By Gary Lloyd
HOMEWOOD — Jefferson County has its new schools superintendent.
Warren Craig Pouncey, the chief of staff for the Alabama State Department of Education, was approved by a 4-1 vote by the Jefferson County Board of Education on Tuesday morning. Jacqueline Smith was the only dissenting vote.
Pouncey was previously superintendent of Crenshaw County Schools, assistant state superintendent and deputy state superintendent of education.
Craig Pouncey
photo courtesy of the Alabama State Department of Education
In his chief of staff role, Pouncey has been responsible for the day-to-day operation of the department, as well as legislative and financial matters that affect K-12 education.
Pouncey earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in elementary education at Troy University. He has an Ed.S. in educational administration from Auburn University in Montgomery and an Ed.D. in educational leadership from Samford University.
Board President Jennifer Parsons said 11 people applied for the job, three of which were from Alabama. Board member Tommy Little said Pouncey brings “such a different element” to the job and that he “stood way out.”
“I feel very strongly about Dr. Pouncey and I think he will take us to the next level,” said board member Oscar Mann.
Board member Martha Bouyer said it was a “very difficult task.”
“Our decisions are critical and crucial,” she said.
Pouncey will likely take over July 1. His contract is pending approval. The board next meets June 26 at 10 a.m.
Pouncey replaces Stephen Nowlin, who is now an administrative officer for the remainder of his contract. Bobby Neighbors has been serving as interim superintendent.
Contact Gary Lloyd at news@trussvilletribune.com and follow him on Twitter @GaryALloyd.
