Sand Mountain Reporter

Boaz City Schools are billed as a “world-class school system” and now may add the distinction of having two Banner Schools within their system.

Boaz Intermediate and Boaz Middle schools were given the honors this month by the Council for Leaders in Alabama Schools, based in Montgomery. Only 12 schools are given the award in the state each year.

“To have two banner schools in one system is quite an accomplishment,” said Boaz Superintendent Leland Dishman. “I was mistaken when I first heard about this honor and thought there were 12 winners per region. When I learned there were only 12 in the entire state, that made the honor even greater.”

The CLAS Banner School program was created in 2001 to recognize schools in Alabama that demonstrate outstanding programs and services to students.

Nominated by Superintendent Leland Dishman, Principals Allen Johnson and John Beck submitted applications judged by a committee of distinguished school leaders.

Boaz Middle received the award for the second time this year.

“For Boaz Middle School to receive this honor twice in three years is more than just exciting – it is a testament to outstanding job the teachers, support staff, and students do,” Johnson said. “It serves as validation for teachers that, not only are they reaching students, but that they are doing it at such a high level.”

Dishman said school officials worked “long and hard” to collect and submit the necessary paperwork.

“This is not just a hallelujah show,” Dishman said. “A lot of work went into this.”

Johnson said the award will motivate teachers to continue teaching at the highest level possible.

“We believe that being a world-class school system means teaching the ‘whole child.’ We focus not only on increasing students’ academic achievement, but teachers and support staff go the extra mile to support the emotional and behavioral side as well – which is critical in educating adolescents,” Johnson said.

“Our teachers and students work hard and are always striving to reach the next level. Being a Banner School is a wonderful stamp of approval that our teachers are some of the best in the state. Our job now is to continue raising the bar. “

Dishman, Johnson and Beck will be honored during a special CLAS awards luncheon in Montgomery in March.

CLAS was founded in 1969 by a small group of school leaders to provide targeted professional development and support for Alabama’s public school administrators. CLAS now serves 11 affiliates representing each type of public school leader.

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Serving Albertville and the Sand Mountain region

Publisher: Ben Shurett

1603 Progress Drive
Albertville, Alabama 35950

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