Katherine Burgin Named 2025-2026 CLAS Secretary of the Year

Orange Beach, Ala., December 3, 2025 — The Council for Leaders in Alabama Schools (CLAS) is proud to announce that Mrs. Katherine “Kathy” Burgin, secretary in the Teaching and Learning Department of Trussville City Schools, has been selected as the 2025-2026 CLAS Secretary of the Year. Mrs. Burgin was chosen from among eight district finalists across Alabama for her exemplary service, unmatched professionalism, and unwavering dedication to supporting students, staff, and families. The CLAS Secretary of the Year Award is sponsored annually by Simbli by eBOARDsolutions.

Mrs. Burgin brings 19 years of experience to her role and serves as a central pillar of support for the Trussville City Schools district office. Her responsibilities span complex PowerSchool management-including scheduling, attendance, discipline, enrollment, and residency-while also ensuring accuracy and compliance in state and federal reporting requirements such as the Civil Rights Data Collection. She supports the assistant superintendent of teaching and learning, student services supervisor, and mental health services coordinator with consistency, clarity, and exceptional follow-through. Recognized as the “go-to resource” for administrators, registrars, and attendance clerks across the district, Burgin provides the guidance, training, and problem-solving expertise that keep systemwide operations running with accuracy and confidence.

Her supervisor, Dr. Rachel Poovey, praised her leadership and initiative, noting that Kathy “models effective practices, takes initiative beyond her daily responsibilities, and strengthens district processes through her willingness to learn, lead, and share her expertise.” Mrs. Burgin is known for staying ahead of constant PowerSchool changes and communicating updates clearly and promptly.

Beyond her technical expertise, Mrs. Burgin is celebrated for her patience, positive attitude, and genuine care for people. Despite working in one of the busiest offices in the district, she remains calm, approachable, and solutions-focused, responding to constant questions, calls, and walk-ins with professionalism and kindness. Her supervisor noted that she brings “joy and light to the workplace,” describing her trademark “happy sass” as a gift that lifts spirits and strengthens office culture. Kathy’s compassion and discretion are also evident as she navigates sensitive issues involving families, residency concerns, homelessness, and language barriers.

“Kathy Burgin represents everything this award stands for,” said Dr. Farrell Seymore, executive director of CLAS. “Her knowledge, calm leadership, and deep commitment to supporting students and staff make her an indispensable part of Trussville City Schools. She exemplifies the professionalism, heart, and excellence found in Alabama’s finest school secretaries, and we are honored to recognize her as the 2025-2026 CLAS Secretary of the Year.”

Nominations for the CLAS Secretary of the Year award are submitted by direct supervisors within each State Board of Education district. Finalists for the award are highly regarded by their peers, supervisors, and communities. This year’s district finalists were:

District 1: Ashley Smith, Pine Grove Elementary, Baldwin County
District 2: Lauren Smith, Lee County
District 3: Brooke Parker, Calera Middle, Shelby County
District 4: Tracie Sims, Arcadia Elementary, Tuscaloosa City
District 5: Staci Rowell, Loveless Academic Magnet Program, Montgomery County
District 6: Whitney Torres, Odenville Elementary, St. Clair County
District 7: Katherine Burgin, Trussville City
District 8: Piper Moore, James Clemens High, Madison City