At a board meeting on Friday, April 15th, the Decatur City School Board announced the five finalists for the position of superintendent:
Brett Kirkham – Brett Kirkham is currently the Human Resources Director for Jefferson County Schools (AL). Prior to his current role, Mr. Kirkham was an Area Superintendent for Jefferson County Schools and has experience and background as both a teaching and a principal. Mr. Kirkham is a product of Decatur City Schools and is scheduled to be granted his Doctorate of Education in May of 2016 from Samford University.
Camille Wright – Camille Wright is the Superintendent of Enterprise City Schools (AL), a district with 6900 students and an $84M budget. Prior to her time in Enterprise, Ms. Wright was the Director of Instruction at Madison County (AL) Schools and has held multiple teaching and Principal roles. Mrs. Wright holds an Ed.D from the University of Alabama.
Dan Brigman – Dan Brigman is the Superintendent for Catawba County Schools (NC), a district with 17,000 students and a budget of $140M. Prior to his time at Catawba County, Mr. Brigman served as Superintendent of Macon County Schools (NC) and Coffee County Schools (TN). Mr. Brigman holds an Ed.D from Trevecca Nazarene University in Nashville.
Elizabeth Swinford – Elizabeth Swinford is the former Superintendent for Tuscaloosa County Schools, a district with 35 schools and a $140M budget. Prior to her time in Tuscaloosa County, Ms. Swinford was the Superintendent for Vicksburg Warren School District (MS) and has held numerous teaching and administrative roles. Ms. Swinford holds an Ed.D from Nova Southeastern University.
John Staten – John Staten currently serves as the Assistant Superintendent of Operations for Montgomery County Public Schools in Christiansburg, Virginia. Prior to his role with MCPS, Mr. Staten has held active duty roles in the United States Army as well as multiple educational roles as a teacher, principal, and central office executive in large school districts. Mr. Staten also holds multiple advanced degrees including a Doctorate in Education from Nova Southeastern University.
