HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — Huntsville City Schools superintendent Christie Finley announced her retirement Friday, bringing an end to more than three decades service in public education. Finley has helmed the Huntsville district since 2018.
Her career has kept her entirely within the Madison County area, with tenures at the Madison City and County school systems as well as Huntsville City Schools.
“It is the right time for the district and the right time for my family,” Finley said at Friday's public announcement. “Serving as superintendent alongside incredible faculty and staff members has been a true joy. I am looking forward to finishing out the school year strong and continuing to witness the great work taking place in Huntsville City Schools.”
The district praised Finley's work developing a roadmap for the future, including a focus on student development, professional growth, improving operations and resources, and making strong connections within the communities the district serves.
She is also credited with a focus on college and career readiness. The district recently announced plans for the construction of a new central office and career technical education facility.
“Our team cares about the community, and I challenge our community to continue to support the work we do,” Finley said. “As my youngest son walks across the stage to enter his next phase of life, I will be preparing to do the same.”
City of Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle issued a statement on Finley's retirement:
“Christie Finley has been a dedicated public servant and an exemplary leader for Huntsville City Schools. We thank her for her years of service to our teachers, students, parents and community. We trust the Huntsville Board of Education will find an outstanding new superintendent to lead our education system.”
Finley will stay on as superintendent through the end of the current school year. The steps toward finding a new superintendent will begin almost immediately. The board says it will share plans related to the superintendent search process in the coming days.