Almost a year has past since Dan Butler was hired to lead the St. Clair County School System as interim superintendent. Last Friday, Butler said goodbye as newly elected Superintendent Jenny Seals has been sworn into office and officially takes over the reigns of the system Jan. 1.“It is unbelievable that a year has past,” Butler said as he finished clearing his desk. “Back in January 2006, the people here did not know me and I did not know them, but I was made to feel welcome by the school system and the communities as well. To me, once you’re accepted, that is part of progress.”
Butler said he felt he had been effective working with the local school board and progress had been made within the school system. He said the biggest accomplishment would have to be the construction of the new St. Clair County High School in Odenville.
“I also believe our schools have met their AYP (Annual Yearly Progress) goals that have been established,” Butler said. “Our schools continue to work toward accreditation and a couple of the schools have completed accreditation. Policies have been revised and communication certainly has been open. Although we might not always agree with each other, people feel like they have a say. We all have one common goal and that is the betterment of the children of this school system.”
Other projects ongoing within the School System include a 20-classroom addition at Springville Elementary School and the renovation of the old St. Clair County High School.
“These two projects combined will eliminate 22 portable classrooms and we are pleased with that,” Butler said.
Butler said upon his arrival to St. Clair County, he realized there was no financial crisis and nothing was broken within the school system.
“With Mr. (Tom) Sanders’ retirement, there was a need of leadership for one year,” he said. “That was my responsibility.”
Butler said as an outsider looking in, the people of St. Clair County should be thankful they could be part of the St. Clair County School System.
“This is a wonderful school system and it has great strength,” Butler said. “I can understand why people are coming out here and filling up these subdivisions. Part has to do with the safe wonderful environment at these schools they can send their children to. All students need to feel proud of their schools and take advantage of what each school offers. I hope each one will look back in years to come and say the school years were the best in their lives.”
Butler said Seals would do an excellent job as superintendent.
“She has a wealth of experience and has been wonderful to work with,” he said. “She has leadership strengths, is intelligent and a quick study. She and John Moore (recently appointed as assistant superintendent) will work great together and will complement each other.”
Butler was not a complete stranger to St. Clair County when he arrived in January. From July 2001, until March 2002, Butler served as interim superintendent of the Pell City School System. His service there came on the heels of his retirement after 18 years as the Superintendent of Education for Hale County.
This time, Butler said he is headed home to Moundville to spend time with his family. He already has two granddaughters and has two more grandchildren on the way.
