Perry County Board of Education Attends AASB Annual Conference
Members of the Perry County Board of Education, along with Superintendent Dr. Marcia Smiley, attended the Alabama Association of School Boards (AASB) Annual Summer Conference held June 20–22 at The Lodge at Gulf State Park. This year’s conference was themed "Rock Your Leadership," focusing on empowering school board leaders through engaging sessions and collaboration opportunities.
The event brought together education leaders from across the state to explore strategies for effective governance, leadership development, and student achievement. The Perry County delegation proudly represented the district, gaining valuable insights and sharing their commitment to continued growth and excellence in education.
Pictured at the event are Perry County Board members and Superintendent Smiley, showcasing their unity and dedication to serving the students and families of Perry County.
In a called board meeting held on Friday, May 16, 2025, the Perry County Board of Education officially named Mr. Demetrice Jackson as the new principal of Francis Marion School for the 2025-2026 school year. The decision marks a significant moment for the school community, as Mr. Jackson is not only a seasoned educator and leader but also a proud alumnus of Francis Marion. His appointment reflects the district’s ongoing commitment to academic excellence, strong leadership, and community engagement.
A 2002 graduate of Francis Marion, Mr. Jackson returns to his alma mater with more than seventeen years of experience as an educator, coach, athletic director and school leader across Alabama. His career reflects a deep commitment to student achievement, athletic excellence, and community service.
Mr. Jackson most recently served as the 11th Grade Principal and Athletic Director at Johnson Abernathy Graetz High School in Montgomery. Prior to that, he held positions as Physical Education teacher and coach at Ridgecrest Elementary and Russell County Middle School, where he led varsity football and taught computer science. His leadership journey includes time as Head Football Coach and Athletic Director at Linden High School, where he also served as Head Basketball Coach and Defensive Coordinator, guiding teams to notable success.
Earlier in his career, Mr. Jackson taught at Brantley High School, contributing to a 2012 Class 1A State Championship, and held teaching and coaching roles at Anniston and Selma High Schools. His educational background includes an Education Specialist degree in Administration and Supervision: Educational Leadership, earned in December 2024; a Master of Science in Instructional Leadership from Jacksonville State University; and a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Miles College.
Beyond his professional work, Mr. Jackson is a member of Calvary Missionary Baptist Church in Selma and an active member of Cascade Hills Church in Columbus, Georgia.
Mr. Jackson is married to Crystal Jackson, who is also an educator, and they are proud parents to a daughter, Caylee, who is currently a freshman at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.
As he takes on the role of Principal at Francis Marion School, Mr. Jackson looks forward to giving back to the school and community that helped shape his own educational journey. He is committed to fostering a culture of academic achievement, integrity, and opportunity for all students.
RC Hatch Unveils First-of-its-Kind High-Tech Classroom
A groundbreaking step into the future of education is now a reality at RC Hatch School in Uniontown. What was once a traditional classroom has been transformed into a cutting-edge, 21st-century learning lab—one specifically designed to bridge the digital divide in rural education.
This innovative space, developed by Birmingham-based nonprofit Ed Farm, is part of a broader effort to empower students with the tools and skills needed in today’s fast-paced, technology-driven world.
The new lab officially opened its doors with a ribbon-cutting ceremony held Friday. The project, more than a year and a half in the making, marks a major milestone for RC Hatch and the broader Perry County community.
This connected rural classroom isn’t just about new equipment—it’s about unlocking potential, sparking innovation, and preparing students for a successful future.
Celebrating Our Incredible Educators – Teacher Appreciation Week
This week, the Perry County School District proudly celebrates Teacher Appreciation Week, with special recognition for National Teacher Appreciation Day – May 6, 2025.
Our teachers are the heart of our schools. Their commitment, creativity, and compassion shape the lives of students every day. Whether they are sparking curiosity in the classroom, guiding students through challenges, or celebrating growth big and small, our educators consistently go above and beyond to ensure every child has the opportunity to succeed.
We thank our teachers for their unwavering dedication to academic excellence, for creating safe and welcoming learning environments, and for inspiring a love of learning across every grade level.
Please join us in recognizing and honoring the outstanding educators of Perry County. Their impact reaches far beyond the classroom—and we are grateful for all they do.
Happy Teacher Appreciation Week!
Students from R.C. Hatch High School and Francis Marion School proudly represented Perry County Schools at the University of West Alabama Science Olympiad held yesterday.
Competing alongside students from across the region, our scholars demonstrated outstanding knowledge, creativity, and collaboration as they tackled a wide range of STEM challenges. Their performance reflected not only their academic strength, but also their commitment to teamwork and problem-solving.
We are incredibly proud of these young scientists for rising to the occasion and representing Perry County with excellence.
A special thank you to the teachers and chaperones who guided and supported our students throughout this exciting and enriching event.
The R.C. Hatch Boys Basketball Team was honored yesterday at the Alabama House of Representatives in Montgomery for their outstanding achievements. We are proud of our student-athletes and grateful for this special recognition of their hard work. A heartfelt thank you to Representative Prince Chestnut for his continued support, and to Speaker Ledbetter and Jennifer Stallworth Fitzgerald for helping make this memorable moment possible.
Our Mental Health Services Coordinator, Ms. Wiggins delivered a presentation today titled “Healing Beyond the Surface: Trauma-Informed Approaches to Mental Health in Our Communities.
She shared her insights during the Blackbelt Sexual Assault Task Force meeting, held at the Demopolis Police Department.
Thank you, Ms. Wiggins, for continuing to keep the Black Belt region informed, empowered, and supported in the journey toward healing and mental wellness.
Pre-K Students Explore the Birmingham Zoo!
Perry County Pre-K students enjoyed an exciting day at the Birmingham Zoo, filled with train rides, animal sightings, and lots of laughter. Thank you to everyone who made this unforgettable adventure possible!
The R.C. Hatch High School Bobcats have made history once again, claiming their 11th Class 1A state championship in Alabama high school basketball. In a thrilling showdown at Birmingham's Legacy Arena, the Bobcats triumphed over the Brantley Bulldogs with a narrow 69-67 victory. The Bobcats demonstrated resilience throughout the game, overcoming an early deficit and maintaining composure during Brantley's late-game surge. Their defensive tenacity and strategic execution were pivotal in securing the narrow victory. This championship not only extends R.C. Hatch's record for the most state titles in Alabama high school basketball history but also symbolizes a triumphant return to prominence after a 17-year hiatus from the championship podium. The entire Perry County community celebrates this monumental achievement, reflecting the dedication, hard work, and unyielding spirit of the players, coaching staff, and supporters.
Superintendent Smiley had the honor of presenting at the Alabama Association of School Boards (AASB) 2025 March Conference: Leadership for Financial Accountability. During the session, "Unlocking Grant Opportunities: Best Practices and Strategies," Superintendent Smiley shared valuable insights on securing and maximizing grant funding to support student success.
This presentation highlighted innovative strategies and best practices for school leaders to navigate the grant process effectively, ensuring financial resources are used to enhance educational programs.
We are honored to have Superintendent Smiley represent Perry County Schools and celebrate her commitment to financial accountability and student success.
Superintendent Dr. Marcia Smiley successfully completed the 2025 Executive Coach Training offered by the School Superintendents of Alabama (SSA) this week. This comprehensive program provides leaders with valuable tools and strategies to effectively mentor and support the growth of future school and district administrators. Through the training, Dr. Smiley further honed her expertise in leadership development, strategic planning, and building strong, collaborative professional relationships.
The members of the Perry County School District’s Board, alongside Superintendent Dr. Marcia Smiley, are participating in the 2024 AASB Summer Conference in Gulf Shores, Alabama. During the three-day event, participants will have the opportunity to make meaningful connections, gain new knowledge, expand their professional networks, and share valuable insights. We are grateful for your commitment to the Perry County School District.
School Attendance Matters! Congratulations to Francis Marion School for having the highest attendance rate for the month of February. Way to go Rams!
Congratulations to Francis Marion School for having the highest attendance rate for the month of January.
Stay tuned to learn more about Ed Farm's Apple Communications Innovative lab which is on the way to the Perry County School System via Robert C. Hatch High School.
Mark your calendars for this upcoming event!
Please review the flyer for the upcoming Numeracy November Celebration!
Congratulations to RC Hatch High School for having the highest attendance rate for the month of October.
Dr. Marcia Smiley, superintendent of Perry County Schools, has been named a finalist for School Superintendents of Alabama and Schnieder Electric 2024 Superintendent of the Year for District 2. Dr. Smiley was nominated along with superintendents from SSA’s other eight districts.
According to correspondence from the School Superintendents of Alabama, nominated district finalists are distinguished leaders who provide a leading voice in sound public policy development and advocacy, and foster innovative ideas and student achievement. Nominees are held in high regard by the parents, the community, teachers, staff, and superintendents throughout their district as well as by their school board.
Congratulations, Dr. Smiley and thank you for your innovation, love and compassion for our district and community.
The Perry County Board of Education is now accepting bids for charter bus services. Bids are due by September 4, 2023, at 12:00 p.m. For further information, contact Dr. Marcia Smiley, Superintendent at (334) 683-6528, extension 53001.
