David A. Copeland, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools Contact Information
Madison County School System Dr. David Copeland
****-* ****** **. *** Meadow Land Dr.
Huntsville, AL 35804 Meridianville, AL 35759
acfbio@r.postjobfree.com acfbio@r.postjobfree.com
Phone: 256-***-**** Cell: 256-***-****
Office Fax: 256-***-****
David A. Copeland, Ed.D.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
INTEGRITY INTENT CAPABILITY RESULTS
A proven leader with the necessary skills to develop a cohesive organization with transparency
and trust at its core. A successful teacher, school administrator, district administrator, principal,
strategic planner and university professor. An educator who demonstrates passionate
commitment to public education.
In 2013-2014 selected as 1 of the top 45 superintendents in America based on most visionary and
innovative by the American Association of School Administrators and the Nexus Group.
AREAS OF EXPERTISE
Academic Success
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Communication & Interpersonal Skills
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Community Development
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Conflict Resolution
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Curriculum & Instruction
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Data Analysis
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Data-Driven Decision Making
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Innovation and Reform
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Instructional Leadership
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Organizational Development
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Problem-Solving
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Process Development
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Implementation
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School Law
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Strategic Planning
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Team Building
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Visionary
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PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
MADISON COUNTY SCHOOL SYSTEM
2012-PRESENT
? SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
? ALUMNI OF HUNTSVILLE/MADISON COUNTY CLASS 26
? DIRECTOR AND PRINCIPAL MENTOR
? PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PRESENTER FOR ASPIRING LEADERS
? DISTRICT NEGOTIATIONS TEAM MEMBER (TEACHERS, CLERICAL,
SUPPORT/TEAMSTERS)
? CREATED BUDGET OF $227,000,000 FOR 20,000 STUDENTS AND 2,400
EMPLOYEES
? STRATEGIC PLANNING COMMITTEE (GOVERNANCE)
? EXUCUTIVE BOARD MEMBER OF THE HUNTSVILLE/MADISON COUNTY
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, THE UNITED WAY, BOTANICAL GARDENS AND
THE HEALS CLINIC
? INCREASED GRADUATION RATE BY 10% SYSTEM WIDE
? DECREASED DROP-OUT RATE BY 6% SYSTEM WIDE
? HIGHEST TESTS SCORES IN THE HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY
? IMPLEMENTED THE LARGEST B.Y.O.T. INITIATIVE IN THE STATE OF
ALABAMA
? CONDUCTED SEMESTER MEETINGS WITH COMMUNITY
? HELD MONTHLY DATA MEETINGS WITH PRINCIPALS AND DIRECTORS
? EXPANDED CAREER TECHNICAL PROGRAMS AND CERTIFICATIONS
CREATED AN IN-HOUSE ACADEMY FOR ASPIRING ADMINISTRATORS
?
? LEAD SCHOOLS TO NATIONAL RECOGNITION AS: 1 NATIONAL BLUE
RIBBON SCHOOL, 5 NATIONAL BLUE RIBBON LIGHTHOUSE SCHOOLS, 1
INTEL SCHOOL OF DISTINCTION, 1 NATIONAL TITLE 1 SCHOOL AND 1 CLAS
SCHOOL
? AQUIRED $1,536,243 IN GRANTS
? FORMED PARTNERSHIPS WITH SHERIFF?S DEPARTMENT, BUSINESS AND
INDUSTRIES
? ADMINISTRATORS? ASSOCIATION BOARD MEMBER
? EVALUATED DIRECTORS
CRANE SCHOOL DISTRICT
2011-2012
? SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
? EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR FOR QUALITY, CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT,
PLANNING
? MENTOR FOR HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL
? MENTOR FOR MIDDLE SCHOOL PRINCIPAL
? DISTRICT INTEREST-BASED NEGOTIATIONS TEAM MEMBER (TEACHERS
AND NON-INSTRUCTIONAL)
? DISTRICT RECRUITER
? STRATEGIC PLANNING COMMITTEE (GOVERNANCE)
? DISTRICT INSURANCE TASK FORCE
? CALENDAR DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
? ADMINISTRATOR INTERVIEWER FOR ASPIRING LEADERS
? PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT TRAINER
? ADMINISTRATORS? ASSOCIATION BOARD MEMBER
? CONDUCTED COMMUNITY MEETINGS
? EVALUATED PRINCIPALS AND SUPPORT STAFF
CASS MIDWAY SCHOOL DISTRICT
2007-2011
? SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
? LEAD ACADEMIC SUCCESS THROUGH OBTAING ACCREDITATION WITH
DISTINCTION IN STUDENT PERFORMANCE 3 CONSECUTIVE YEARS
? INCREASED GRADUATION RATE BY 12%
? DECREASED DROP-OUT RATE BY 8%
? DISTRICT NEGOTIATIONS TEAM MEMBER
? EXPANDED CAREER TECHNICAL PROGRAMS AND CERTIFICATIONS
? STRATEGIC PLANNING COMMITTEE (GOVERNANCE)
? DISTRICT RECRUITER
? ADMINISTRATORS? ASSOCIATION BOARD MEMBER
? INCREASED TECHNOLOGY IN THE CLASSROOMS
? PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PRESENTER FOR ASPIRING LEADERS
? NEGOTIATED CONTRACT FOR STUDENT TRANSPORTATION
EVALUATED PRINCIPALS AND SUPPORT STAFF
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ELDORADO SPRINGS SCHOOL DISTRICT
1995-2007
? HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL
? CREATED BUDGET FOR HIGH SCHOOL
? RECRUITED HIGH QUALITY TEACHERS, COUNSELORS AND STAFF.
? SUPERVISED ALL ATHELETIC PROGRAMS
? SAFETY COORDINATOR FOR SCHOOL SYSTEM AND CITY
? EVALUATED TEACHERS, COUNSELORS AND STAFF
? DEVELOPED SCHOOL CALENDAR
? DEVELOPED MAINTANENCE SCHEDULE
? CONDUCTED GRADUATION CEREMONIES
? CREATED TRANSPORTATION SCHEDULE
? CONDUCTED COMMUNITY MEETINGS
? CREATED PARTNERSHIPS WITH BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY
HEARTLAND SCHOOL/NEVADA SCHOOL DISTRICT 1992-
1995
? DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION
? RECRUITED HIGH QUALITY TEACHERS AND STAFF
? DEVELOPED SCHOOL CALENDAR
? RECEIVED FULL ACCREDITATION THROUGH NORTH CENTRAL
? EVALUATED TEACHERS, COUNSELORS AND STAFF
PUBLIC SCHOOLS TEACHING EXPERIENCE
1979-1984 AND 1987-1992
? TEACHER/COACH ? NEVADA R-V SCHOOL DISTRICT 1988-1992, ONEONTA
CITY SCHOOLS 1987-1988, BELTON 124 SCHOOL DISTRICT 1981-1984,
HARRISONVILLE R-IX SCHOOL DISTRICT 1980-1981, ENGLEWOOD
CHRISTIAN SCHOOL 1979-1980
? TAUGHT SOCIAL STUDIES, PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND HEALTH
? COACHED FOOTBALL, BASEBALL, BASKETBALL AND WRESTLING
A.T. & T. TECHNOLOGIES 1981-
1987
? TRANING SUPERVISOR, LEE?S SUMMIT, MISSOURI
? TRAINED AND EVALUATED WORKERS ON THE MAUFATURING OF THE 256K
COMPUTER CHIP
SUMMARY OF PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
As the superintendent, I provided leadership for the development of a five-year district strategic
plan. More than 6000 employees and community members participated in developing the five-
year plan for the system. ?Trust the process? became the theme of this effort. I created an in-
house academy for aspiring administrators known as EXCEL21. This academy has been very
successful with 36 graduates in a two year period. I partnered with the County Commissioners to
acquire $55.6 million in BRAC funds for use in capital projects. This allowed the system to enter
into the largest, one time, building project in the school systems history. We partnered with
Adtran to install a voice over I/P phone system that allows me to call any person directly in our
entire system or to make any emergency calls from my desk. This has greatly improved the
communication and safety of our district. The cost savings for this entire project was a million
dollars. In the area of safety, I partnered with the Madison County Sheriff?s Department to
provide training to all staff. Their assistance was also used to evaluate our emergency
procedures. I have also had safety improvements to the 28 schools with the addition of keyless
entries and cameras. I signed an energy contract with Schneider Electric to upgrade all
mechanical systems and lighting in all buildings in our system. The estimated savings for the
next 20 years is approximately $20 million. I have conducted Community Engagement meetings
in each of our five clusters each semester to listen to the communities and to share information
about the district. I created a Key Communicators group and meet with the leaders of our
community on a regular basis. I lead the system in data meetings to improve our test scores
which resulted in the highest test scores ever, the past two years, in Madison County. Our success
in academics and excellence was also honored by many schools receiving awards which include:
a National Blue Ribbon School, 5 National Blue Ribbon Lighthouse Schools, an Intel School of
Distinction, 4 CLAS Schools and a National Title 1 School. I have created the largest B.Y.O.T.
(Bring Your Own Technology) initiative in the state. We have integrated technology into all
phases of our curriculum. In 2013-2014, I was honored to be selected as 1 of the top 45
superintendents in the nation based on innovative ideas and vision. I was selected by the
American Association of School Administrators and the Nexus Research Group. I was honored
to represent Alabama in a fall symposium held in Clinton, Tennessee and at a spring symposium
in Laguna Beach, California. I am on the Executive Board of the Huntsville/Madison County
Chamber of Commerce, United Way, Botanical Gardens and the HEALS Clinic.
DISTRICT / SCHOOL OPERATIONS RESPONSIBILITIES / ACHIEVEMENTS
? Provide leadership, assistance, and support to the School Board, Administrators, staff and
the community by managing the Strategic Plan, Long Range Planning, Quality and
Accreditation processes in accordance with established goals
? Coordinate the development of the System?s Comprehensive Education Plan to include
continuous improvement, strategic and long range planning
? Monitor and evaluate all existing and new internal program processes
? Oversee technical assistance to schools, departments and programs through analyzing
current status, identifying directions and needs, and developing long-range plans
? Direct and monitor the school accountability/school improvement process and coordinate
all related activities throughout the system.
? Direct the use of assessment information for program improvement initiatives and for the
introduction of new programs, policies and procedures
? Draft and revise policies and procedures to assist in articulating the intentions of the
School Board and staff
Research and provide information for decision making and/or problem resolution related
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to planning and policy
? Ensure principal/director compliance with School Board policy, State statutes, and
Federal regulations as they pertain to school administration and operations
? Work with School Board attorney to ensure compliance with new laws by developing
procedures and/or policy updates
? Develop Strategic Planning Process for School system
? Participate in architect and contractor selection committees
? Participate in design phase of comprehensive high schools
? Participate in design of athletic field additions
? Participate in design of state-of-the-art cafeteria
? Participate in architect and contractor selection committees
? Participate in the design phase of the Intermediate School, Elementary School and High
School
? Provide leadership, assistance, and support for directors in the administration and
operation of high schools, middle schools and elementary schools in order to and
maximize students? educational experience
? Coordinate system graduation contracts for all high schools
? Facilitate development of a successful administrative team to oversee day to day
operations in a system of 30 schools, 2,400 employees, 20,000 students
? Oversee discipline hearings and attendance appeals; recommend suspension, alternative
placements, and/or expulsions as appropriate
? Serve as LEA (Local Education Agency) in Individual Education Plan (IEP) meetings
? Earn Commendation from State for ?model? Exceptional Student Education services
? Participate in architect and contractor selection committees
? Serve as liaison between board and contractor
? Provide leadership to principals/directors to support continuous improvement in
measurable student performance
CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTION RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACHIEVEMENTS
? Attend State Board of Education meetings
? Developed a new system for interviewing Administrators
? Developed and leads data meetings with building leadership teams
? Conduct annual performance appraisals of school directors and central office staff
? Assist directors/principals in meeting goals outlined in the System Strategic Plan and in
their individual School Improvement Plan
? Advise principals/directors on student achievement, policy changes and problem solving
? Support curricular and instructional development and planning
? Ensure the accurate and timely completion of data collection and reporting requirements
? Conduct principals? meetings focused on student achievement, policy changes, potential
challenges, and resolution of existing challenges
? Recruit administrators for Madison County School System
? Serve as consultant in area of alternative scheduling
? Serve as instructional leader for 20,000+ students and 2,400 staff
Monitor School Improvement Plans including alignment with the system?s goals
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Oversee staff participation in cross-curricular and content-specific Professional Learning
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Communities
Facilitate development of aspiring administrators
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Facilitate the development and implementation of research-based instructional strategies
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Facilitate the plans and growth of nationally recognized ?Project Lead the Way the
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Engineering Academy and the Medical Academy
Facilitate development of ninth grade academy resulting in increased achievement among
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freshmen
Initiate development of EXCEL21 (Aspiring Administrators Program)
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Facilitate the development and implementation of the International Baccalaureate
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program
Support executive internship program for seniors to pursue career interest prior to
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graduation
BUDGET AND FINANCE RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACHIEVEMENTS
Develop $227,000,000 annual budget
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Supervise budget expenditures
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Oversee Budget Process for System Departments
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Review FTE Reports
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Review decision-making process for distribution of Title funds
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Assist in State and Federal Grants. System was awarded $1,536,243 in grants in 2013-14
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COMMUNITY-BUILDING RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACHIEVEMENTS
Provide leadership to principals/directors to define their ?customer? and work towards
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improved customer satisfaction
Support volunteers/family involvement
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Work with School Advisory Councils (SAC) and Community Resource Teams on issues
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related to student achievement, discipline, and other school-wide concerns raised by
parents, staff, students, and/or district personnel
Participate in Community Engagement meetings
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Review Program of Studies
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Disseminate information regarding the content of system plans and progress
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Demonstrate interpersonal skills and the skill to work with diverse groups of people
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Send updates and emergency calls as needed to parents, district personnel, school board,
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and members of community at large
Create website for growing data base of parents and volunteers
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Develop positive relationships with sheriff?s department, community members, local
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politicians, business and industries
ADDITIONAL CAREER EXPERIENCE
WILLIAM WOODS UNIVERSITY
2003-2012
ADJUNCT PROFESSOR
MASTERS AND SPECIALIST PROGRAM FOR EDUCATIONAL ADMINISTRATION
Curriculum Trends and Innovation
Personnel Selection and Development
School Law
School Leadership
EDUCATION
Doctorate in Educational Leadership ? Liberty University
Specialist in Education in Educational Administration ? Missouri State University
Masters of Arts in Management ? Webster University
Bachelors of Science in Education ? Evangel University
CERTIFICATIONS
Alabama School Superintendent * Missouri School Superintendent *Missouri School Principal
7-12 * Teacher, Physical Education, Health K-12, Social Studies 9-12
ADDITIONAL PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Covey's Seven Habits of Highly Effective People * National Association of School
Administrators * School Superintendents of Alabama * Alabama Association of School Boards *
Nexus Research Group * Numerous State and National Conference Workshops
RECOGNITIONS
Selected as 1 of 45 Superintendents nationally as Most Innovative and Visionary ? American
Association of School Administrators 2013-14 * Selected as 1 of 35 Superintendents nationally
as Most Innovative ? Nexus Research Group 2014 * Evangel University Full Football
Scholarship * Webster University Deans List * Missouri State University Deans List * Liberty
University Alumni Scholarship * Liberty University Deans List * District Administration
(professional journal)
PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS AND AFFILIATIONS
American Association of School Administrators * State Superintendents of Alabama *Missouri
Association of School Administrators
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
Executive Board Member of the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce * Executive
Board Member of the Huntsville/Madison County United Way * Executive Board Member of the
Botanical gardens * Executive Board member of the HEALS Clinic * Rotary Club * Optimist
Club