MADISON, Ala. — Madison City Schools has a new superintendent.
Dr. Ed Nichols was unanimously approved by the Board of Education at its meeting Wednesday night.
Dr. Nichols retired as superintendent of Decatur City Schools in 2016 after a 28-year career there that included band director, principal, assistant superintendent and four years as superintendent. He has since been active in multiple roles including director of the Principally Speaking Network, community and media consultant for Decatur Hospital, and two consulting services. He said in his interview he loves working with people and is eager to serve.
“I am excited about joining the Madison City Schools family. It has a rich tradition of excellence and I am honored to have been selected to lead the district,” Dr. Nichols said in a statement.
Dr. Nichols will assume his new role June 1 and spend the first 60 days concentrating on meeting with and listening to parents, teachers, staff and the community. “I look forward not only to just being part of the school district and engaging in the school district but also in the community,” he said.
Board president Ranae Bartlett thanked all of the applicants and expressed special appreciation to “our outstanding finalists who each presented so well.”
She also commended Mr. Eric Terrell for taking on the interim superintendent role during such a crucial time. “He did an excellent job leading us through all of these uncertainties. We are grateful for his leadership.” Dr. Nichols also praised Mr. Terrell “for the tremendous job you have done in one of the most challenging times any school leader has ever been in. I look forward to standing next to you as we move forward.”
Dr. Nichols was among three finalists interviewed by the board from search that was launched following the retirement of Robby Parker on Feb. 28. He becomes the fourth superintendent for Madison City Schools since the system was formed in 1998. He served several months as interim superintendent for Madison City Schools when Dr. Dee Fowler retired in late 2016.
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