Marion County Board of Education

***AHSAA Hall of Fame Spotlight***
JOHN HARDIN (ADMINISTRATOR): Born in Jackson (MS), Hardin, 69, grew up Marion County in the small town of Hackleburg, graduating in 1974 and earning his college degree four years later at the University of Mississippi. He finished his master’s at West Alabama.
He began his career as an educator at Amory (MS) where he taught and coached through 1983. He then moved back home to Hackleburg to begin a tenure that would last for the next three decades. He made his impact first as a teacher and coach – guiding the Panthers’ football team to a 118-98 record, 12 state playoff appearances and seven region championships from 1980-2008.
Hardin also served as the school’s head girls’ softball coach with even greater success compiling a 246-119 record from 1988-2000. His teams won five area titles, advanced to two Final 4 appearances, and four Elite Eight appearances. He was girls’ head basketball coach from 1992-2005 with 236 wins, 106 losses, four area crowns, two Elite 8 appearances, two Northwest Region titles and two Final Four appearances.
As impressive as his coaching success was, his remarkable rise to become one of the AHSAA’s strongest leaders as a principal was one of his shining moments. As the Hackleburg principal, he served 23 years on the District 7 Legislative Council, eight years on the AHSAA Central Board of Control with two terms as CBOC president.
His sage advice and wise counsel helped mold the AHSAA’s future. He served on the Finance Committee, Re-classification Committee, Long-Range Planning Committee, and Hall of Fame Selection Committee during his time on the board.
While his leadership statewide was important, his leadership at home after a tornado destroyed much of his town and county and the high school was his finest moment.
“The true test was in 2011,” said nominator Ann West, Superintendent of Marion County Schools. “The April 27 tornadoes that year destroyed both the elementary and high schools in Hackleburg,” she stated in her recommendation letter or Hardin. “Mr. Hardin stepped up and provided great leadership during a very trying time. Not only were the schools destroyed, but the entire town was also destroyed. For the next four years, they had school in modular units. It was a tough situation that Mr. Hardin made the best of every day – and did it with a great attitude.”
Those who watched his leadership at work certainly agreed. Hardin was named the Hackleburg Alumnus of the year in 2019 and earned the AHSAA’s coveted Class 1A Making a Difference Award in 2019. Hardin was inducted into the Marion County Sports Hall of Fame in 1999.

During the month of October, the Phillips High School JAG Chapter (in partnership with the Salvation Army) collected over 300 pairs of new socks to be distributed to homeless shelters throughout Alabama.

Congratulations to the Hamilton High School Boys Cross Country Team! They are back-to-back 4A State Champions!

American Education Week honors the dedication and hard work of educators and education support professionals. It emphasizes the value of a quality education and the need for collaboration among teachers, parents, and the community to ensure student success.

Each year, the National Coalition for the Homeless and the National Student Campaign Against Hunger and Homelessness sponsor Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week during the week prior to Thanksgiving. Consider donating some time, attention, and/or resources to others this week.

“Today is a great day in our school district!” Follow the link to learn why: https://youtu.be/zAZAor_86uo?si=3apgvYbEWJXgZSha

The Officers of the Phillips High JAG Chapter recently attended the ACE (Academy for Chapter Excellence) Conference held in Florence, Alabama. The conference is a one-day program designed to assist chapter officers in gaining the leadership skills to successfully lead their student organization at the local chapter level. Chapter officers from North Alabama gathered together to network, share best practices, discuss ideas, and improve their leadership.

November is Thank Alabama Teachers Month - They’re more than just teachers. They’re counselors, coaches, mentors, and friends. Show them your gratitude this month!

This day honors those who act quickly when an emergency is at hand. First responders dedicate their lives to save lives. They are the people who run toward a crisis while the rest of the world flees - often putting their own lives on the line. We can't thank you enough!

Red Ribbon Week: this week-long observance is considered the oldest and largest drug prevention program in the nation. The campaign focuses on the mission of keeping kids drug-free. Just Say No!

Wear purple tomorrow! Purple Thursday is a day where people wear purple to show their support for survivors of domestic violence. This simple act of wearing purple helps raise awareness and lets survivors know they are not alone.

School Bus Safety Week is a reminder to everyone about the importance of following the law and implementing school bus safety tips. Parents should be able to trust that when their child gets on the school bus, there is no need to worry about their safety. If everyone follows school bus safety rules, every child will stay safe.

Marion County elementary schools presented their Annual Continuous Improvement Plans at the board meeting today. Pictured left to right: Mr. Dustin Silas (Guin Elementary School Principal), Dr. Kim Davis (Brilliant School Principal), Ms. Mary Kennedy (Hackleburg Elementary School Principal), Mrs. Angie Jones (Hamilton Elementary School Assistant Principal), and Mrs. Tina Coan (Phillips Elementary School Principal). We are blessed to have AWESOME leaders!