By Staff
Clif Knight, Hartselle Enquirer
Dr. Mike Reed is making the transition from being superintendent of Butler County Schools to superintendent of Hartselle City Schools at a fast pace, and with what he describes as "fantastic support."
Reed assumed the role of consulting superintendent on April 10 with Bobbie Long, director of instruction, serving as acting superintendent. He will officially become Hartselle's superintendent on May 1 after his contract with Butler County expires.
"The reception and support my wife and I have received has been outstanding. Everyone has been very helpful. We've had people stop by to welcome us and even had some to bring food. It's been fantastic," Reed said.
"Everybody I've talked with gives Hartselle schools a good name," he added. "And you know they're right when you step into a school building. You get a good feeling because you know things are being done right."
"I have really been impressed with the quality of employees in the schools here and the high level of parental and community involvement."
Dr. Reed said he will spend a lot of time over the next few weeks visiting and talking with different individuals and groups-principals teachers, support personnel, city council, chamber of commerce-to get their input on the school system. "I'll be asking them what they think we're doing well and what they think we need to do to improve. The information received will be used to help determine the future direction of the school district," he pointed out.
"My vision for our schools is for them to be the best they can be. We owe that to our students and the community. "If we score a 97 on a test, I'm the kind of person that wants to know what we can do to get a 100," Dr. Reed said.
He said he has asked all five school principals to review current testing data and be prepared to offer suggestions for plans of improvement.
"Every school district should have a challenge. That's what makes my job fun," he added.