Hoover’s Chief Administrative Officer Moves to Birmingham City Schools
In a significant change for the Hoover City Schools district, Terry Lamar, the Chief Administrative Officer, is set to leave his position to take up a similar role at Birmingham City Schools. After spending 18 years in various capacities within the Hoover system, Lamar will officially begin his new position on October 1, 2024.
A Change for Growth
Lamar has expressed his deep appreciation for his time in Hoover, stating, “I have loved every moment of working in Hoover City Schools, but it’s time for a change and new challenge.” He is particularly excited about the innovative initiatives taking place in Birmingham. The new role, Chief of Staff, will place him in a position where he will directly report to the Birmingham Superintendent, Mark Sullivan, who has been leading the district since 2020.
A Brief Background
Originally from Mobile, Lamar began his career in education as a physical education teacher after graduating in 2003. His journey in education saw him move to Hoover, where he first served as an eighth-grade counselor at Bumpus Middle School from 2006 to 2010. Over the next several years, he took on various roles, including assistant principal and principal at multiple schools within the district.
In 2018, he was appointed the district’s director of equity and educational initiatives, before ascending to the role of Chief Administrative Officer in March 2022. Under his leadership, he has overseen essential services like human resources and student services, impacting roughly 13,300 students across 17 campuses.
Birmingham’s Larger Landscape
In contrast, Birmingham City Schools serves over 19,000 students through its 43 campuses. As Chief of Staff, Lamar will focus on human resources, operations, and communications, among other responsibilities. His commitment to educational improvement aligns with Superintendent Sullivan’s vision of fostering a productive environment for student growth.
Plans for the Future
Despite his new position, Lamar has reassured the Hoover community that his family will continue to reside in the area. He has been actively involved in community initiatives, such as serving on the Hoover Public Library board and participating in Leadership Hoover, which further highlights his commitment to the community he has called home for years.
A Fond Farewell
Lamar’s departure marks the end of a significant chapter for both him and the Hoover school system. “It’s been great all these years. The people in this district I will thoroughly miss,” he expressed, reflecting on his journey and the relationships built over nearly two decades. As he steps into a new role focused on driving innovation in Birmingham, the community of Hoover is left to contemplate the impact of his contributions and what lies ahead.
Looking Forward
As Hoover City Schools transitions into a new era, district officials will have the important task of finding a successor to fill Lamar’s shoes. Community members will likely be eager to see how this change influences educational strategies and student services in the future.
