The Huntsville City Board of Education unanimously approved a three-year contract extension for Superintendent Clarence Sutton. The contract extension will add three more years to Dr. Sutton's original three-year contract. The board voted on the contract extension during the work session on Tuesday, Aug. 13, 2024.
"The opportunity to vote on his initial contract and now an extension to cement the continuity of leadership, not only for our staff and administration, but for the community, is something that we are exceptionally proud of," said Board President Ryan Renaud. "We have a lot of great pace and great momentum in Huntsville City Schools, and that's because of this man's vision, leadership, and dedication."
The district experienced numerous accomplishments during Dr. Sutton's first year as superintendent including the rollout of a 10-year capital plan, the development of a new strategic plan, and a commitment to achieving Unitary Status.
"You genuinely care about students, and you genuinely care about instruction," said District 1 Board Representative Michelle Watkins. "You came in, made a difference, and we really appreciate that. I appreciate the fact that we have a visionary who has a heart. We have the right superintendent at the right time, and he is going to do some amazing things in the years to come."
Dr. Sutton thanked the board for their support and their vision.
"We have a board who demands excellence," Dr. Sutton said. "I could not be here without the administrators and the leaders in this room. They believe in Huntsville City Schools, they demand excellence, and it is a privilege to serve them. I want to thank this group of leaders, administrators, teachers, students, and support staff all over the district. We can be the premier district in the state of Alabama, and not only in the state of Alabama, but within the nation. We have the people to do it, the community to do it, and the board leadership to do it."
The Huntsville City Board of Education named Dr. Sutton as superintendent in June 2023.