosa City Schools during this important time.”

The proposed contract extension will be presented at the board’s next regularly scheduled meeting on Feb. 10.

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