Dr. Clayton is proud to serve the students, faculty, staff administration, and the community of Hartselle City Schools as its Superintendent.  He is a native of Eutaw, Alabama, and is a graduate of the University of Alabama, where he earned four degrees, which includes a Doctorate in Education Leadership in 2005.  He has served students as a math teacher, basketball and football coach, assistant principal, and principal in Hale County Schools, Thomasville City Schools, Tuscaloosa City Schools, and Madison City Schools for 29 ½ years. For the past 10 ½ years, he served as the first Principal of James Clemens High School. During his time at James Clemens, Dr. Clayton was awarded the honor of State of Alabama Secondary Principal of the Year in 2018. He was credited with building James Clemens High into a prominent academic, arts, and athletic institution which continuously leads the State of Alabama in academic performance. Additionally, James Clemens High was named a CLAS Banner School in 2020 and 2021.  Also, with Madison City Schools, Dr. Clayton served as Principal of Liberty Middle School when the school was named a National Blue Ribbon Award winner in 2012.  

Dr. Clayton has served his peers as President-elect of the Alabama Association of Secondary School Principals for the 2019-2020 school year. Additionally, he serves on the Council for Leaders of Alabama Schools (CLAS) Board of Directors and is a member of the Executive Board of CLAS.