Thomasville City Schools (Alabama)

Thomasville City School District is a school district in Clarke County, Alabama.

Thomasville City Schools (TCS) provides a comprehensive education system that prioritizes equitable learning opportunities and fosters lifelong learning. Accredited by the Alabama State Board of Education and Cognia, the district emphasizes collaboration among schools, families, and the community to ensure student success in academics, arts, and athletics.

Thomasville City Schools are committed to providing equitable learning opportunities that foster knowledge and curiosity in a changing world. The district envisions all of their students reaching their full potential as caring, competent, and responsible citizens by promoting lifelong learning, integrating 21st-century technology, and ensuring college and career readiness. The core beliefs of the district emphasize that learning is the top priority, education is a partnership involving the home, community, and schools, literacy is fundamental to success, individualized education inspires lifelong learning, and consistent discipline creates a safe, positive environment. The district has goals that include collaboration among all stakeholders to improve student achievement, preparation of students for college and careers, and maintaining a secure learning environment.

Asbestos Management in Thomasville City Schools

All Thomasville City Schools have undergone inspection by an EPA-approved asbestos inspector and comply with the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) regulations. Each school maintains a management plan file, which is available for review by parents upon request.

The majority of asbestos-containing materials in the district are in the form of non-friable floor tiles, which are well-maintained and do not pose a health risk to students or staff. As required by law, the district issues an annual notice to all employees, students, and staff regarding the presence and management of these materials.

Copies of the asbestos management plan can be obtained from the Board office for a nominal fee.

Appointment of Vickie Morris as Superintendent

On April 19, Vickie Morris was appointed as the superintendent of Thomasville City Schools by the Thomasville City Board of Education, becoming the first woman to hold the position. Previously serving as the principal of Thomasville Elementary School, Morris has also held roles as principal of Thomasville Middle School and as the district’s director of Curriculum and Instruction, Technology, and Testing.

Morris described her leadership philosophy during her superintendent candidacy, emphasizing accountability, high standards, and the importance of lifelong learning. She stated, "Leadership for me has been a process – not a position. I learn something new every day. I am a lifelong learner." She also expressed a commitment to empowering others and fostering high expectations for staff, students, and the school community.

A graduate of the University of West Alabama, Morris holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in elementary education, as well as a degree in educational administration. She resides in Thomasville with her husband, Todd, and their daughter, Maryanna, a 2020 graduate of Thomasville High School and current student at Mississippi State University.

Thomasville City Board of Education

Current Board Members as of May 31, 2022

Jim Davis - President - term of service 2020-2025

Taylor Williams - Vice President - term of service 2021-2026

Dwight Figgers - term of service 2023-2028

Rita Nichols - term of service 2024-2029

Tiffany Rodgers-Shamburger - term of service 2022-2027

Public Participation in Meetings

The Thomasville City Board of Education allows public observation of its meetings but does not grant an absolute right to speak. Members of the public who wish to address the board must submit a written request to the superintendent at least seven working days before the meeting by 12:00 p.m. The request must include:

• The name and address of the requester,
• Any organization or group represented,
• The content and accompanying materials of the presentation,
• The estimated time required for the discussion, and
• Specific actions requested from the board.

While adherence to these deadlines is required, the board may, by majority vote, add items to the agenda outside of the standard timeframe. However, the Board does require that any statements involving charges against an individual must be submitted in affidavit form.

Meeting Procedures

Thomasville City School District board meetings are open to the public in compliance with Alabama statute. The board conducts regular, special, and emergency meetings:

• Regular Meetings: Scheduled annually during an organizational meeting in June and subject to change with prior notice.
• Special Meetings: Called by the superintendent, board president, or a majority of board members, with notice provided to the public.
• Emergency Meetings: Convened by the superintendent or board president when urgent matters arise, with notification and a tentative agenda given to board members and the public.

The Board holds all of their meetings in the designated board meeting room unless otherwise noted by the Board. The Board of Education makes sure that their meetings adhere to Robert’s Rules of Order, and a quorum, defined as a majority of the board, as it is required for business transactions of any kind. Agendas must be submitted at least seven working days in advance for inclusion in regular meetings.

Terms and Qualifications of Board Members

Members of the Thomasville City Board of Education serve five-year terms, with one member's term expiring annually to ensure continuity. Candidates must meet the following qualifications:

1. Residency within Thomasville City,
2. Good character, and
3. No employment relationship with the Thomasville City School System.

If there are any vacancies then the City Council fills in and helps elects a replacement for the unexpired term. Annual elections are held during the council’s April meetings.

Legal Counsel

The board employs external legal counsel to advise on legal matters. If the board approves then special counsel may be retained for specific cases. The current attorneys for the Board are Ryan Law and W. David Law, who are both based in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.

External links

• Official website