Vestavia Hills Board of Education Names New Superintendent

VESTAVIA HILLS, AL - The Vestavia Hills Board of Education Wednesday night voted to name Dr. Todd Freeman as the next superintendent of its school system. Freeman was formerly of the Sylacauga City Schools system.

The board narrowed down its search for a new superintendent January 16 by naming two finalists for the position. Patrick Martin of Gardendale City Schools and Freeman remained in the hunt for the job.

"The decision to hire Dr. Freeman was not an easy one for us," said board president Nancy Corona. "In December, we selected Dr. Freeman as one of four finalists from a field of 32 qualified candidates. Each finalist then went through a long and careful consideration process that included public interviews with the Board, site visits to each candidate’s current and former schools, reference and background checks, and written feedback from teachers, students and administrators who met with the candidates."

Corona said the next steps in the hiring of Freeman will include establishing his start date and salary package. "As with the superintendent search process, these details will be discussed and decided in an open meeting," she said. "Dr. (Charles) Mason will remain with us as interim superintendent until the transition is complete."

The process for filling the position has been ongoing since the fall, with the board narrowing down applicants publicly throughout the process. Mason has been acting as interim superintendent since the sudden resignation of Sheila Phillips in July.

Photo from Vestavia Hills City Schools