Bishop named HCS superintendent

HALEYVILLE -  A new era in leadership began for Haleyville City Schools Monday, Sept. 29, when the board of education unanimously named Dr. Bill Bishop as superintendent during a special-called meeting.
Bishop was named as superintendent in a meeting at the high school choral music room, attended by not only administrators and staff, but also members of his family, including his wife, Leah; daughters, Allie Bishop and Aleah Kennedy and parents, William Sr. and Barbara Bishop.
Board President Beth McAlpine began the meeting by thanking Dr. Tim Morgan of the Alabama Association of School Boards, which received applications for HCS superintendent and narrowed those down to five to present to the board for consideration.

Bishop was the only one of the final five candidates with service to HCS, having worked in the system the past 27 years. Bishop’s most current role has been director of administrative services.
“The board has poured over the applications, the interviews and the background information of our candidates,” McAlpine told the public before the vote was taken.
 McAlpine asked for a motion to select a candidate, with board member Donna Jones making the motion, seconded by Chad Tidwell. All board members voted in favor, including Jones, Tidwell, McAlpine, Boo Haughton and Brian “Thumper” Vickery.
McAlpine then called for a motion to select Bishop as the HCS superintendent, pending successful contract negotiations. The effective date for Bishop will be stated in those negotiations, she explained.
Jones made the motion, seconded by Tidwell, with all board members voting in favor.
After the unanimous vote, Jones told the audience, “I would like to say on behalf of the whole Haleyville City Board of Education, that we have thoroughly researched the top five candidates.  There were some really good people we interviewed.  We want to sincerely congratulate Bill Bishop because he has stepped up to the plate many times, just like I am sure he will this time.”
Jones then asked for a round of applause in support of Bishop.
“He will do a fine job,” Haughton stated after the meeting. “We have total confidence in him.”
“We are looking forward to working with Dr. Bishop. I have known him a long time,” Vickery added.
Bishop has served the last 28 years in education, including one year at Marion County Schools, and the remaining 27 at HCS.
During his time at HCS, Bishop was a teacher 10 years, followed by high school assistant principal for a year, five years as principal and director of the Haleyville Center of Technology and the past 12 years at the central office as director of administrative services.
In that role, Bishop has been director over career-technical education, facilities, safety, technology and transportation.
“I am so very humbled,” Bishop said after the board’s vote. “Haleyville City Schools means so very much to me, my family. We’ve been blessed. God has blessed us.
“So many people have reached out to us, prayed for us,” Bishop added. “I am really emotional.  I don’t usually get emotional, but it means a lot to me.”
Bishop has informed people he plans to lead HCS with purpose, pride and passion. 
“People matter,” he stated. “Our community matters. Our stakeholders matter.”
When asked why he sought to be superintendent, Bishop replied it is something he has always considered, due to his love for the school.
“Haleyville is a special place.  We are on a good course, and we can grow,” Bishop said. “We can do more and we can be more. I just want to be the person who serves Haleyville City Schools and moves it forward in a positive and productive way.
“Our people matter,” Bishop continued, adding that every decision made will be student-centered.
“It’s about doing things right. I am dedicated. I am committed and we are going to continue to improve.”
Candy Garner, who has served as interim superintendent after the resignation of Dr. Holly Sutherland earlier this year, noted she was proud to welcome Bishop onboard in a situation she termed as bittersweet.
“I think Dr. Bishop will do a wonderful job,” Garner began. “I am thrilled for him, for his family and the opportunity he will have to lead our system.
“For me, it is bittersweet,” Garner admitted, “because I love our city and I love our faculty and our kids, so that part is sad.”
Garner plans to be at HCS through this semester to work with the transition in order to do consulting work or provide help any way she can, she said.
McAlpine noted after the meeting that Bishop has served HCS well through the years and is well-liked in the community.
“I feel like he will do an excellent job going forward,” McAlpine said, adding she has appreciated Garner for stepping in as interim superintendent to lead during this period of transition.
“She has been a very hard worker and has accomplished a great deal in the absence of a full-time superintendent,” McAlpine stated. 
HHS Principal Dr. Davey Reed congratulated Bishop on being named superintendent.
 “We are excited about moving forward with one of our people,” Reed stated.
Middle School Principal Bo Wilcoxson added, “Working with Dr. Bishop over the past many years has shown me the kind of hard worker he is.
“Dr. Bishop will always put students’ needs first,”  Wilcoxson added. 
HES Principal Tammy Hatton said she is looking forward to working with Bishop in his new role.
“I would like to welcome Dr. Bishop to his new role as Haleyville City School’s superintendent. As the Haleyville  Elementary  principal, I’m excited to partner with him in shaping a strong, student-centered vision for our schools. His leadership marks a new chapter, and I look forward to working together to ensure every child has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive,”  Hatton said.
Bishops parents said they are proud of their son and the opportunity ahead of him.
“He has worked hard,” his father said. 
“I am very excited,” his mother added. “I hope he does well. We will be praying for him.”
Bishop has a doctorate degree in educational leadership from the University of Alabama; an education specialist degree in educational leadership from the University of Alabama,-Birmingham and a Master’s in Spanish secondary education from the University of Alabama.