Dr. Farrell Seymore to Serve as Next Executive Director of the Council for Leaders in Alabama Schools
MONTGOMERY, Alabama — March 31, 2025 – The Council for Leaders in Alabama Schools (CLAS) Board of Directors has selected Dr. Farrell Seymore to serve as the organization’s next executive director. Contract negotiations will begin in April, and Dr. Seymore is expected to assume the role on July 1, 2025, following the retirement of current executive director Dr. Vic Wilson.
Dr. Seymore is currently the Superintendent of Opelika City Schools, a position he has held since 2022. With 28 years of experience in education, he has served as a teacher, assistant principal, principal, and superintendent. He was named Alabama High School Principal of the Year in 2015 and received the Auburn University College of Education Outstanding Alumni Award in 2023.
A longtime member and supporter of CLAS, Dr. Seymore has previously served on the CLAS Board of Directors and held leadership roles in several CLAS affiliate organizations, including terms as president of both the Alabama Association of Middle School Principals (AAMSP) and the Alabama Association of Secondary School Principals (AASSP).
“The CLAS Board of Directors interviewed two outstanding finalists and selected Dr. Seymore for this pivotal role,” said CLAS President Dr. Michelle Washington. “We are excited about what the future holds under his leadership and are confident he will continue to move CLAS forward while serving our members with excellence.”
“I am excited to accept the position of executive director of the Council for Leaders in Alabama Schools. CLAS has been an integral part of both my personal and professional development. I am honored to follow Dr. Vic Wilson, who has served the organization with distinction,” said Seymore. “I would like to thank the CLAS Board of Directors for this opportunity. Additionally, I would like to thank the Opelika City Schools family, members of the Board of Education, and the community for their guidance and support over my 28 years serving the children of this community.”
Dr. Seymore holds a PhD in Educational Leadership from Auburn University. He and his wife, Sarah, reside in Opelika. They have two children, Anna and Patrick.
Seymore will succeed Dr. Vic Wilson, who has served as CLAS executive director since 2017.
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 thirteen 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.
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