Strong Schools Begin with Strong Leadership: Reflections on the April 10 Board of Education Interviews
On April 10, 2025, the Hoover City Council conducted interviews for candidates seeking appointment to the Hoover Board of Education. The interviews, held in the Council Chambers, underscored just how vital the Board of Education is to the future of our city. The individuals selected to serve help shape policy, support students and teachers, and ensure that Hoover City Schools continues to maintain high academic standards. With critical decisions on the horizon, including navigating federal requirements and community concerns, the importance of choosing strong, thoughtful board members cannot be overstated.
Despite the weight of these interviews, it was surprising—and frankly disappointing—that only two of the six City Council candidates attended the session to observe the process: Robin Schultz, candidate for Council Place 1, and Ashley Lovell, candidate for Council Place 3. Their presence signals a deep commitment to understanding and supporting our public school system. Those who seek to serve Hoover should take every opportunity to engage with the real decisions shaping our community—and that starts with showing up.
The interviews were led by the Council’s Education Committee, chaired by Councilor Khristi Driver. She opened each interview by asking candidates how many Board of Education meetings they had attended and how they would handle conflicts among board members. Other councilors posed insightful questions: Councilor Steve McClinton inquired about the federal consent decree and achieving unitary status, while Councilor Sam Swiney asked about the biggest issues facing Hoover City Schools today. Councilor Derrick Murphy posed two timely and controversial questions—how the candidates felt about removing books from school libraries and whether they supported eliminating the U.S. Department of Education. Council President John Lyda focused on parental engagement, asking how candidates would respond when approached by parents with concerns about their children.
Each candidate was interviewed individually and given the opportunity to make a closing statement. Though not all questions were easy, the candidates responded thoughtfully, showing a range of perspectives and priorities. Notably, none of the applicants were allowed to hear others’ interviews, ensuring fairness in the process. The interviews began at 5:30 PM and concluded just before 7:30 PM, with Councilor Murphy leaving prior to the final interview. Among those present were current Board of Education members (excluding Kermit Kendrick), former board member Craig Kelley, State Representative Mike Shaw, and Jon Anderson of the Hoover Sun.
With major issues on the table—ranging from school equity and curriculum to how we handle disagreement in public forums—these interviews served as a reminder that local leadership matters. Robin Schultz’s attendance reflects a deep commitment to thoughtful, informed leadership in Hoover. If we want schools that prepare our children for the future, we must demand that our local leaders prioritize education—not just in word, but in action.
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