March 6, 2018
Members of the
Alabama State Board of Education
50 North Ripley Street
P.O. Box 302101
Montgomery, Alabama 36104
There are many roles the Superintendent should serve. Foremost, I believe that as the gatekeeper
of public education, the primary role of the State Superintendent is to be the communication leader.
Not only should that leader be an integral part of the decision-making process, but also must
provide informed recommendations and guidance as to the actions that must ensue, in order to
accomplish the goals that are set.
Most importantly, the State Department needs a Superintendent who will look down the field. We
cannot be simply reactive. The State Superintendent and the State Board must again become the
leader with a clear vision in all of our efforts and communications. School success is not a result
of one form of measure - it is the work of effective leadership at state and local levels, involving
quality administrators, properly resourced teachers, informed and supportive legislative members,
informed tax payers, and a supportive community.
We must strive to be upfront and in front of each impending issue. Wherever possible we must
solicit public input and communicate to them that we value what they have to say, even if in the
end we agree to disagree. In today's political environment, this is more important that it has ever
been.
Pouncey
Page2
3/6/2018
The role of the State Department should be to provide the structures and resources needed to help
support and ensure the viability and success of our school systems throughout the state. We must
all produce measurable outcomes in an effort to restore the confidence of state and local leaders.
For the last several years, and from many different directions, numerous adverse actions have been
taken toward public education as an institution. It is my belief that many of these adversities have
resulted from a lack of consistency in policy making as well as waning public confidence in the
State Department of Education. No longer is the State Department viewed as "the authority" in
matters related to public education. Critical relationships have to be rebuilt in the effort to once
again establish trust and respect for the State Department's leadership.
I am not laying the blame on any one person, entity or action. Our current state of affairs is a result
of the challenging political environment and the toll that it has taken on leadership. As a former
leader in the State Department, I have spent a lot of time concerned about this uncomfortable
change and thinking about ways this trend can be reversed. This reversal can be accomplished
through determining the State Board's vision and goals and identifying agreed-upon key
performance indicators of success. We must design structures to support school systems in
reaching those goals and encourage partnerships within our systems to gain buy-in and
commitment as we press forward.
The future of the state depends on a strong instructional foundation. The State Department must
provide a balanced approach from Pre-K through graduation. This approach should include a
focus on the mastery of foundational skills in literacy and math leading to the development of
STEM skills which will produce a capable 21st Century workforce.
There is no single silver bullet- one size does not fit all. Support must be based on the individual
needs that exist in each school system which will include restructuring the State Department to
provide regionalized support systems. These support systems must be aligned so that they are
within the regions they serve and be recognized for their competencies in suppmting the varied
needs that exist among Alabama's 137 school systems.
Pouncey
Page3
3/6/2018
The duty of the State Superintendent of Education is to serve and support the needs of our local
school systems through a commitment to providing the children of Alabama - all children- with
the best opportunities for quality educational experiences.
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4/9/2018 Pouncey, Warren Application
Address: :-mail:
Street City State Zip
Phone: ~.
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Home Business Cell
District Number of
Enrollment: · 3 6 ' 0 0 0 Certified/Classified · 4 2 58
Staff:
Annual Base
Annual
Budget:
$360,497,290.38 Salary (including • $264,736. oo
any annuity):
Educational Record
Name and Location of Institution
Year(s): Degree: Major(s):
Attended:
Samford University
2010 EDD/Edu. Leadership EDD/Edu. Leadership
Birmingham
Auburn University
1993 EDS/Edu. Leadership EDS/Edu. Leadership
Montgomery, Alabama
http://ravassoc.com/view-application.php?u=c291cmNIPXJheWFzc29jJmFJRDOvMDkwNSZ1SUQ90Dc1NiZqSUQ9NDIO 2/6
4/9/2018 Pouncey, \/\/arren Application
To: Position
Present Superintendent
Provide the names of who can discuss your experience and in detail.
Bus;iness Home
Phone Phone
:Hank Sanders
Alabama State Senator
Jabo \!Jaggoner
Alabama State Senator
llttp://ravassoc.com/view-application.php?u=c291cmNIPXJheWFzc29iJmFJRDOyMDkwNSZ1SUQ90Dc1NiZqSUQ9NDiO 4/6
4/9/2018
tvrftten
1. Have you ever been convicted of, admitted pleaded no contest, or are you awaiting trial for any crime (excluding
only minor traffic violations that do not involve any allegations of alcohol, drugs or reckless driving) or have any civil charges
or allegations of child abuse or spousal abuse? You must answer "YES" if true, even if the matter
was later dismissed, deferred, reversed, or vacated. if you answer "YES" you must provide dates of the proceedings, the name
and address of the court where the proceedings occurred, a statement of the accusation against you and the final disposition of
the case(s).
2. Have you ever been dismissed (fired) from any job, or resigned at the request of or pressure from your employer, or left
employment while charges against you or an investigation of your behavior was pending or been refused tenure, reappointment
or continuing contract from any employer? You must answer "YES" if true, even if the matter was later resolved with any form of
settlement or severance agreement, regardless of its terms. !f you answer "YES" you must provide the date of termination or
resignation and other action concerning tenure reappointment or continuing contract denial and the name, address and
telephone number ofthe employer(s) and a statement of the alleged reasons for termination or resignation.
3. Have you ever had any license or certificate of any kind (teaching certificate or other professional license) revoked, suspended,
or reprimanded, or have you in any way been sanctioned by or is any charge or complaint now pending against you before any
licensing, certification or other regulatory agency or body, public or private? If you answer "YES" you must provide the dates of
proceedings, name, address and telephone number of the agency or body where proceedings took place, a statement of the
accusations against you, the final disposition and/or status of the charge or complaint.
4. Are you now being investigated for any alleged misconduct or other alleged grounds for discipline by any licensing, certification
or other regulatory body (teacher certification or othervvise) or by your current or any previous employer? If you answer "YES"
you must provide the name, address and telephone number of the or licensing body and statement of the accusation
against you.
[X] NO
5. Have you ever been involved, or are you currently involved, or do you anticipate involvement in litigation either as the
plaintiff/complainant or defendant/respondent?
[ ] NO [X] below
[X] NO [ J below
Verification Statement
(Please read carefully and sign the statement below)
The information in the Application for Employment is true, correct, and complete to the best of my knowledge. I certify
that I have answered all questions to the best of my ability and I have not withheld any information that would
unfavorably affect my application for employment. I acknowledge that any misrepresentation or omission of any fact in
my application, resume, or any other materials, or during any interviews, may be the cause for my rejection from
employment or may result in my subsequent dismissal if I am hired.
Signature Date
I request that my application file remain confidential pursuant to and in accordance with the State laws. If I am
interviewed, I request that it be held in a closed session pursuant to State laws. For your information to be reviewed by
the Board in closed session, your signature and date is required.
Signature Date
Neither the client nor any member of Ray and Associates, Inc. discriminate on the basis of disability, race, religion, sex,
national origin, or age in access to, employment in, or in the provision of any programs, benefits or activities.
Personal Information
Phone:
Home Address:
Cell Phone:
Education
Administrative Experience
Chief of Staff
State Department of Education January 2012/June 2014
Teaching Experience
Professional Growth
Publications/Articles/Presentations
1. Jefferson County School Capital Plan February 2018
2. Jefferson County School Tax Renewal March2017
3. CLAS New Principal Institute September 2017
4. Who's Behind the Curtain? October 2014
5. Defming Success: Public Education, the Wave of the Future July 2008
6. Stretching Dollars to Meet the Demands for Technology June2008
7. Responsible Fiscal Management Symposium January 2008
8. Where the Money Comes From October 2007
9. Sustainability: Survival Tips for Superintendents October 2007
10. Financial Matters: Fiscal Accountability September 2007
11. Living Within Your Means March2007
12. Effective Budgeting January 2006
13. Money, Managing and Much More March2006
14. Classroom Instructional Support November 2005
15. Regional Taxation District Meeting: AASA Spring 2001
16. AASB Summer Conference: Adequacy & Equity July 2001
17. AASB New Member Orientation: Superintendent/Board
Member Relationship Winter2000
18. Crenshaw County: Children First Tax Referendum Falll998
Community/Leadership
1. Member: Board ofDirectors Heart Association 2015-2018
2. Member: Crenshaw County Forestry Planning Committee 2000-2012
3. Member: Alabama Treasure Forest Association 2000-2012
4. President: Luverne Kiwanis Club 2000-2001
5. Member: Extension Service Advisory Committee 1998-2012
6. Member: South Central Alabama Child Development Council 1998-2005
May 13,2016
t'lOfltgomery. AL 36104
Alabama State Board of Education
50 North Ripley Street
~ontgomery, AL 36130
After having discussions with Dr. Pouncey, I know that he will continue to
advance the system and continue to lower Alabama's dropout rate. This is very
important for our economy and will assist in the creation of meaningful career
paths for countless future high school graduates. Business and industry will
invest more in Alabama, only when we properly invest in our students, and this
starts with proper leadership. Dr. Pouncey has the vision and leadership to
continue the Board's goal of creating career pathways, which, as you know, is key
for business and industry to development meaningful careers.
It is my hope that you will fully consider Dr. Craig Pouncey to lead the
delivery of our state's education as the Alabama State Superintendent of
Education. If you would like any further infonnation regardi g the merits of Dr.
Craig Pouncey, please do not hesitate to contact me pe ly.
President
2100 18th Street South, Birmingham, Alabama 35209-1891
2016
l would like to take the opportunity to recomrnend Dr. Warren Craig for the position of
Alabama State Superintendent of Education. As a school board member, l have had the privilege
of alongside Craig for almost two years as he has served as the Superintendent of the
Board of Education.
Craig's leadership we were abie to also take advantage of the 4-K preschool program
available through grants the AlSDE. The 4-K program was overwhelmingly accepted in our
school district. l am convinced that Craig's knowledge of how learn, led to his desire to
see this prograrr1 in our school Our have been thrilled with this
which some of our students have been able participate. As a former teacher, ! appreciate the
expansion that the 4-K program has brought to our programs that vve offer our
Sincerely,
1k , ;)/r~ .
~{/JU~d I '(____;j/~~
, I rl
L./ v
Jennifer H. Parsons
Schoo! Board Member
ALABAMA STATE SENATE
ALABAMA STATE HOUSE
MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA 36130-4600
ALABAMA COMMITTEES:
BANKING & R~SURANCE
EDUCA110N
HANK SANDERS ENERGY & NATURAL RESOURCES
LOCAL LEGISLATION #1
STATE SENATOR 23RD DISTRICT
P.O. BOX 1200
SEU,!A. ALABAMA
36702 May 9, 2016
S!:U.1A. (334) 875·9264
l!iONiGOMERY {334) 242a7860
Dr. Pouncey has great vision. He sees the entire panorama of education. He not
only sees what is, he sees what is not yet but can be. This is a rare characteristic in any
leader, but especially an education leader at the top of the leadership ladder.
Dr. Pouncey really cares. He cares about the children, the education personnel,
the parents, the business community, and others in the education community. In fact, he
cares about the whole Alabama community. Caring of this depth and breadth is rare with
any leader but especially a leader at the top of the education ladder.
Dr. Pouncey has the skills to work v..ith all kinds of people. He works across the
spectrum of varied backgrounds. He works with people up and down the scales of
achievement. He works with those in high office. He works with those in low office. He
works with those with no office. He really brings people together.
It is extraordinary to have even one of these four characteristics- the great vision,
excellent administrative skills, the ability to work across lines of differences and
abundant caring. To have all four in one person is tmly exceptional. Dr. Pouncey
. '•
combines all four characteristics in abundance. Too often one characteristic overpowers
the others.
Dr. Pouncey has been tested by the fire of experience at every level of the
education ladder. He has served as an elementary school teacher, a middle school
teacher, an assistant principal. a superintendent of a small school system, a
superintendent of one of the largest school systems in the State of Alabama, Assistant
State School Superintendent, a Deputy State Superlntim.dent for Financial and
Administrative Services and Chief of Staff of the State Department of Education. In my
humble opinion, no one in Alabama understands the challenges and opportunities of
education better than Dr. Craig Pouncey. No one, in my humble opinion, is better
prepared or more able to lead Alabama to new heights in the 21st Century. I believe the
man and moment have met.
Others will have to learn the ropes of the State Department of Education. Dr.
Pouncey will he able to immediately stand on the present foundation, seeing farther,
reaching higher and building a better education for all our children.
I hope and pray that you will not only consider Dr. Pouncey but will choose him
to lead Alabama to new heights in public education.
Sincerely,
t\at{~~~
Hank Sanders
State Senator
{1~!:Y.; 7;-;' :;.;,!.~> :;..-.,
/:!Of) 7S ~..:;Yfl.;
May3, 2016
l have been the Superintendent for Falrfield City School Svstem for four years, 2012- present. During my
tenure l have had the opportunity to work ·with Dr. Pouncey in many situations, as well as on several
projects. !n each instance that! have -.vorked with Dr. Pouncey, he has proven to be a leader who cares
and a professional '%/Jho has his thumb en the pulse of effectiveness,
to both the position and the state of Alabama, I h<~d the opportunity to work
~-',...,,,,-,,"while
he served as a Deputy Super;ntendent for the Ala bam<; of Education,
He reached out tc me and asked 1,vhat the needs of my school district were. In
conversation with superlntendents of neighboring school districts, Bessemer, Midfield, and !hmingham
became aware 1hat I was not the superintendent so fortuni€ite, but he had done the
same for them. During my first tvvo vears as superintendent, l can personai!y testrf)rthat Dr. Pouncey was
insuumentaf in helping ;:he western side of Birmingham, Schools, secure
monies for instruction assessrnents and acadernic programs,
In :;; srn~1ll school district such as Fairfield Schools that ass~stance 'hf.Jas paramount because vuithout it
our studentsp teacherss and staff VJOu!d have been at a disadvantage, Before recefvlng this assistance, the
school districts on the v,restem~:sldc of Birmingham averaged the lowest graduation rates in the state of
Alabama. I C<3n say that grtiduatlon rates in all districts have risen and lri Fairfield we are above
the state's average with ninety one (91%) percent. This increase can be directly attributed to the
assistance of Dr" Pouncey and members of his: cabinet at the Alabama Department of Education.
1 also serve on the board of the School and have lrV~tnessed the
pervasive behavior and attitude of Dr. I ieamed that he had the same attentiveness; to the needs
of ;;:I! school districts across the state of Alabama regardless of the school dlstrlct's socio-economic status,
or size, l quickly !earned that he interacted we!! and 'was highly regan::lf}d
and the State vvorked
1t<~ith SSA to infom1 and gtlide the board Dn critlc<Jl b;;t not lhnited to, financial
matters. He to be a prudent and leader on financial matters and v1ras able to skillfully
guide the bo~trd <Dn hO\~ to ette•ctiVe'lv
difficu~t vears that \JjJen: very
have the work V<lith Dr_ as a colieague and fellow
School District he has once
to be a leader of His presence has ,;-,.,;,c,,,Yhon the District 5 superintendent coalition. He
immediately came in :and helped sponsor a bill that once approved will provide millions of dollar:'); for each
school district v,;ithfn Jefferwn County. iie ls ,;;:urrently en a tax renewal fer the entire county that
would agaln !;;,eneflt all school districts ;vithin Jefferson County.
ln dosing, it is a great honor and privilege to write a letter of support on behalf of Dr. Craig
strongly believe that under his leadership as State Superintendent, the quallty of education wi!! continue
to and the state of Alabama wm benefit greatly" Ht! is a proven leader and one who manv,
including myse!t will gladly follow.