HCS Introduces Seven New School Administrators
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(Hoover, AL) - The Hoover City Schools District (HCS) is proud to announce exciting changes to its school administration teams across the district. During the regular meeting of the Hoover Board of Education (HBOE) held on Tuesday, May 14, the Board appointed seven outstanding individuals to key positions ahead of the 2024-2025 school year. Some of these appointees are familiar faces within the HCS family, while others bring new perspectives and experiences.
HCS Superintendent Dr. Kevin Maddox shared his enthusiasm for the new appointments, emphasizing their importance in achieving the district's goals. "We are thrilled to welcome our new principals and assistant principals," said Dr. Maddox. "The leadership at our schools is critical to my priorities of ensuring students continue to thrive and achieve at high levels and that we have the best teachers and staff to support student growth and character."
These outstanding leaders will officially start their new positions on July 1, 2024. m The HBOE approved the following appointments:
Principals:
Dr. Chelsea Bayko has been an educator for 13 years. She worked as a teacher at the Charleroi Area School District in Pennsylvania for two years. The remaining 11 years have been right here in Hoover City Schools, where she has served as an assistant principal and exceptional educational teacher. She is currently an assistant principal at Simmons Middle School but has also worked at Bluff Park Elementary and Berry Middle School during her time in Hoover. She graduated from Samford University, Jacksonville State University, California University of Pennsylvania, and Saint Vincent College in Pennsylvania.
Dr. Bayko said, “I'm incredibly honored and excited to take on the principal role within the district I've called home. I'm eager to continue serving our community and fostering an environment where every student can thrive and succeed. I am excited about the opportunity to cultivate a positive and inclusive school culture where diversity is celebrated, student leadership is fostered, and community engagement and relationships are prioritized. Through collaborative efforts with staff, students, and community partners, we will work towards creating a learning environment that empowers students to become confident leaders, active participants in their education, and compassionate contributors to their community.”
Carl Berryhill has been an educator for 18 years. He began his career in Marion County Schools and came to Hoover in 2012. Since his time in Hoover, Mr. Berryhill has been a teacher, a high school football coach, and an assistant principal. While in Hoover, he has worked at Brock's Gap Intermediate, Simmons Middle School, Hoover High School, and Gwin Elementary School. Mr. Berryhill is currently the assistant principal at Green Valley Elementary School. He graduated from the University of Alabama, the University of Montevallo, and the University of Alabama at Birmingham.
Berryhill said, “It is with great excitement and enthusiasm that I join this wonderful school community as principal. I am honored to be a principal in Hoover City Schools. My goal is to create an environment where all students can be successful. I am committed to upholding the values of academic excellence, personal growth, and a supportive learning environment. I look forward to meeting and learning the stories of all the people in the days ahead. I will focus on building relationships with each student, parent, and staff member and creating a school environment where everyone feels valued and respected."
Assistant Principals:
Jason Deason has been in the field of education for 13 years. He taught at the Helen Keller School of Alabama before serving as the assistant principal in Chilton County Schools and Alexander City Schools. He is currently the principal of Alexandria High School in Calhoun County, where he has been for the past four years. Mr. Deason is a graduate of Auburn University and Jacksonville State University.
Deason says, “I'm thrilled to announce my new role as the assistant principal at Hoover High School. Hoover’s outstanding reputation precedes itself, and I'm eager to contribute to such a vibrant and esteemed school community. I can't wait to embark on this exciting journey.” His immediate goal is to immerse himself in the school's culture and values while fostering a supportive and inclusive environment for all students, faculty, and staff."
Dr. Amy England has been an educator for 23 years. While in Tarrant City Schools, she was a teacher, school improvement specialist, testing and technology coordinator, and principal. Dr. England is currently an assistant principal at Vestavia Hills High School. She graduated from Samford University, the University of West Alabama, and the University of Alabama at Birmingham.
Dr. England said, “Hoover is a wonderful community that is dedicated to the success of its schools and the students it serves. I am incredibly excited to join the Hoover High School team and look forward to building relationships with teachers, parents, and students.” In collaboration with the administrative team, she will create a school environment where everyone feels valued and respected and parental involvement in students’ education is welcome."
Jennifer Lowe has been in the field of education for 16 years. She has worked in Shelby County Schools as a Spanish teacher and an assistant principal. Lowe is currently the assistant principal of curriculum and instruction at Hoover High School, where she has been for two years. Lowe holds degrees from Auburn University and the University of Montevallo. She was recently accepted into the inaugural Ed.D. cohort at the University of Montevallo, where she will begin this fall.
“As a member of the first graduating class of Spain Park High School, I am grateful for the opportunity to return home and to serve its teachers, students, and parents,” said Lowe. “I am excited to build relationships with the stakeholders of Spain Park High School and work with the administrative team. Spain Park already has a strong tradition of excellence, and I can't wait to work with the teachers and staff to take our school to the next level.”
For over 20 years Alli Phelps has served English Language (EL) students and their families in various capacities and is most passionate about the family, school, and community engagement opportunities she has created. She has worked in Homewood City Schools and is currently the EL Teacher/ Case Manager at Brock’s Gap Intermediate School and Deer Valley Elementary School. Phelps is a graduate of Auburn University and the University of Alabama and is currently in the Doctorate of Education in Educational Leadership program at Samford University. In 2021, Phelps was awarded the Alternate State Teacher of the Year and Elementary Teacher of the Year for Alabama.
Phelps said, “I'm incredibly excited to have the opportunity to be an assistant principal in Hoover City Schools, and I look forward to getting to know the faculty, students, and families of Riverchase Elementary School! I look forward to serving and helping our RES faculty, staff, students, and school community work towards fulfilling the mission and vision of Hoover City Schools.”
Matthew Stephens has 18 years of experience in education, with 15 of those years in Hoover City Schools. He has served as a math teacher at Bumpus Middle School, Colegio Bolivar in Cali, Colombia, Spain Park High School, and Hoover High School. He served as an assistant principal in Shelby County Schools and is currently the assistant principal at Riverchase Elementary School. His academic background includes degrees from Birmingham-Southern College and the University of Alabama at Birmingham.
Stephens said, “I am delighted to join Berry Middle School as the new assistant principal. It is truly an honor to join such a strong school, and I am excited to work with the amazing educators at Berry Middle. I am thrilled at the opportunities I will experience this upcoming school year. I aim to foster an inclusive and supportive learning environment where every student feels valued, motivated, and empowered to succeed and where teachers are encouraged in their passion for learning.”
About Hoover City Schools
Hoover City Schools (HCS) is a top-rated public school district committed to providing quality education and fostering academic excellence for each student across the district. With a focus on student success and achievement, HCS strives to create a safe and caring environment that nurtures learning and prepares students for future challenges. For more information or to join our team, visit hoovercityschools.net.