City Council Makes Historic Appointments to Pell City Board of Education

Today, July 1, 2025, the City Council for the City of Pell City made appointments to the Pell City Board of Education for the first time in more than 30 years. 

The result will be a Board that represents all students enrolled in the Pell City School System. Beginning in November 2025, for the first time since the district was created in 1982, St. Clair County residents who live in the St. Clair County portion of the Pell City Schools Attendance Zone will have voting representation, a true voice in the future of the system.

“This school system is important,” Council President Jud Alverson told the audience at City Hall. “We have got to come together as a community. We’ve got to get behind these people, and we’ve got to get behind Superintendent Dr. Justin Burns.

“To the people appointed tonight, you’ve got a big job in front of you,” he continued. “It is time for a different trajectory for this school system. It is time for a new vision.”

On July 1, 2025, the City Council for the City of Pell City appointed (front row, from left) Matt Moon, Eddie Wilson, Dr. Gary London, Jarrett Jacobs, and Ryan Abernathy to the Pell City Board of Education.

Community-Wide Representation

The two Attendance Zone residents appointed to the Board are Jarrett Jacobs and Ryan Abernathy. 

Jacobs, a vice president in the transportation industry with over 20 years of management experience, brings decision-making and oversight skills, coupled with deep community ties. His goal is to foster an environment that attracts and supports excellent educators.

“Around 54 percent of the students at Pell City Schools live in the County,” Jacobs said. “They’re my friends and neighbors, and I’m excited and eager to hear their ideas and represent them on this Board. My commitment is to work hand-in-hand with them and the City Council to actively shape the future of our schools.” 

Ryan Abernathy, a director in the construction sector with extensive experience in federal public service and private industry, offers a strong understanding of operations, human resources, and business growth. He aims to ensure the school system effectively represents county-zoned students and residents, emphasizing strong leadership, academic excellence, and planning for growth. 

“I’m honored by this appointment,” Abernathy said. “It’s an exciting opportunity to make sure all our students are represented as we work together to build a strong future for Pell City Schools. We need the entire community involved to achieve excellence, and I’m ready to contribute to that shared goal.”

In addition to Jacobs and Abernathy, the City Council also appointed three Pell City residents to the Board of Education: Eddie Wilson, Dr. Gary London, and Matt Moon.

Key Strengths of City Appointees

Eddie Wilson’s background in account management and strategic advising, including guiding a seminary to financial stability, offers a unique leadership approach that emphasizes service and collaboration. 

Dr. Gary London Sr. brings expertise in the education field, along with experience in strategic planning, financial analysis, and data-driven improvement.

Matt Moon, President of Vulcan Industries, provides proven experience in leading diverse teams and managing businesses, with a clear focus on accountability and student success.

Collectively, these appointments enhance the Board’s capacity in areas critical for the school system, including financial stewardship, strategic partnerships, and operational excellence.

Selection Process

During its Special Called Meeting on July 1, City Manager Brian Muenger announced that the Board appointments listed in Resolution 2025-56 were decided from aggregated results of a confidential ranking system. Each Council member individually selected their top finalists, organized by City and Attendance Zone, and submitted them to City Attorney John Rea.

“The City Council committed to this system as a fair method of determining who was best qualified to serve our students and community,” Muenger said. “Given the exceptional caliber of all 18 finalists, it was essential to establish a consensus for the appointments.”

Each appointed member was assigned a term based on the results.

Staggered Terms

Under Amendment 1018 (Local Amendment 1), the five members of the Board have been appointed to staggered terms as follows:

Name of AppointeeInitial Term LengthInitial Term Ends
Eddie Wilson5 yearsJune 2030
Matt Moon4 yearsJune 2029
Jarrett Jacobs3 yearsJune 2028
Dr. Gary London, Sr.2 yearsJune 2027
Ryan Abernathy1 yearJune 2026

Moving forward, the application and appointment process for the Pell City Board of Education will occur annually. In accordance with Alabama Law, one Board of Education member’s term will expire each year. The Council will appoint an individual to the expired seat in April, with the new Board member beginning their 5-year term in June.

Appointed Leadership

The Pell City School System was first created in October 1981, with its Board of Education members appointed by the City Council until 1992. At that time, a local constitutional amendment transitioned the Board to an elected body, with members chosen by voters within Pell City’s corporate limits.

Over the years, the Pell City School Attendance Zone and Tax District expanded to include unincorporated areas of St. Clair County served by the school system. However, residents from the County portion of the Attendance Zone were not eligible to serve on the Board. 

In 2024, approximately 14,000 St. Clair County residents zoned for Pell City schools lacked voting representation on the Board of Education

Recognizing the importance of full community representation, the Pell City Board of Education unanimously requested legislation that would return it to an appointed board with at least two members from the Attendance Zone. This vision was supported by the City Council and overwhelmingly approved by St. Clair County voters as Alabama Act-111 (Local Amendment 1) in November 2024.

The appointment process, a comprehensive effort beginning in October 2024, saw the City Council first name and activate the Pell City Board of Education Steering Committee. It meticulously developed and finalized the application and selection process by February 2025, which the Council approved. 

Following the public release of the application, 47 highly qualified candidates submitted their materials by March 31, 2025. The Steering Committee then rigorously reviewed applications, selected 18 finalists by May, and conducted joint interviews with the City Council from June 16-18, ultimately recommending the finalists to the Council on June 27, 2025.

Mayor Bill Pruitt and each member of the City Council offered high praise to each member of the Steering Committee at the meeting for providing their time, effort, and dedication.

Steering Committee Concludes its Work in Board of Education Appointment Process

The Pell City Board of Education Steering Committee has successfully concluded its comprehensive work in recommending finalists for the upcoming Board of Education appointments, marking a significant milestone in ensuring strong leadership for our schools.

This process began in 2024, when the City Council for the City of Pell City named the Steering Committee to develop a transparent and effective appointment procedure. Interest in serving our students and community proved to be unprecedented, with numerous highly qualified individuals submitting applications.

The Committee dedicated countless hours to reviewing these submissions. After careful consideration, the list was narrowed to 18 exceptional finalists. These finalists were publicly announced and participated in in-depth interviews held jointly with the Mayor and City Council members earlier this month.

A Word from the Chair

“This selection process, while demanding, has been a genuine pleasure. I’m incredibly proud of the commitment shown by all our applicants, particularly our finalists, who truly impressed us. A heartfelt thank you to each one for their dedication, and to my fellow committee members for their exceptional efforts,” said Kelly Furgerson, Chair of Pell City Board of Education Steering Committee.

Click here to review Finalist Applications and Interviews

The Steering Committee is proud to share its final statement regarding the selection process:

Statement Regarding Finalist Recommendations and the Selection Process

Members of the City Council for the City of Pell City,

When the Pell City Board of Education Steering Committee began its work last year, its members were tasked with developing the appointment process, reviewing applications, and recommending a group of finalists for City Council consideration. 

After a careful and comprehensive review of many thoughtful submissions, we narrowed the list to 18 highly qualified individuals.

In the interest of our community, our schools, and especially our students, the Committee members dedicated countless hours to these tasks. We are extremely proud of the time and effort expended, and particularly proud of the results.

After conducting in-depth interviews with all 18 finalists — with the Mayor and City Council members present in these joint sessions — it became clear that the interviews themselves provided all parties with the clarity needed to move forward.

The quality of the interviews exceeded expectations. The finalists demonstrated professionalism, insight, and a genuine commitment to public service. Given this, Committee members individually concluded that an additional cut would not add value to the process.

On June 25, 2025, the members of the committee voted unanimously to recommend all 18 finalists for appointment to the Pell City Board of Education. This decision was not made lightly. It reflects our confidence in the process, the strength of the candidates, and in the Council’s ability to make thoughtful, informed appointments.

We sincerely thank all applicants for their time, dedication, and participation. To those Finalists appointed by the Council, we offer our heartfelt support. To all applicants who are not awarded the opportunity in this inaugural process, do not be discouraged. The next application window will open in less than a year, and again every year after. Your willingness to serve has been noticed and acknowledged, and your qualifications recognized. We encourage you to seek to serve in the future.

We, the members of the inaugural Pell City Board of Education Steering Committee, are grateful for our opportunity to serve. Go Panthers!

Sincerely,

Pell City Board of Education Steering Committee

Recommended

City

  • Joseph Brascho
  • James Epperson
  • Cecil Fomby
  • Phaith Frazier
  • Jesse P. Hooks
  • Brian Jennings
  • Robert Kreitlein
  • Gary London Sr.
  • Matt Moon
  • Tammy Stewart
  • Mara Walls
  • Eddie Wilson

Attendance Zone

  • Ryan Abernathy
  • Shannon Cochran
  • Austin Ellard
  • Tim Hawkins
  • Jarrett Jacobs
  • Kandie Magargee

The City Council will now move forward with its final deliberations to appoint members to the Pell City Board of Education. The Council commends the Steering Committee for its diligent work and all applicants for their dedication to our City’s future.

Understanding Lakeside Park traffic routes: 2025 City of Pell City Fireworks Extravaganza

Pell City’s Fourth of July Fireworks Extravaganza isn’t just any fireworks display. This spectacular show lights up the summer sky over Logan Martin Lake, attracting tens of thousands of people by boat, by car and truck, and on foot to see one of the best fireworks displays in the state.

The Pell City Police Department want to ensure residents attending the event exit the Pell City Sports Complex and Lakeside Park safely. The Department has assigned officers to direct traffic at four locations on State Highway 34 (Stemley Bridge Road) after the show.

PCPD officers at the exits closest to the Pell City Civic Center direct vehicles on specific routes away from the event site. Lakeside Park traffic will be directed to the back exit. No vehicles located inside Lakeside Park will exit at the Civic Center this year. Please use the map below to ensure you’re positioned properly to use your preferred route away from the event site.

For attendees inside Lakeside Park, the rear exit by the Splash Pad will be opened. Both lanes of traffic will be directed out of the park. The left lane will turn left on Highway 34 toward Pell City, and the right lane will turn right toward Talladega.

Sponsored by the City of Pell City, the Fourth of July Fireworks Extravaganza is one of the most anticipated events of the year, drawing visitors from near and far to celebrate our country’s independence in a special way.

The show begins at 9 p.m. on Friday, July 4, 2025 and will last approximately 30 minutes. Fireworks are launched from the Pell City Sports Complex (2801 Stemley Bridge Road, Pell City)

The fireworks will be visible from the Sports Complex as well as Lakeside Park. As always, the spectacle can also be seen by boat from multiple vantage points throughout the lake.

Municipal Election Qualifying Now Open

On Tuesday, June 10, 2025, qualifying officially opened for municipal races in Pell City. The general municipal election is scheduled for Tuesday, August 26, 2025.

Individuals interested in running for the offices of Mayor or City Council must qualify by 5 PM on June 24, 2025. Qualifying forms are available from the municipal clerk at City Hall, located at 1905 First Ave. N, Pell City, AL 35125. Candidates are also required to file a Statement of Economic Interests form with the Alabama Ethics Commission to appear on the ballot.

The following candidates have qualified to run:

Mayor – Bill Pruitt

District No. 1 – Jay Jenkins

District No. 2 – Ivi McDaniel Wilson

District No. 3 – Blaine Henderson

District No. 4 – Jason Mitcham

District No. 5 – Jud Alverson

This post will be updated as additional information becomes available.

City Council Updated on Major Utilities Projects

June 9, 2025 Meeting Report: City Council, City of Pell City

Pell City is making strides on two significant utility capital projects, though progress on both has been slower than initially anticipated.

During the regular meeting of the City Council for the City of Pell City on June 9, 2025, City Manager Brian Muenger and Utility Manager James Hadaway provided updates, noting that both projects are now officially underway following initial mobilization.

The Eden Lift Station and Force Main sewer project has shown tangible progress. Approximately 2,200 linear feet of sewer force main have been installed, and clearing of the main’s path is complete. Significant rock has been encountered in both the force main installation and the lift station excavation, slowing progress.

Construction of the new lift station is slated to begin next week, weather permitting. To date, $2.01 million of the $6.17 million project budget has been drawn down, with permits for a crucial railroad crossing still being finalized, potentially incurring additional costs due to railroad coverage requirements.

This project began on January 6, 2025, with a mandatory completion date of July 8, 2026. Despite the slower pace, officials anticipate an increase in work speed as excavation is largely complete.

The Well A to Wood Hill water main extension project has recently seen mobilization within the last two weeks, with materials delivered to the job site. While excavation and installation have not yet begun, a drawdown of funds for June is expected. The project, awarded at $2.6 million, commenced on April 14, 2025, with an estimated completion by April 14, 2026, leaving approximately 312 days for completion.

New Boundary – Avondale Walking Track Property

Pell City is considering a property exchange with Vintage Resources, Inc. to resolve an inconsistent boundary line near the Avondale Walking Track. The issue, identified before the city’s purchase of the track property in December 2024, stems from the current line not aligning with the natural boundary of a creek.

Currently, Vintage Resources’ property extends into the city’s parcel west of the creek, while a portion of the city’s property extends east across the creek, which is essentially a remnant and not practically usable by the city. The proposed exchange would involve the city trading 1.1 acres for 1.06 acres, effectively using the creek as the new boundary.

Bid Award – Golf Course Road Watermain Extension

Pell City is advancing a vital infrastructure upgrade with the replacement of a section of the 12-inch water main on Golf Course Road. Following the opening of bids on June 5, 2025, Ferguson Waterworks submitted the lowest and most responsible proposal at $295,830.38. This bid, which was within the anticipated range, covers 5,000 linear feet of 12-inch ductile iron water main, gate valves, fire hydrants, and associated fittings.

This essential project, funded through the FY25 operating budget, will see City employees replacing approximately 5,000 feet of the outdated 8-inch and 12-inch PVC mains, which have reached the end of their service life and frequently cause disruptive breaks.

Once the new 12-inch main is operational, the older 8-inch line will be decommissioned. With materials expected to be available within 40 days of approval, the Utility Department aims to substantially complete this work within the current fiscal year.

The City Council for the City of Pell City meets on the second and fourth Mondays of each month. A work session is held at 5:30 p.m., and the meeting begins at 6 p.m. in the James O. McGowan Council Chambers located at City Hall, 1905 First Ave. N, Pell City AL 35125.

Pell City Board of Education Finalist Interview Schedule

The Pell City Board of Education Steering Committee will conduct public interviews for the upcoming Board of Education appointments from June 16-18, 2025, at the Center for Education and Performing Arts (CEPA) auditorium. The public is invited to attend.

Six finalists will be interviewed each day, with sessions running from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Each interview will last 15-20 minutes. Interviews will not be livestreamed, but footage will be released to the public.

For more information on the finalists, please visit pell-city.com/2025-boe-finalists.

Interview Schedule & Finalists:

Monday, June 16, 2025

  • 5:00 PM: Kandie Brown Magargee
  • 5:20 PM: Cecil A Fomby
  • 5:40 PM: Matt Moon
  • 6:20 PM: Jarrett Jacobs
  • 6:40 PM: Ryan Abernathy
  • 7:00 PM: Brian Jennings

Tuesday, June 17, 2025

  • 5:00 PM: Austin B. Ellard
  • 5:20 PM: Shannon Cochran
  • 5:40 PM: Joseph Brascho
  • 6:20 PM: James Epperson
  • 6:40 PM: Phaith Frazier
  • 7:00 PM: Eddie Wilson

Wednesday, June 18, 2025

  • 5:00 PM: Tammy Stewart
  • 5:20 PM: Mara Walls
  • 5:40 PM: Dr. Gary London
  • 6:20 PM: Jesse P Hooks
  • 6:40 PM: Robert Kreitlein
  • 7:00 PM: Tim Hawkins

For more information on the finalists, please visit pell-city.com/2025-boe-finalists.

Travel with Confidence: Pell City PD Offers Free Home Security Checks

The Pell City Police Department is pleased to announce its continued offering of a complimentary house check service for residents who will be away from their homes for an extended period. This proactive program aims to provide peace of mind to traveling homeowners by ensuring their properties are regularly monitored by dedicated law enforcement personnel.

Click Here to Schedule a House Check

Residents can request a house check by visiting the department’s website at pell-city.com/pcpd-house-check and completing a simple form. Once registered, officers will periodically check the exterior of the residence, looking for any signs of suspicious activity, forced entry, or unusual circumstances.

“Our officers conduct these checks with utmost diligence and attention to detail, understanding the trust residents place in us to safeguard their homes while they are away,” Pell City police Chief Clay Morris said. “We are dedicated to providing that extra layer of security and peace of mind.”

The importance of securing homes during travel is underscored by national crime trends. According to data from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) there were 840,000 burglaries reported across the United States in 2023, highlighting the persistent risk. Analyses of federal crime data consistently show that a significant portion of residential burglaries occur during daylight hours and when homes are unoccupied, emphasizing the vulnerability of vacant properties.

To further enhance home security while away, the Pell City Police Department also recommends the following:

  • Secure All Entry Points: Ensure all doors and windows are locked, including those on upper floors and in the garage. Consider reinforcing vulnerable entry points.
  • Utilize Timers for Lights: Set interior lights on timers to create the illusion of occupancy. Varying the times lights turn on and off can be particularly effective.
  • Manage Mail and Deliveries: Arrange for mail and newspapers to be held by the post office or a trusted neighbor. Suspend or redirect any regular deliveries.
  • Avoid Social Media Announcements: Refrain from posting travel plans or vacation photos on social media until after you have returned home. This can inadvertently alert potential criminals that your home is vacant.
  • Enlist Trusted Neighbors: Ask a trusted neighbor to collect flyers, check your property, park a car in your driveway, and generally make the home appear occupied.
  • Maintain Exterior Appearance: Arrange for routine maintenance to prevent your home from looking neglected.
  • Store Valuables Safely: Keep expensive items and important documents out of plain sight and, if possible, in a secure location like a safe deposit box or a hidden safe.
  • Register your security system with PCPD: Visit connectpellcity.org/camera-registration to quickly register your security system with the department, giving investigators an advantage in fighting crime in your neighborhood.
Click Here to Register Your Camera

The Pell City Police Department encourages all residents planning to travel to take advantage of the free house check service and implement these additional security measures. For more information and to sign up for the house check program, please visit pell-city.com/pcpd-house-check.

Steering Committee Releases Board of Education Finalist List; Public Interviews Scheduled June 16-18

On May 23, the Pell City Board of Education Steering Committee announced a list of 18 finalists who have been invited to interview for a seat on the Pell City Board of Education. More information on these finalists can be found at pell-city.com/boe-finalists.

The Steering Committee’s review process has involved a comprehensive evaluation of all 47 applicants seeking appointment to the Board of Education. Under its stated goal to recommend the most qualified candidates to the City Council, the Committee’s seven volunteer members carefully reviewed the submitted material before releasing their list of interview candidates.

“The overwhelming response of immensely qualified and talented applicants made this process extremely difficult — a very good difficult,” said Committee Chair Kelly Furgerson. “What an amazing problem to have — so many really good people who want to be involved with the decision making of our school system.

“We are so grateful for each and every individual who applied, offering their time and talents to serve. We sincerely hope that all applicants and the rest of our community continue to be passionate about our City and the Pell City Board of Education. Your dedication makes a difference.”

Invited to participate in public interviews are, in alphabetical order:

  • Ryan Abernathy
  • Joseph Brascho
  • Shannon Cochran
  • Austin Brian Ellard
  • James Epperson
  • Cecil Fomby
  • Phaith Frazier
  • Tim Hawkins
  • Jesse P. Hooks
  • Jarrett Jacobs
  • Brian Jennings
  • Robert Kreitlein
  • Gary London Sr.
  • Kandie Magargee
  • Matt Moon
  • Tammy Stewart
  • Mara Walls
  • Eddie Wilson

Public interviews for the finalists are scheduled for June 16-18, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 7:30 PM daily. These interviews will take place at the Center for Education and Performing Arts (CEPA) auditorium.

Six finalists will be interviewed each day, with each interview lasting no more than 20 minutes. The public is invited to attend these interviews, and all interviews will be filmed and released to the public.

The Steering Committee is responsible for reviewing applicants, naming finalists, and recommending finalists for appointment. By State law, at least two residents who live in the St. Clair County portion of the Pell City Attendance Zone and Tax District will be appointed to the Board of Education in 2025. Members appointed by the City Council will begin their terms in November.

“I want to express my deepest gratitude to every member of the Steering Committee for their tireless work and dedication throughout this important process,” Furgerson said. “We’ve poured our hearts into finding the best possible candidates for our school board, and we truly believe in this list. We genuinely encourage everyone in the community to come out to the upcoming interviews at CEPA and get to know these incredible finalists who are ready to serve our students and schools.”

Celebrating Pell City’s Journey: 2015-2025

View on YouTube

We’re excited to finally share this project, as it’s something we’ve been working on for a few months. 2025 marks the 10-year anniversary of some major milestones for the City of Pell City, so Mayor Pruitt and the City Council felt a brief look at the past was in order.

Back in 2015, projects like Premiere Cinemas and the Pell City Splash Pad were first coming into view and, as we’ve learned since, projects like those were merely a signal for what was to come for our community.

Over the past 10 years, among other milestones, Pell City added 1,000 new homes, 1,800 new jobs, and invested more than $35 million into capital improvement initiatives that support our residents.

Through sustainable growth, we’ve become a place for families to live and to thrive. And we feel like that’s worth celebrating.

We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who has played a part in our journey: from citizens, volunteers, and community leaders who have supported these efforts, to event attendees, local businesses, and community organizations that contribute daily to the vibrancy of Pell City. Thank you for being a part of a decade of progress, and creating a future of opportunity for our town.

This project wouldn’t have been possible without the help of CEPA, Visit St. Clair, and The St. Clair County Economic Development Council, who provided valuable footage and information.

PCPD holds 2025 Fallen Officers Memorial Ceremony

Each year, the men and women of the Pell City Police Department gather alongside the public outside City Hall to pay tribute to two officers who gave their lives in service to the community – Officer Greg Surles and Lt. Richard Woods.

The Department’s entrance is flanked by stone monuments that honor these fallen officers. On May 15, 2025, during National Police Week, the Woods and Surles families joined the department for this annual recognition of their heroism and sacrifice at the site of these permanent memorials.

The event, led by Pell City Police Chief Clay Morris, included remarks of faith and gratitude from Rev. Scotty Pinson and a performance by Barrett Haynes.

“The brave men and women who serve in our City put their lives at risk every day,” Pinson told the crowd. “I am forever grateful for the service and sacrifice of these great leaders. We should always stand with them, keep them and their families in our prayers, and show them the respect and support they deserve.”

Pell City Police Officer Surles died from injuries he sustained when an 18-wheeler collided with his patrol vehicle in 2008. Lt. Woods died of a heart attack in 2015. His symptoms began while assisting two women who were trapped in their vehicle following a traffic accident.

“Our work is worth doing,” Chief Morris said to the families of Officer Surles and Lt. Woods. “For Richard and Greg, that work was protecting this community, protecting the lives of others, upholding justice, and ensuring peace. We put on the uniform each day and confront the unknown, driven by a sense of duty and an unyielding commitment to the communities we serve. Our courage is not the absence of fear. It’s the mastery of it.

“Greg and Richard’s sacrifice is a testament to their courage and commitment. Their legacy lives on every day in the lives they touched, in our department, and in this community. We will never forget them.”