A WHIRLWIND OF
A YEAR
Similar to superintendents across
the country, the past school year
turned out to be one of the most
challenging in Hail’s career. In a rapidly
changing world, education was
thrust out of the classroom to a digital
platform — an extreme challenge for a
school district where many students
live in rural areas without access to a
computer or internet access.
“There was a lot of change all at
one time, but this community was
overwhelmingly supportive,” Hail said.
“The biggest challenge we ran into was
with our infrastructure. It was a huge
challenge to try and make the last few
months of school worthwhile, with
many parents, teachers and students
in survival mode.”
The superintendent points to the
district’s successful graduation as the
greatest example of community support
he has seen during his tenure.
“From the school employees to the
parents, everyone worked together
really well,” he said. In a lot of ways the
work that our people put in to make
graduation feel special, made things
extra special for our students. I’ve
never been prouder of our school and
our teachers.”
“At a small school you are the community …
economically you are the largest employer
and you almost act like the glue that brings
everyone together. This community in
particular has always been really supportive
of education, which is not something that
you necessarily get in a larger community.”
HUNTSVILLE LIVING | FALL 2020 | 33