Tuscaloosa City Schools Begins Search For Next Superintendent

TUSCALOOSA, AL — Tuscaloosa City Schools (TCS) on Monday officially opened its search for the district’s next superintendent, launching a formal process to identify a successor to longtime Superintendent Mike Daria.

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TCS says the position is now posted and applications will be accepted through Jan. 16, 2026.

As Patch previously reported, search follows Daria’s announcement that he will retire on June 30, 2025, after more than 30 years with the school system.

During his tenure, TCS says it recorded major academic gains, including an increase in third-grade reading proficiency from 32% in 2014 to 90% in 2025.

Patch also reported that the district’s state report card grade improved from a C to a B, while college and career readiness rose from 30% to 96% over the past decade.

Tuscaloosa City Board Of Education Chair Eric Wilson said the leadership transition represents a pivotal moment for the system.

“Finding the right superintendent is one of the most important responsibilities we have as a Board,” Wilson said. “Over the last eight years under Dr. Mike Daria, our system has made tremendous progress. We are committed to selecting a leader who can build on that success, support our students and staff, and guide TCS into its next chapter with integrity and vision.”

TCS says candidate interviews are scheduled for Jan. 26–30, and the school board expects to announce its selection on Feb. 2, 2026.

The new superintendent is slated to begin work on May 1, 2026.

Click here for the full search brochure and application instructions.

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