Agenda Item
a. PERSONNEL RECOMMENDATION FROM EXECUTIVE SESSION ~ Updated 3.10.2025
Summary: Presented by: Mrs. Tasha Davis Mills, Chief of Human Resources, Division of Human Resources
Request: It is requested that the Board of Education approve the hiring recommendation of Dr. Matthew Alexander, Jr. as Manager III of Facilities and Maintenance, in the Division of Operations.
Relative Disclosure:
In accordance with BOE Policy, GAGD-Section G, Mandatory Disclosure by the Superintendent, Dr. Matthew Alexander , Jr. is a candidate recommended for Manager III of Facilities and Maintenance, is the brother of the Chief of Accountability & Continuous Improvement in the Division of Accountability & Continuous Improvement. Dr. Alexander is also the cousin to the Assistant Manager of the Child Nutrition Program @ Rainbow Elementary School and a School Resource Officer with the Department of Public Safety.
Matthew Alexander, Jr., Ed.D.
PROFESSIONAL PROFILE
Experienced educational leader with a proven track record of improving teacher,
instructional leader and support staff quality with the ultimate goal of increasing student
academic achievement and social growth within and across all schools. Most recently
served as Operations Officer (Chief Operations Officer) in a school district with
approximately 22,000 students and over 2,700 employees. Exceptional leadership skills
in:
• Increasing rigor and high expectations • Fostering university, community and
to promote student achievement and business partnerships
close achievement gaps • Ensuring fiduciary responsibility of
• Enhancing teacher and leader approximately $100 million
development to improve instruction • Developing and implementing process
• Promoting and implementing improvements using research-based
initiatives to ensure equitable project management protocols
opportunities for all students, • Using multiple data sources in a
including poor and minority, with robust, program evaluation system to
regard to quality instruction ensure program and institutional
• Instituting strategy and policy effectiveness
development
EDUCATION
Fellow, National Superintendents Academy, February 2015
Doctor of Education, Educational Leadership, Policy, and Technology Studies –
Higher Education Administration, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, Alabama
December 2009
Master of Education, Educational Administration, Alabama State University,
Montgomery, Alabama, August 2002
Bachelor of Arts, Secondary English Language Arts Education, Tuskegee University,
Tuskegee, Alabama, May 1999
Certifications, Georgia Leadership Certificate, Educational Leadership P-12,
Alabama Leadership/Educator Certificates, Educational Administration P-12/English 6-12,
California Credential, Administrative Services P-12, State of Alabama Certified Capital
Planner, State of Alabama Certified Facility Assessor
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Operations Officer (Chief Operations Officer) 2020 - 2022
Birmingham City School System
Birmingham, Alabama
Provided leadership and support to 43 schools serving approximately 22,000 students and
over 420 employees in the Departments of Facilities Maintenance and Operations, Capital
Projects, Transportation, Child Nutrition, Athletics, Technology, and Safety, Security and
School Readiness. Managed and ensured that approximately $100 million budget was
priority-aligned, based upon needs assessments and data analyses. Reviewed and
monitored budget expenditures to verify compliance with local, state and federal
requirements. Worked directly with the superintendent to develop and implement a five-
year capital plan.
Accomplishments:
• Developed and implemented a road map for standard operating
procedures for each department in the Division of Operations
• Implemented significant cost-saving measures for each department in
the Division of Operations
• Developed and managed comprehensive, five-year capital plan with
more than $60 million in renovation projects
• Increased the number of community and corporate partnerships
Superintendent of Education / Chief Executive Officer 2017 - 2020
Barbour County School District
Clayton, Alabama
Provided leadership and support to 3 schools serving approximately 700 students and 130
employees. Ensured that the District continued to achieve its academic mission of closing
the achievement gap and improving the academic and social outcomes of children while
making certain that all students graduate college ready, career ready and life ready.
Managed and ensured that approximately $11 million budget was priority-aligned, based
upon needs assessments and data analyses. Worked closely with school board members
to establish a clear governance policy framework. Led efforts to recruit, hire and retain the
best and brightest instructional leaders, teachers and classified support personnel at all
schools and central office locations.
Accomplishments:
• Implemented district data dashboard (SchoolStatus), to create data-rich
culture to inform instruction and professional development
• Implemented significant cost-saving measures by realigning personnel
at the central office, implemented energy conservation procedures, and
more effectively utilized Foundation Program units
• For the first time in over 7 years, met required fiscal minimum one-
month reserve general fund balance, solely utilizing local, state and
federal allocations
• Improved district communication processes, upgraded district website,
and enhanced proactive methods of communication using social media
• Secured funding for $1.3 million to purchase new bus fleet (13 buses)
• Implemented process and allocated funding for National Board Teacher
Certification Initiative to cover the total cost for any teacher in the
district who was interested in obtaining National Board Certification
• Led process for the adoption of new reading program for grades K-6
• Completed 1:1 technology initiative Pre-K–12 Chromebooks and
ViewBoard Interactive Flat Panels in every classroom
• Enhanced high school Career Technical Education programs by adding
Health Sciences and NJROTC
• Developed and implemented new alternative school and in-school
suspension programs
• Secured grants and allocated district funding for newly reinstated high
school band program, in order to purchase new uniforms and
instruments
• Developed and implemented extended day and summer enrichment
programs that focused on literacy and math (elementary) and ACT Prep
and Math Camp (high school)
• Enhanced Social Emotional Learning opportunities by implementing
Phase I of Restorative Practices Framework in all schools
• Increased the number of community and corporate partnerships
• Led process to develop proposal to build new school
complex (grades 2-12)
Operating Officer (Chief Operating Officer) 2016 - 2017
Birmingham City School System
Birmingham, Alabama
Provided leadership and support to 43 schools serving 24,000 students and over 420
employees in the Departments of Facilities Maintenance and Operations, Capital Projects,
Transportation, Child Nutrition, Athletics, and Safety, Security and School Readiness.
Managed and ensured that approximately $41 million budget was priority-aligned, based
upon needs assessments and data analyses. Reviewed and monitored budget
expenditures to verify compliance with local, state and federal requirements. Worked
directly with the superintendent to develop a five-year strategic plan.
Accomplishments:
• Developed and implemented a road map for standard operating
procedures for each department in the Division of Operations
• Implemented significant cost-saving measures for each department in
the Division of Operations
• Served as cabinet lead (Standard 2 committee) for AdvancED District
Accreditation External Review – District recommended for accreditation
February 2017
• Increased the number of community and corporate partnerships
Federal Program Director, Title II, Part A 2015 - 2016
Federal Program Coordinator, Title II, Part A 2013 - 2015
DeKalb County School District
Stone Mountain, Georgia
Provided leadership and support to 138 schools serving 101,000 students, 20 private
schools, 10 departments and external stakeholders. Managed and ensured that up to $5
million budget was priority-aligned, based upon needs assessment and data analysis.
Reviewed and monitored Title II-A federal grant budget expenditures to verify compliance
with requirements. Developed, disseminated and analyzed data from program evaluations
of initiatives funded by Title II-A. Reviewed and monitored highly qualified teacher status
and district-wide teacher experience and effectiveness continuity ratios to ensure equity
within and across schools. Served as member of the District’s Strategic Planning
Committee. Served as a member of the Curriculum and Instruction Leadership Team.
Served as a member of the District Effectiveness Team. Served as member of the
Teacher Academy for Preparation and Pedagogy Leadership Council. Served as member
of Field Advisory Committee for Student Teachers.
Accomplishments:
• Developed and implemented District’s first robust program evaluation
for all Title II-A funded activities
• Served as lead for District’s Comprehensive LEA Improvement Plan
• Led the facilitation and documentation of District’s Needs Assessment
in preparation for development and completion of District’s Equity Plan
• Significantly reduced the number of audit findings from Georgia
Department of Education monitoring visits
• Led the strategic analysis and revision of internal procedures in the
Office of Federal Programs to ensure greater efficiency in service
Assistant Professor/Coordinator of Field and Clinical Experiences 2012 - 2013
Savannah State University – School of Teacher Education
Savannah, Georgia
Provided leadership, development and coordination of teacher education field experiences
and clinical practices for undergraduate programs in collaboration with public school
partners and the various programs at Savannah State University. Ensured that
memoranda of understanding were completed with school systems where candidates
would be placed. Designed and taught traditional, hybrid and online education courses.
Served as Professional Advisory Committee Member for the Groves High School Career
and Technical Education Program.
Accomplishments:
• Assisted with grant writing and served as co-principal investigator for
grant proposal of $1.2 million
• Led university committees on determining capacity for the development
of new teacher education programs
• Served as guest speaker and recruiter for Career Day Events at
numerous high schools
Educational Specialist/Coordinator of Personnel Evaluation and 2007 – 2012
National Board Certification
Montgomery Public School System – Office of Human Resources
Montgomery, Alabama
Provided leadership and support to 58 schools serving 32,000 students, all system
departments and external stakeholders. Monitored and administered teacher and leader
evaluation programs. Conducted professional learning activities on evaluation procedures
and effective use of evaluation results to improve teacher and leader effectiveness.
Assisted with the assessment of professional learning needs within and across schools
and programs. Mediated and resolved evaluation procedural challenges and concerns for
all certificated personnel. Coordinated the National Board Certification Program. Served
on system-level zone team and led data collection and analyses for secondary schools.
Served as Acting Elementary School Principal, when needed. Assisted with system
recruitment and hiring. Served on Alabama State Department of Education’s Teacher
Quality Taskforce and contributed to the design of new teacher evaluation program.
Accomplishments:
• In less than two years, drastically reduced the number of personnel
evaluation procedural violations and grievances
• Developed the Master Teacher Program, the System’s first initiative
designed to increase the number of National Board Certified Teachers
and provide the necessary support to candidates as they go through
the process of obtaining National Board Certification
Director of Professional Learning and Coordinator of Title II, Part A 2010 - 2011
Montgomery Public School System – Office of Curriculum and Instruction
Montgomery, Alabama
Provided leadership and support to 58 schools serving 32,000 students, 10 private
schools, all district departments and external stakeholders. Led planning efforts and
coordination of all system-level professional learning activities. Provided leadership in the
development of professional learning goals and plans for individuals, schools and school
system. Managed local, state and federal budgets totaling approximately 2.7 million
dollars. Planned, wrote, and coordinated the ESEA Title II, Part A Teacher Quality
Program. Coordinated the Alabama State Department of Education Teacher Quality
Mentoring Program for the school system. Designed and presented professional learning
packages for schools and system leaders. Served as liaison and coordinator for the
Alabama State Department of Education New Principal Mentoring Program. Coordinated
the Leadership Development Institute trainings for principals and central office
administrators. Served on superintendent’s cabinet, providing input on system strategic
goals, budget and continuous improvement. Served on District’s Transition Taskforce for
School Closures and Consolidations. Served on District Facility Master Plan Update
Steering Committee. Served on District Accreditation Team. Served as member of
Response to Instruction Implementation Team. Served as member of Common Core
State Standards Initiative Implementation.
Accomplishments:
• Designed and coordinated the Leadership Academy for assistant
principals
• Ensured that professional learning throughout the system was aligned
to Alabama teacher quality, leader quality, national professional
learning standards and needs identified in school and system
improvement plans
• Promoted and guided continuous analysis and evaluation of
professional learning activities that stimulated individuals, improved
current teaching practices, and increased student achievement
• Demonstrated success in the use of research-based professional
learning and matched the appropriate professional learning models with
the intended results and learners’ needs
• Designed and implemented a multi-faceted professional learning
communication plan for all stakeholders, which included designing
printed fliers, brochures and catalogs as well as designing and
maintaining a professional learning webpage
Assistant Principal, Loveless Academic Magnet Program High School 2006 - 2007
Montgomery Public School System
Montgomery, Alabama
Provided leadership and support to 400 students in diverse high school. Served in lead
role in development of campus improvement plans with staff, parents and community
stakeholders. Analyzed, disaggregated and presented student achievement data.
Participated in the development and evaluation of educational programs. Evaluated
faculty and staff performance and provided research-based best practices to promote
improvement. Reviewed applications, interviewed and selected high-performing students.
Articulated school’s mission to community and solicited its support in accomplishing the
mission. Served as IDEA/Section 504 coordinator. Served as McKinney-Vinto
Homeless/Migrant Education Program coordinator. Served as textbook coordinator.
Served as chairperson of the safety plan committee. Assisted with fiscal planning and
responsibilities. Completed annual Title IX report. Supervised all extra-curricular
games/events. Led the analysis and drafting of the Continuous Improvement Plan.
Accomplishments:
• Began robust discussions with faculty regarding the possibility of
becoming an International Baccalaureate World School
• Assisted students with transition into high school by implementing
research-based academic and social support system
• Assisted students with the college admissions process, including
securing academic and need-based scholarships
Assistant Principal, Bellingrath Junior High School 2004 - 2005
Montgomery Public School System
Montgomery, Alabama
Provided leadership and support to 900 students in Title I school. Served in lead role in
development of campus improvement plans with staff, parents and community
stakeholders. Analyzed, disaggregated and presented student achievement data.
Participated in the development and evaluation of educational programs. Evaluated
faculty and staff performance and provided research-based best practices to promote
improvement. Articulated school’s mission to community and solicited its support in
accomplishing the mission. Served as IDEA/Section 504 coordinator. Served as
chairperson of the safety plan committee. Assisted with fiscal planning and
responsibilities. Completed monthly payroll report. Supervised extra-curricular
games/events. Led the analysis and drafting of the Continuous Improvement Plan.
Accomplishments:
• Students made significant gains both academically and socially
• Assisted students with transition into junior high school by implementing
research-based academic and social support system
English Teacher, Sidney Lanier High School 2001 - 2003
Montgomery Public School System
Montgomery, Alabama
Taught American Literature and British Literature to 11th and 12th grade students. Taught
Creative Writing to 10th -12th grade students. Assisted with the analysis and drafting of the
Continuous Improvement Plan. Tutored students before and after school to help improve
proficiency on Alabama High School Graduation Exam. Served as literary magazine
sponsor. Assisted students with the college admissions process, including writing essays
and securing academic and need-based scholarships.
Accomplishments:
• Planned and organized college tours for students in grades 10-12
• Significantly increased proficiency rate of students taking Graduation
Exam in Reading and Language Arts
• Served as director and executive producer of senior memory video
English Teacher, Mattie T. Blount High School 2000 - 2000
Mobile County Public School System
Mobile, Alabama
Taught American Literature to 11th grade students. Tutored students before and after
school to help improve proficiency on Alabama High School Graduation Exam.
Assisted students with the college admissions process, including writing essays and
securing academic and need-based scholarships.
Accomplishments:
• Planned and organized college tours for students in grades 10-12
• Increased proficiency rate of students taking Graduation Exam in
Reading and Language Arts
English Teacher, Stephenson High School 1999 - 2000
DeKalb County School District
Stone Mountain, Georgia
Taught American Literature to 10th grade students. Tutored students before and after
school to help improve proficiency on Georgia High School Graduation Exam. Assisted
students with the college admissions process, including writing essays and securing
academic and need-based scholarships. Served as senior class sponsor.
Accomplishments:
• Planned and organized college tours for students in grades 9-12
• Increased proficiency rate of students taking Graduation Exam in
Language Arts
RELATED PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Assistant Director/Senior Writing Center Instructor/ Graduate Assistant 2001 - 2006
Alabama State University – University College/Advancement Studies/Humanities
Montgomery, Alabama
Taught writing skills to undergraduate and graduate students. Conducted workshops for
undergraduate/graduate students and university staff. Facilitated as test administrator for
placement tests. Maintained and updated technology hardware/software for student use.
Completed monthly payroll report for staff and students tutors. Assisted with teaching
English 129 -132 courses, when needed. Served as test administrator and proctor for
ACT.
Accomplishments:
• Served on committee to align College of Education courses with
PRAXIS Exam for teachers
• Increased proficiency rates of students taking developmental and
general English courses
PROFESSIONAL AND COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES
• Council of the Great City Schools, Member 2016 – 2017, 2020 – 2022
• American Association of School Administrators, Member 2017 - 2020
• Learning Forward, Member
• ASCD, Member
• National Association of Secondary School Principals, Member
• National Association of Elementary School Principals, Member
• Alabama Best Practices Center’s Key Leaders Network, Member 2010 – 2011
• Alabama State University’s Teacher-Leader Graduate Program Design Committee,
2010 - 2011
• Judicial Citizen Panel Review Program – DeKalb County Juvenile Court, Chairperson
• East Lake Foundation, Volunteer
• Junior Achievement of Georgia, Volunteer
• Salvation Army Boys and Girls Club, Volunteer
HONORS AND AWARDS
• Rising Star Teacher, Stephenson High School, 2000
• Teacher of the Year Nomination (semi-finalist), Stephenson High School, 2000
• Outstanding Senior Class Sponsor, Stephenson High School, 2000
• Outstanding Service, Alabama State University, Department of Humanities, 2006
SELECTED PRESENTATIONS
• Impact of new teacher evaluation process on teachers in years 1-3. New Teacher
Academy, Montgomery Public School System. January 2011.
• Motivating the unmotivated student. Fews Alternative School, Montgomery Public
School System. August 2010.
• Failure is not an option. Leadership Development Institute, Montgomery Public
School System. June 2008.
• Focus on enrollment and retention. Research presentation at Conference on Issues in
Higher Education, The University of Alabama. December 2005.
REFERENCES