Jason Gaston
November 9, 2022

Alabaster City Schools (ACS) Superintendent Dr. Wayne Vickers joined his colleagues from other Shelby County school systems in highlighting key district accomplishments for Leadership Shelby County’s 2022 Education Day. 

During the Superintendents’ Panel held at the Shelby County Instructional Services Center, Dr. Vickers touched on a number of district topics ranging from curriculum and instruction to school safety: 

Academic Innovations:

• Partnerships with colleges/universities, workforce development entities, and corporations. 

• Dual Enrollment programs. 

• Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council. 

• College/Career Guidance - Class of 2023 post-graduation plans. 

Technology: 

• Warrior Device Initiative (1:1 Chromebook Program/all K-12).

• eLearning Days (three for 2022-2023 School Year).

• Mobile hotspots provided for students needing connectivity.

School Safety: 

• Centegix: high-tech system which allows any employee on campus to initiate an alert or lockdown a campus at the push of a button. ACS was the first district in Alabama to implement Centegix district-wide.

• Expansion of School Resource Officer (SRO) program to include seven (7) full-time SROs. 

• Joint training in summer 2022 with AFD/APD

• Halo Vape Sensors in all restrooms at THS.

• All schools upgraded to the Avigilon camera system. 

Teacher Shortages:

• ACS fully staffed district-wide. 

• ACS maintains focus on recruiting, hiring, and retaining a diverse staff through presence around AL/education career fairs. 

• Increase in number of applicants for open positions. 

• Beginning Teacher Mentoring (BTM) Program - ALSDE partnership. 

Dr. Vickers encouraged Leadership Shelby County’s Class of 2023 to look for ways to partner with education entities in their communities.  This includes serving as guest speakers, creating internships, offering grants/scholarships/donations, and serving on advisory boards, just to name a few.

In addition to Dr. Vickers’ presentation, various other ACS students, faculty, and staff members highlighted key programs and initiatives. Among those, Creek View Elementary School teacher Mrs. Kelly Stanton; Lt. Col. Jason Davis / THS Air Force JROTC; THS Film and Broadcasting (Christina Chambers); and THS eSports (Spencer Stone). 

Leadership Shelby County’s programs offer participants an introduction to Shelby County’s challenges and possibilities through monthly “class days” - emphasizing learning through experience that provides in-depth knowledge, tools, and a network to serve the community better.  See more on the official website: https://leadershipshelbycounty.com/