By Staff Writer Dave Domezik
PELHAMDuring a regularly scheduled board meeting on Monday, June 30, the Pelham Board of Education installed an interim superintendent, formally recognized a new board member, and bad farewell to the incumbent superintendent of the school system.
During the meeting, Dr. Frank Costanzo was overwhelmingly approved to serve as the temporary superintendent of Pelham City Schools starting on Tuesday, July 1. Costanzo has already held the position of temporary superintendent for several school systems, such as the Trussville City Schools system and the Pell City Schools system. Costanzo formerly served as Tuscaloosa County Schools’ superintendent.
Regarding Costanzo, Robert Plummer, president of the Pelham BOE, stated that he had previously collaborated with Pelham City Schools. He has completed assessments of teachers. He is highly praised by numerous individuals.
The discussion took place on Dr. Chuck Ledbetter’s last day as PCS superintendent, which also happened to be Costanzo’s appointment. Before retiring, Ledbetter made a final statement.
“Being the superintendent of Pelham City Schools has been an honor,” Ledbetter remarked. Being a part of this educational institution has been an absolute pleasure. Our community supports and desires high-quality education, and we have extremely unique instructors here.
Ledbetter continued by saying that over his illustrious career in the field of education, serving PCS stood out in particular.
In my nearly 17 years as a superintendent, I have worked in four different school systems, Ledbetter stated. Everyone on this board is concerned about the education system, which makes it the best school board I’ve ever dealt with. This board collaborates and works very hard. We have a very unique dynamic here, and the environment is very wonderful. Here, the quality is unparalleled.
Ledbetter had earlier declared his retirement during a Monday, April 28 Pelham BOE meeting.
Bob Lavett, who was appointed in April, was also formally acknowledged at the meeting as the newest member of the board. During the meeting’s board comments, Lavett seized the opportunity to introduce himself.
According to Lavett, there has been some coverage of the appointment process, but not of the individual who was appointed. I discovered that teaching was my vocation while I was a college student. My entire life has been centered around educators, teachers, and students. Everything changed for me when I moved to Pelham in 1990. I discovered a school (Pelham High School) and a community where each and every kid matters and everything we do for them matters. I wanted to live out the remainder of my life and my career here.
Lavett went on to describe his professional achievements at PCS, which included working as a coach and teacher at Pelham High School before rising to the position of assistant principle. However, his dedication to serve the Pelham community was strengthened rather than diminished by this advancement.
According to Lavett, I kept coaching football for free because it’s all about the students and that’s what I was passionate about.
Lavett then served as PHS’s principal for 14 years, which he considered unprecedented in the current environment. Lavett has sat on numerous education-related committees throughout his time in the administration.
After I retired, I was committed to doing all in my power to support (former PCS superintendent) Scott Cofield, Lavett added. This is the wonderful location I hoped it would be. I applied for and was hired for this role because I wanted to give back at this stage of my life.
The board also authorized 39 personnel issues at the meeting, including 26 hires for various positions within the system and 13 resignations and retirements. The meeting also saw the unanimous approval of the following new business items:
Approval of the 2025–2026 Policy Manual Amendments—Code of Conduct
It is suggested that the Pelham High School boys basketball team’s field trip from Emerson, Georgia to Jackson, Mississippi (retro) be approved in June 2025.
The mediation agreement should be approved.
Proposal to accept a revised contract between Glenwood, INC. and Pelham City Schools
It is suggested that instructors from Pelham Ridge Elementary and Pelham Oaks Elementary be permitted to work at the Pelham City Schools Kindergarten Camp.
Suggestion for authorizing educators to work at the Pelham City Schools Literacy Camp
The next meeting of the Pelham BOE is set for Monday, July 28 at 6:30 p.m. Visit Pelhamcityschools.org/about_us/board_of_education to learn more about the Pelham Board of Education.
