The Alabama Association of School Boards (AASB) has formally released the names of five finalists in the ongoing search for the next Superintendent of Scottsboro City Schools. The announcement comes after a competitive application period and careful review process designed to identify strong, experienced leaders capable of guiding the district forward.
According to AASB, a total of 22 applications were submitted for the position. Of those, 15 applications were fully completed and eligible for consideration. Candidates represented a broad geographical range, submitting materials from Alabama, Tennessee, Arizona, Illinois and Texas, an indication of the district’s appeal and the significant interest in leading Scottsboro’s school system.
AASB assembled an independent screening committee to review all application materials, verify credentials, and evaluate professional experience. That committee narrowed the pool to five finalists who will move on to the interview phase with the Scottsboro Board of Education.
The finalists bring extensive backgrounds in educational leadership, with experience spanning classroom teaching, school administration, central office oversight, and district-level operations.
The list of finalists was presented in alphabetical order.
• Jason Hass, Ed.S.
Hass currently serves as the Interim Superintendent of Scottsboro City Schools, a role he assumed earlier this year.
His education includes an Ed.S. in Instructional Leadership from the University of West Alabama. Hass began his career in education in 2000.
His experience includes the roles of teacher, assistant principal, athletic director, principal, and central office administrator.
Hass has spent much of his career within the Scottsboro system and is familiar with district operations, academic performance, facilities planning, and community expectations. His candidacy reflects both continuity and internal leadership experience.
• Tammy McMinn, Ed.S., Ed.D.
McMinn currently serves as the Assistant Superintendent of Oneonta City Schools, where she supports district-wide instructional and administrative initiatives.
Her education includes an Ed.S. in Instructional Leadership from the University of West Alabama. She is also an Ed.D. candidate in Educational Leadership, University of Alabama.
McMinn began her career in education in 1997.
Her experience includes the roles of teacher, assistant principal, principal, and central office administrator.
With nearly three decades in education, McMinn brings a blend of program leadership, school improvement work, and superintendent preparation experience.
•Dr. Robert Sharpe, Ed.D.
Sharpe is the Chief Operating Officer for Hamilton County Schools in Tennessee, one of the largest districts in the region. He took on his current role in 2022.
His education includes an Ed.D. in Leadership and Professional Practice from Trevecca Nazarene University.
Sharpe began his career in education in 1992.
His experience includes the roles of teacher, assistant principal, principal, central office administrator, community superintendent, and COO.
Sharpe has overseen major operational systems including facilities, transportation, school safety, and district planning. His resume includes leadership roles in both instructional and operational spheres, giving him broad experience in district management.
• Dr. Brian Thomas, Ed.D.
Thomas currently holds dual roles as Chief of Staff and Assistant Superintendent for DeKalb County Schools, roles he took on in 2021.
His education includes an Ed.D. in Rural Education from the University of West Alabama.
Thomas began his career in education in 2006.
His experience includes the roles of teacher, pastor, chief of staff and district administrator.
Thomas is known for his work in rural education, strategic planning, district coordination, and student-centered initiatives. His background blends instructional leadership with organizational management and community engagement.
•Jennifer Williams, Ed.S.
Williams serves as the Chief Academic Officer for Guntersville City Schools, overseeing curriculum, instructional programming, and academic support systems across the district. She has served in this role since 2021.
Her education includes an Ed.S. in Instructional Leadership from Jacksonville State University.
Williams began her career in education in 2002.
Her experience includes the roles of teacher, instructional coach and central office administrator.
Williams’ experience centers on instructional improvement, professional development, and curriculum leadership, areas closely aligned with student performance growth efforts.
The selection of the finalists marks the beginning of the most critical phase of the superintendent search process. AASB will now coordinate formal interviews, during which the Scottsboro Board of Education will have the opportunity to meet each candidate, discuss leadership priorities, and evaluate their vision for the future of Scottsboro City Schools.
After interviews are completed, the school board is expected to deliberate and make a final decision naming the next superintendent. Contract negotiations and transition planning will follow, with the selected candidate expected to lead the district into 2026.
The search comes at an important time for Scottsboro City Schools, as the district continues to focus on academic growth, staffing needs, facility improvements, and targeted instructional support. The superintendent selected will guide long-term planning, oversee major initiatives, and work closely with teachers, administrators, and community partners to meet the needs of more than 2,400 students.
The Board of Education now faces the important task of determining who is best positioned to guide Scottsboro City Schools into its next chapter.
