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.
