Jennifer Cole
Human Resource Analyst for Hoover City Schools
Selected as Alabama’s Secretary of the Year

HOOVER, ALA., DEC. 2, 2020:  The Council for Leaders in Alabama Schools (CLAS) and Simbli by eBOARDsolutions, the Secretary of the Year award sponsor, are proud to announce the selection of Ms. Jennifer Cole as the 2020 Secretary of the Year. Ms. Cole was selected from among eight district finalists across the state of Alabama.

Cole is a human resource analyst for the Hoover City School System. She was nominated by Director of Human Resources Mary Veal. Both Mary Veal and Superintendent Kathy Murphy were in attendance as Cole was presented with the 2020 Secretary of the Year Award.

Cole’s nomination credits her with “finding ways to work smarter, not harder, as evidenced by her development of a system for tracking renewals, updating information in Next Gen, and assisting in the electronic onboarding process.” Cole is known to pursue professional learning and training in areas that will fill gaps and maximize her skill set.

“Jennifer Cole’s work ethic unquestionably aligns to the school district’s and department’s vision, mission, and goals,” states Mary Veal, director of human resources for Hoover City Schools and nominating supervisor.

“Ms. Cole’s selection as the Alabama Secretary of the Year is evidenced by her exemplary service and dedication to the Hoover City School System. She embodies the true spirit of this award,” stated CLAS Executive Director Dr. Vic Wilson. “Congratulations to all our district finalists as well as each secretary nominated. Their roles are truly invaluable to Alabama’s schools, systems, students, parents, and stakeholders.

Nominations for this award were submitted by direct supervisors in each State Board of Education District. Each finalist is held in high regard by his/her employer as well as by co-workers and community.  District finalists are listed below:

• Melodie Brown, Daphne Elementary School, Baldwin County (District 1)
• Kimberly McNeally, Dothan City Schools (District 2)
• Jennifer Cole, Hoover City Schools (District 3)
• Sherre McKelvey, Eastwood Middle School, Tuscaloosa City Schools (District 4)
• Summer Rice, Pike Road Elementary, Pike Road City Schools (District 5)
• Amanda Walters, Asbury High School, Marshall County Schools (District 6)
• Kathy Burgin, Trussville City Schools, (District 7)
• LaTisha King, Madison City Schools (District 8)

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Photo: Jennifer Cole, accepts the 2020 Secretary of the Year award from representatives from CLAS, Simbli by eBOARDsolutions, and representatives from Hoover City Schools. [download photo] [view full award photo gallery]

About the Award: 2020 is the third year the Secretary of the Year award has been presented. The award is given to one Alabama school secretary or administrative assistant who supports the vision, mission, goals, and beliefs of the school system; promotes goodwill among co-workers; provides excellent customer service, demonstrates a good work ethic; performs work duties as assigned in an exemplary manner, and participates in professional learning in order to improve work knowledge and skills. The award is given at the annual Secretaries Conference Luncheon held in December.

About CLAS: CLAS, the Council for Leaders in Alabama Schools was founded in 1969 by a small group of school leaders to provide targeted professional learning and support for Alabama’s public school administrators.  CLAS now serves eleven affiliates representing each type of public school/school system leader.  CLAS provides the framework to connect dedicated school administrators and other successful leaders with a network for professional growth and support.  CLAS is the premier professional learning provider for administrators in public schools in the state of Alabama. www.clasleaders.org