By Jeff Devine, Dale County Chronicle
The Ozark City Schools Board of Education met Tuesday afternoon to hear from Dr. Timothy Morgan, the education consultant overseeing the district’s search for a new superintendent to replace outgoing Superintendent Reevivice Girtman.
Morgan reviewed the applicant pool and presented five finalists for the board’s consideration. The candidates are listed in alphabetical order: Dr. Veronica R. Bayles; Dr. Curtis Green; Judith Lee Jacobs; Jeremy M. Suchman; and Marsielena Redding Williams.
Ozark City Schools Board Member Larry Hicks said interviews will begin Monday, March 9. Each candidate will receive a walk-through tour of all district facilities before participating in an interview at 5:30 p.m. in the Carroll High School choral room. Hicks said the board will interview one candidate per day.
The interview sessions will be open to the public and will include a small reception. Additional details about the process are expected to be released soon.
Below is a summary of each finalist’s experience and educational background:
Dr. Veronica R. Bayles
Florence, Alabama
28 years of experience in education
Bayles currently serves as Director of Curriculum and Instruction for the Tuscumbia City Board of Education, a position she has held since 2022.
Her previous roles include principal of G.W. Trenholm Primary School from 2017 to 2022; assistant principal, AP coordinator, and instructional partner at Lawrence County High School from 2013 to 2017; ARI reading coach and instructional coach at R.A. Hubbard High School from 2003 to 2013; elementary teacher at R.A. Hubbard School from 2000 to 2002; and elementary teacher at Powell Elementary School from 1998 to 2000.
Bayles earned a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership from Samford University. She also holds an Educational Specialist certification in Instructional Leadership and a master’s degree in Instructional Leadership from the University of North Alabama, a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instructional Reading from Grand Canyon University, and a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from the University of North Alabama.
Dr. Curtis Green
Atlanta, Georgia
31 years of experience in education
Green currently serves as Director of Human Resources for the Bessemer City Board of Education, a position he has held since 2023.
His previous experience includes director of human resources for St. John the Baptist Parish Public Schools in Louisiana from 2021 to 2023; school improvement coach with the Mississippi Department of Education’s Office of School Improvement from 2018 to 2021; leadership coach at Impact Charter Elementary in 2017; program manager at Advance Innovative Education from 2016 to 2020; principal in East Feliciana Parish Schools from 2014 to 2017; assistant principal in Fulton County Schools from 2011 to 2014; principal in the Normandy School District in Missouri from 2009 to 2011; principal in Atlanta Public Schools from 2007 to 2009; principal in East Baton Rouge Parish Schools from 2004 to 2007; and teacher and assistant principal in the Anchorage School District in Alaska from 1995 to 2004.
Green earned a doctorate in Educational Administration and Supervision from St. John’s University. He also holds a master’s degree in Educational Leadership and a master’s degree in Secondary Social Studies Education from the University of Alaska, as well as a bachelor’s degree in General Studies from Louisiana State University.
Judith Lee Jacobs
Dothan, Alabama
21 years of experience in education
Jacobs currently serves as assistant superintendent for Dothan City Schools, a role she has held since 2021.
Her previous positions include acting superintendent of Dothan City Schools from July 2025 to August 2025; assistant superintendent of Instruction and Accountability from 2018 to 2021; director of Federal Programs from 2014 to 2018; district instructional specialist from 2013 to 2014; assistant principal at Slingluff Elementary School and Girard Elementary School from 2011 to 2013; and special education teacher at Landmark Elementary School from 2004 to 2011.
Jeremy M. Suchman, Seale, Alabama, 26 years of experience in education
Suchman currently serves as principal of Mixon Intermediate School in Ozark City Schools, a position he has held since 2023.
His previous roles include curriculum director for Phenix City Schools from 2021 to 2023; principal of Sherwood Elementary School in Phenix City from 2012 to 2021; assistant principal in Phenix City Schools from 2006 to 2012; principal in Crittenden County Schools, Kentucky, from 2005 to 2006; assistant principal in Phenix City Schools from 2003 to 2005; and teacher at Central High School in Phenix City from 1999 to 2003.
He holds a master’s degree in Educational Leadership and a master’s degree in Instructional Design and Technology from Auburn University, as well as a bachelor’s degree in Art Education from Campbellsville University.
Marsielena Redding Williams
Ozark, Alabama
25 years of experience in education
Williams currently serves as principal of Carroll High School in Ozark City Schools, a position she has held since 2023.
Her previous experience includes director of Federal Programs and District Testing for Ozark City Schools from 2019 to 2023; assistant principal in Dothan City Schools from 2018 to 2019; secondary instructional coach and teacher in Ozark City Schools from 2009 to 2018; math specialist in Queen Anne’s County Public Schools in Maryland from 2007 to 2009; and teacher in Chatham County Schools in North Carolina, Queen Anne’s County Public Schools in Maryland, and Andalusia City Schools from 2000 to 2007.
Williams holds an Education Specialist degree in Educational Leadership and a master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Auburn University, as well as a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics from Troy University.
