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MCS 25th Legacy Celebration

Outstanding program Aug. 9 at the inaugural Back-to-School breakfast and Legacy Celebration for Madison City Schools, co-hosted by the Madison City Chamber of Commerce in celebration of 25 years as a school system.

A packed crowd gathered in CrossPointe Church for the program. This school year begins the 26th for Madison City Schools as a school district. Part of the program was a look back at the citizen-led movement to break away from the county and form an independent school district. Another focus was on where we are and  where we are going.   
 
magazine cover of Madison City Schools showing audience of cheering students on cover

Since its inaugural year in 1998-1999, MCS has grown from six schools and 5,600 students to 12 schools and nearly 13,000 students.

Special recognitions were made by DeWayne Howell, president of the Madison Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, followed by a brief video on the formation of the school system (video link here: https://youtu.be/z2FV7NCUdjE ) and then a presentation by Superintendent Dr. Ed Nichols.

The star of the video is former Heritage Elementary and now Liberty Middle 6th grader Caroline Turner, who walks viewers through a brief then-and now as a school system. The video also includes brief interviews with Dr. Henry Clark (first superintendent of Madison City Schools) and Marc Jacobson, a leader in the movement to create an independent Madison City Schools district.

Dr. Nichols' remarks reflected on the historic communitywide support for our schools, dedicated teachers and employees, the performance of our students, enrollment trends, how MCS stacks up against other schools in funding, test scores and more. He made a compelling case that top ranking MCS performs exceptionally well even with rankings far below many other Alabama school systems in multiple funding categories. Madison County Record story here.

Mayor Paul Finley spoke of the historic partnership of MCS with the city, and strong support by citizens for quality schools, businesses and infrastructure. Mayor Finley will give his State of the City address to the public August. 17th at Toyota Field (http://www.madisonal.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=1362 )

MCS thanks the chamber and all of the Community Partners for their strong support for our schools.
A full video of today's program will be available in a couple of days.

Mayor Paul Finley with Superintendent Dr. Ed Nichols on stage shaking hands

Mayor Paul Finley Presents Proclamation to Superintendent Dr. Ed Nichols

BOE President Tim Holtcamp at podium with student Caroline Turner at his side waiting to lead the Pledge

BOE President Tim Holtcamp with LMS student Caroline Turner 

Early school founders Shelia Nash-Stevenson and Debbie Overcash with charter MCS employee LaTisha King in center

Shelia Nash Stevenson (1st BOE member), Tish King (charter MCS employee) and Debbie Overcash (longtime school and community volunteer).

Mayor Finley, Sally Warden and Marc Jacobson

Mayor Paul Finley, with former Madison City Councilmembers Sally Warden and Marc Jacobson who were active in the formation of MCS.

Caroline Turner and parents along with superintendent Dr. Nichols posing for a photo

Student Caroline Turner with her parents, Abby and Richard Turner, and Superintendent Dr. Ed Nichols.

early councilman Greg Curtis with BOE members Tim Holtcamp and Travis Cummings

Former Madison Councilman Greg Curtis( who voted for the creation of MCS), and current BOE members Tim Holtcamp (president) and Travis Cummings (VP)

current Madison City Schools elementary principals

Currrent MCS elementary principals at the legacy celebration

Eric Terrell and Tommy Overcash

Assistant Superintendent Mr. Eric Terrell with BOE member Tommy Overcash