History of SSA

A history of the association’s growth, leadership, and service to Alabama’s school superintendents.

School Superintendents of Alabama has not always been the name of the association representing Alabama’s superintendents. The organization developed over many decades as school leaders worked together to strengthen public education, professional learning, advocacy, and collaboration across the state.

Two Superintendent Organizations

In 1925, Alabama’s superintendents met as two separate groups: an organization of county superintendents and an organization of city superintendents. Both groups held their annual meetings during the March convention of the Alabama Education Association and operated under AEA.

The two groups shared a dinner meeting but conducted their official meetings separately. Most AEA conventions were held in Birmingham, although records show meetings in Montgomery in 1930, 1933, and 1939. Superintendents met in churches, schools, hotels, and the old municipal auditorium. The former Tutwiler Hotel served as a popular gathering place for members.

The Groups Unite

During 1933–34, the county and city superintendent organizations merged and became known as the Department of Superintendents. The organization retained that name for four years. In 1937–38, it became the Alabama Association of School Administrators.

Early Meetings and Conventions

The Alabama Association of School Administrators generally held its meeting on Wednesday morning during the annual convention. The meeting included a program and the election of officers. Newly elected officers began their service at the conclusion of the convention and remained in office until the end of the following convention.

The association also held joint meetings with secondary principals on Wednesday afternoons, usually at Phillips High School auditorium. Some meetings were held in the sanctuary of First Baptist Church. At different times, superintendents also met jointly with supervisors and, during some years, with the School Boards Association.

Association Presidents Who Became State Superintendent

Seven presidents of Alabama’s superintendent organizations later served as Alabama State Superintendent of Education.

Leadership and Organizational Changes

Beginning in 1944–45, it became customary for association presidents to serve two-year terms. This practice continued through 1969–70.

In 1971, AASA worked with other administrator associations to separate from the Alabama Education Association and form the Alabama Council of School Administrators. The name was later expanded to the Alabama Council for School Administration and Supervision. In 1998, members voted to rename the umbrella association the Council for Leaders in Alabama Schools.

Strategic Growth and a Full-Time Executive Director

In 2001, AASA completed a strategic plan and changed its dues structure, allowing the organization to hire its first full-time executive director.

Dr. Susan L. Lockwood, who had served as superintendent of Eufaula City Schools for seven years, was hired as executive director on November 14, 2002. She began implementing the strategic plan, expanding the staff, and increasing services for members.

Strategic Plan Goals

• Increase the influence of AASA with policy makers
• Communicate sound principles of governance and accurate information
• Improve the effectiveness of AASA members
• Function as a unifying force for promoting Alabama education

School Superintendents of Alabama

In 2004, the association separated from CLAS and relocated to the Bailey Building at 400 South Union Street, Suite 495. At the same time, the organization changed its name from the Alabama Association of School Administrators to School Superintendents of Alabama. The new name better represented and strengthened the voice of superintendents in public policy and education budget development.

A Permanent Home Near the State Capitol

In 2017, SSA purchased and renovated a building located two blocks from the Alabama State Capitol. The association continues to operate from this location at 534 Adams Avenue in downtown Montgomery.

SSA Today

SSA has become a leading voice for Alabama’s children and public school leaders. The association is actively involved in legislative work at the State House and in the development of the state’s K–12 education budget.

SSA provides executive coaching and training for new superintendents, professional development through its Summer, Fall, and Legislative Conferences, and a business member partnership program that supports the association’s advocacy efforts.