By Jeff Devine, Dale County Chronicle
OZARK — The Ozark City Schools Board of Education has officially narrowed its search for the district’s next superintendent to two finalists, identifying Judith Lee Jacobs and Marsielena Redding Williams as the leading candidates following a series of interviews and evaluations.
During a special-called meeting, the board announced the final two candidates: J. Lee Jacobs, assistant superintendent in the Division of Accountability and Compliance for Dothan City Schools, and Marsielena Williams, principal of Carroll High School for Ozark City Schools.
The selection marks a key milestone in a comprehensive search process led by education consultant Dr. Timothy Morgan, who initially reviewed a large pool of applicants before presenting five finalists for the board’s consideration. After completing interviews in recent weeks, board members selected Jacobs and Williams to advance to the final round of discussions.
“Our number one priority is what’s best for our students. And our second priority is what is best for our staff and teachers and what is best for this system,” board member Lynn Ivey said.
Jacobs brings 21 years of experience in education and currently serves as assistant superintendent for Dothan City Schools, a role she has held since 2021. She also served briefly as acting superintendent from July to August 2025.
Her career includes extensive leadership experience within Dothan City Schools, where she previously served as assistant superintendent of instruction and accountability from 2018 to 2021, director of federal programs from 2014 to 2018, and district instructional specialist from 2013 to 2014. Earlier in her career, Jacobs worked as an assistant principal at Slingluff Elementary and Girard Elementary from 2011 to 2013, and as a special education teacher at Landmark Elementary from 2004 to 2011.
Jacobs’s educational journey reflects a steady progression into district leadership, with advanced degrees and training in educational leadership and administration supporting her work in both instructional and operational roles.
Williams, an Ozark resident with 25 years of experience in education, currently serves as principal of Carroll High School, a position she has held since 2023.
She previously served as director of federal programs and district testing for Ozark City Schools from 2019 to 2023. Her experience also includes serving as an assistant principal in Dothan City Schools from 2018 to 2019, along with nearly a decade as a secondary instructional coach and teacher in Ozark from 2009 to 2018. Earlier in her career, Williams worked as a math specialist in Maryland and as a classroom teacher in North Carolina, Maryland, and Alabama.
Williams holds an Education Specialist degree and a master’s degree in educational leadership from Auburn University, as well as a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Troy University.
The board has scheduled a second round of discussions with the finalists for Monday, March 30, during a special-called meeting at the Ozark City Schools Board of Education, located at 860 U.S. Highway 231 North in Ozark.
Discussion times are set for 5:00 p.m. for Jacobs and 6:00 p.m. for Williams. The sessions will be open to the public.
A final decision is expected following the completion of the board’s final discussions.
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