Huntsville Living Fall 2020 | Page 33

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