School Board Not Hiring Any Of The 5 Superintendent Finalists

HOOVER, AL — After hiring a search firm to find candidates for the school system's superintendent position, the Hoover Board of Education decided it will not move forward with any of the five finalists interviewed for the job in February.

In December, the board hired the Alabama Association of School Boards as a search firm to find candidates for the position. In total, 37 applicants applied, and that pool was narrowed down to five candidates. The board concluded interviewing the five candidates in mid-February.

"This process allowed the board to hear from district leaders and stakeholders about what they would like to see in their next leader," Hoover City Schools said in a release Monday. "The board does not want to rush this important decision and looks forward to finding the right candidate. The board will continue to do their due diligence, and they remain committed to bringing the right leader to Hoover City Schools."

The candidates interviewed were:

• Dr. Michael Barber: Most recently served as the Superintendent of Pell City Schools
• Dr. Bart Reeves: The current Superintendent of Satsuma City Schools
• Dr. Holly Sutherland: The current Superintendent of Haleyville City Schools
• Dr. Autumm Jeter: The current Superintendent of Bessemer City Schools
• Mr. William Randy Wilkes: The current Superintendent of Phenix City Schools

Superintendent Kathy Murphy announced in October she was leaving Hoover City Schools to take over the helm at Gadsden State Community College. She left the system at the end of 2020.