January 2025

High school juniors across the district recently had an opportunity to interact with college recruiters at college fair events held at the Shelby County Arts Council and the Shelby County Instructional Services Center. The Alabama Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers sponsored and organized the event.

David Butts is now serving as principal of Montevallo High School. Butts has over 24 years of experience in public education and was most recently serving as the Principal at New Direction/Success. Before that, he served as an assistant principal at Helena High School.

Mr. Butts earned a bachelor's degree in Physical Education from Faulkner University and a master's degree in Instructional Leadership from the University of West Alabama. 

Natalie Landrum will serve as the next assistant principal of Helena Intermediate School. Mrs. Landrum has over 21 years of experience as a classroom teacher and most recently served as the Administrative Assistant at Helena Intermediate. She was recognized in both 2010 and 2018 as Helena Intermediate School’s Teacher of the Year and the Greater Shelby County Chamber of Commerce Teacher of the Year 2018. Additionally, she was a finalist for the prestigious Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) in 2016.

Mrs. Landrum holds a Bachelor’s degree in Human Development and Family Studies from Auburn University, a Master’s degree in Early Childhood/Elementary Education (PreK– 6th grade) from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and a certification in Leadership and Administration (K-12) from the University of Montevallo.

Bobby Cummings has been named assistant principal at Oak Mountain High School. Mr. Cummings has 15 years of teaching experience in the Shelby County School District. He has served as an Administrative Assistant at Oak Mountain High School for the past three years. He was a physical education teacher and coach for 12 years at Helena Middle.  In 2017, Mr. Cummings was an Educator of the Year nominee for the district.  

Mr. Cummings holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology from the University of Montevallo, and a Master's of Arts in Education from UAB.  He also holds a Master's of Arts in Educational Leadership from the University of West Alabama.

Shelby County’s brightest minds recently competed in the Scholars’ Bowl, showcasing their academic excellence, quick thinking, and teamwork. Congratulations to our first-place winning teams across all divisions!

🏆 6th Grade Champions – Chelsea Middle School (Undefeated!)

🏆 7th Grade Champions – Oak Mountain Middle

🏆 8th Grade Champions – Oak Mountain Middle

🏆 JV Champions – Helena High School

🏆 Varsity Champions – Oak Mountain High School

These outstanding teams demonstrated exceptional knowledge, strategy, and collaboration to earn the top spots in their divisions. A huge congratulations to all participants, coaches, and supporters who helped make this year’s Scholars Bowl a success. We can’t wait to see what these scholars accomplish next!

February marks Career Technical Education (CTE) Month, a time to recognize the invaluable role that CTE programs play in equipping students with practical skills and knowledge for their future careers. At Shelby County Schools, our CTE programs have been instrumental in shaping the professional journeys of countless students.

Throughout the month, the Shelby County Career Tech Department has been highlighting "Did You Know" info on their social media pages. For example, did you know that our CTE classrooms and labs are fully equipped with industry-standard equipment? Did you know that our co-op students earned over $2,054,990 through real-world work experiences, building valuable skills and career connections before graduation?

Shelby County offers CTE programs in all 16 career clusters, including 11 that are offered at the Career Technical Education Center. Those career clusters include: Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources; Architecture & Construction; Arts, Audio/Video Technology & Communications; Business, Management & Administration; Education & Training; Finance, Government & Public Administration; Health Science; Hospitality & Tourism; Human Services; Information Technology; Law, Public Safety, Corrections & Security; Manufacturing; Marketing; Sales & Service; Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics; and Transportation, Distribution & Logistics.

Attorney General Steve Marshall visited Elvin Hill Elementary School on February 3 to present the school with the 2024 Safe Schools Initiative Award. Joining Marshall was the three-person judging panel that oversaw the selection process for the awards comprised of Dale Stripling and Seth Sullivan from the Alabama State Department of Education and Pam Revels with the Lee County Sheriff's Office. Elvin Hill Elementary was one of six schools chosen for the award statewide. According to Marshall, EHES was the only school scoring a perfect score on the four-phased application process.

Congratulations to our EHES administrators, teachers, School Resource Officers, and students on this important achievement!

The Sterling Castle once again provided a magical setting for the 2025 Special Needs Prom. With an Arabian Nights theme, the event was filled with beautiful décor, joyful dancing, and heartwarming moments that will be cherished for years to come.

A highlight of the event was the crowning of this year's Prom King and Queen. William Burge from Chelsea High School was honored as Prom King, while Demearia Carson from Shelby County High School was crowned Prom Queen.

The event would not have been possible without the support of teachers, staff, and volunteers who worked tirelessly to ensure every student felt special. Peer helpers played a crucial role in making the event memorable, dancing alongside their classmates and sharing in the joy of the celebration. Special thanks to Victor and Misty Binkerd, owners of the Sterling Castle, Chris "DJ Fuzzy" Peters, and Tazikis, for your generous support of this event and Shelby County students.

Dr. Lewis Brooks, Superintendent, was honored with the 2025 Lifetime Commitment to Education Award:

"When you attach the word lifetime to an award it probably means that you are getting old," said Dr. Brooks. "I am honored to receive this award from the College of Education and Human Development at the University of Montevallo. Reflecting on everyone that has impacted my life and career, this award is truly special."

The Shelby County Schools Education Foundation wants YOU to "Give Me 5" on Wednesday, March 5! By donating just $5 on our special day of giving, you’ll be part of a movement that makes a big impact on our schools and classrooms. Your small contribution, when joined with others, can create lasting change and support the education of countless students. Donate today at https://donorbox.org/give-me-5-1 and make a difference, one gift at a time.

Shelby County High School held a ribbon cutting sponsored by The Shelby County Chamber on February 24th to celebrate the new aviation classroom. We are in the second year of the program and the room renovations are now complete. We are excited about this program for high school students, providing an incredible opportunity for young minds to explore the world of aviation and aerospace. This hands-on program will offer students the chance to gain valuable skills in piloting, aviation technology, and aircraft maintenance, preparing them for future careers in this dynamic industry. With access to quality instruction, state-of-the-art simulators and equipment, students will be equipped to pursue various career paths, including commercial aviation, engineering, and air traffic control. Whether aspiring to be pilots or engineers, this program is a launching pad for future success, fostering innovation, leadership, and teamwork in the skies.

Montevallo Elementary has been recognized as a CLAS Banner School of Distinction for its All Pro Dad program! This prestigious honor from the Council for Leaders in Alabama Schools (CLAS) highlights exemplary school programs that serve as outstanding educational models across the state.

We are so proud of our MES team and families for their dedication to student success and parent engagement. Montevallo Elementary will be honored at the CLAS Awards Luncheon in May, where the CLAS Banner School for each district will be announced.

Congratulations to the winners of the 2025 7th and 8th-grade Science Fairs. All of these students have the opportunity to compete at UAB’s Central Alabama Science & Engineering Fair (CARSEF).

8th grade winners were:

1st Place - Hannah Reyes, Vision of Color, Helena Middle School

2nd Place - Christine White and Charlee Loomis, How Does Surface Temperature Affect Fingerprints, Vincent Middle School

3rd Place - Sophie Davis, Biodegradable Plastic vs. Plastic Bottles, Helena Middle School.

7th Grade Winners were:

1st Place - Peyton Moody, Egg-Sploring Embryos, Chelsea Middle School

2nd Place - Mateo Jaramillo  Algae Biofuel or Alcohol, Oak Mountain Middle School

3rd Place - Beck Powers Micro-organisms and Plants, Oak Mountain Middle School

Oak Mountain Elementary School was honored at the State Board of Education meeting on February 13 for being one of the Top 25 Schools in the state. Congratulations to the students and staff of OMES on this outstanding achievement!