Trussville Moves to Terminate School Superintendent Contract

The Trussville Board of Education is moving to cancel its contract with Superintendent Dr. Suzanne Freeman. After a multi-hour meeting yesterday, board president Bill Roberts announced the board voted unanimously to ends its contract with Freeman, who has led the district since its beginning in 2004. The Birmingham News quotes Roberts as saying the "high turnover rate of principals at Hewitt-Trussville High School was the biggest factor in the move". Last week, Hewitt-Trussville High Principal Zack Barnes resigned to take a job as principal at Homewood High School. Barnes had only been at Hewitt-Trussville for one year and was the fifth principal in seven years at the school.

Reaction was swift. Many of the 500 people in attendance at yesterday's meeting cheered the announcement. Freeman posted to her blog on the school website this morning.

Dear Colleagues,

I have enjoyed working as the Superintendent of Trussville City Schools, since October 2004. It has been my pleasure to be a small part of the team who created a new school system and I hope in some small way, I have had a positive impact on the students of TCS and the community. I have learned many valuable lessons, sometimes through mistakes and on occasion through successes. Most importantly, I have had the good fortune of working with extraordinary educators whose wisdom and passion for learning have inspired me.

God has opened a new door for me and I know He is with me each step of the way. My prayer is that Trussville City Schools continues to achieve greatness and inspires all students to learn at high levels so as to reach their full potential. I encourage you to see the very best in our students and never underestimate what they can do through your support and encouragement.

Thank you for the opportunity and privilege of serving as the Superintendent of Trussville City Schools. May God bless each of you in all that you do.

One person who commented on the blog responded, "As a TCS teacher, I've never had anything but positive interactions with you. I enjoyed having you in my classroom, seeing you in our hallways, and attending events at the board with you. Every time I heard you speak, I was inspired to be a better teacher. Thank you for being a positive influence and for being professional in all that you do."

The Trussville Tribune reports that the board will begin of process of identifying an interim superintendent and an interim principal for the high school. The board may vote as soon as Wednesday on the settlement agreement with Freeman.