By Erica Thomas, managing editor
TRUSSVILLE — Two pillars of achievement are leaving The Trussville City School System. Beth Bruno, the assistant superintendent of curriculum and instruction, and Dr. Jennifer Cardwell, assistant director of curriculum and instruction program coordinator of secondary programs, are retiring.
When asked for parting words, both Bruno and Cardwell refused to pat themselves on the back and instead gave all the credit to each other and to others they have worked with over the years.
Bruno served as a teacher, an assistant principal and a principal during her 30+ years in education.
“I am blessed to have been a part of Trussville City Schools and to have worked alongside talented, committed colleagues,” Bruno said. “All of the 400 plus employees of our school system have significantly impacted my life. They have inspired me with their intellect, compassion, work ethic, kindness, and genuine care and love. I am a better person for having worked with my TCS colleagues.”
Dr. Jennifer Cardwell and Mrs. Beth Bruno
It is evident, when looking at scores and benchmarks, that Bruno has left a mark worth celebrating. For three straight years, 89% of students a Hewitt-Trussville High School have met at least one of the College and Career Readiness Standards. Trussville City Schools has routinely been one of the top scoring schools in the state, and just this past year, the school system scored second highest in Alabama on the Alabama State Department of Education’s report card.
Bruno was named the top curriculum administrator in Alabama in 2018 by the Alabama Association for Supervision & Curriculum Development (AASCD). However, Bruno credits those she worked with for her success.
“I am fortunate to have worked closely with many elementary teachers through the years who have taught me so much and who have been so supportive,” she said. “I am in awe each time I visit their classrooms and see the foundation of our community that is being built by these teachers. I appreciate their willingness to help me grow and learn as a leader.
“I have learned so much from my friend and curriculum partner, Jennifer Cardwell. She has taught me about life, gratitude, hope, positivity, and curriculum. She has given tirelessly of herself to support TCS students and staff.”
Cardwell is also an award-winning curriculum leader. Among achievements, Cardwell received the state’s ACCESS Administrator of the Year Award in 2019, as well as the University of Alabama’s ACCESS Administrator of the Year Award.
Cardwell has been an educator for 26 years, most of that time has been spent in Trussville.
“Having been in this community over half of my life, I will miss our students, my colleagues and our community,” said Cardwell. “However, I know all of our stakeholders value a great education and will continue to progress the mission and vision of Trussville City Schools.
Cardwell and Bruno have worked together during many transitions and a lot of growth within The Trussville City School Systems. Their true “servant’s hearts” have been the driving force behind accomplishments within the system.
“I am passionate about teaching and learning, and have loved being able to provide support for my colleagues in whatever capacity that was needed,” Cardwell said. “I am better having been under the leadership of Beth Bruno for these past few years.”
Bruno’s and Cardwell’s last day is July 1, 2019.
