By TYLER RALEY | Staff Writer
HOOVER
– The Hoover City Schools Board of Education has named two leaders from inside its sector as new assistant superintendents to the school system for the future.
During a regularly scheduled board meeting on Tuesday, June 10 at the Farr Administrative Building, Dr. Chris Robbins and Dr. Desiree Smith were each named to new positions for Hoover City Schools. Robbins was named as the Assistant Superintendent of Instruction, while Smith was named to be Assistant Superintendent of Administration.
The two were unanimously approved by the board after Superintendent Dr. Kevin Maddox presented the consent agenda to the body for consideration.
In his role, Robbins will assist Hoover City Schools by being over and providing leadership skills and advice in specific areas, which include curriculum and instruction, technology, exceptional education, federal programs, student assessment and instructional support. He will also serve as an advisor to Maddox in those areas as well.
Prior to earning the position, Robbins served as Chief Learning Officer for the school system. He carries 27 years of experience in the district, having been in many roles, including being a science teacher and principal at Berry Middle School, as well as an assistant principal at Bumpus Middle School and Brock’s Gap Intermediate School.
In an official press release from Hoover City Schools, Robbins expressed his excitement for what the new role will bring in his career, getting to spend more time working for the district.
“It continues to be an honor to serve the students and staff for Hoover City Schools,” Robbins said in the press release. “As a former teacher, assistant principal and principal in this district, I have seen first-hand the high expectations we have for ourselves in everything we do. We are a district filled with individuals who are committed to excellence in education, and I look forward to helping strengthen that commitment by supporting our teachers and empowering our students.”
Smith’s role will see her in a leadership role with administrative services, as she will make sure that actions carried out within the district are in line with any state standards and district priorities. The best practices for administrators will also be considered in her oversight.
Smith holds more than 30 years of history in her educational career, previously serving as the HCS Chief Talent Officer. In her background, she has served as a math teacher, high school administrator, curriculum and technology coordinator and university instructor.
The new assistant superintendent also made comments in the press release, showcasing her desire and readiness to lead the group of administrators.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity to continue working with our dedicated staff and school leaders to support the growth and success of both students and employees,” Smith said. “It’s a privilege to serve in a district that values our employees and is always striving to grow.”
The new roles for Hoover City Schools were recently created as part of the restructuring of the system’s organizational tree, trying to put more focus and oversight into improving instruction and administration.
In addition to the approval of the personnel actions, the consent agenda also contained approval of capitalized assets, non-capitalized assets, required work days for behavioral aides in the 2025-2026 school year and contracts.
During the meeting, the board also approved multiple financial items for the district. The fiscal year April financial statement was approved, along with cash reimbursements for April, which totaled to $4,964,353.10. The payroll for the month of May was approved as well, totaling to $14,153,327.41.
Maddox also provided reports on multiple items including allowing Bob Lawry, chief administrative officer of Hoover City Schools, to come up and discuss the changes potential changes coming to the 2025-2026 Code of Student Conduct for the district. The changes will be brought for approval at the next meeting.
Lawry also briefly discussed the plan for getting policies ready as a result of the recently passed F.O.C.U.S. Act, which places an effective ban on cellular devices in schools in the state of Alabama. The act was passed during the recent legislative session in Montgomery.
Director of Operations Matt Wilson was also invited forward to talk about updates on summer projects going on around the district, which include lighting improvements and work going on for the Spain Park High School football stadium, which will be ready by the time the season starts.
