Gregory Gene Hamilton, a twenty-year veteran teacher, head coach and the assistant administrator of Vina High School, announces his candidacy for Franklin County Schools’ Superintendent of Education, in the upcoming Nov. 8 general election.

Hamilton holds a bachelor’s degree in comprehensive social sciences from the University of Alabama, a master’s degree in educational administration from the University of North Alabama and an education specialist’s degree from UNA. He is a lifelong resident of Franklin County and resides in the Frog Pond Community with his wife and children.

“After months and months of visiting with and listening to parents, grandparents, students and school personnel throughout the county voice their hopes and concerns regarding our school system and after much prayerful consideration, I decided the time was right to seek the office of superintendent,” Hamilton stated.

If elected, three of Hamilton’s top priorities will be reforming the hiring system and promotion process within the school system, addressing school safety concerns, and fair distribution of capital resources to all schools. “Neither politics nor any type of ‘buddy system’ should influence decisions made for our schools. Decisions must be strictly made on what is in the best interest of our students. Over the last several years, the hiring process in our school system has changed. I plan to reform the hiring process to ensure that we hire or promote the most qualified applicant for the position.”

“School safety is of utmost importance. As a parent of three school-age children who attend Vina High School, I am very aware of the need to make sure that our students, faculty and support personnel are in a safe and healthy school environment. I believe that we need to work with local law enforcement to help rid our schools of any drugs and contraband and to allocate resources to pursue the best security equipment available. I also believe that we need to make it a priority to hire armed resource officers.

“Our schools are the the backbone of our county. Each school is vitally important to its community. We have thousands of students and hundreds of employees from each of these communities who deserve to be treated equally when it comes to the distribution of capital resources. My goal is make sure all students and employees have the tools they need in order to be their very best.”

In addition to his responsibilities with the Franklin County School System, Hamilton owns a small cattle farm, serves on the Franklin County Cattlemen’s Board of Directors, is a member of the Frog Pond Volunteer Fire Department, is active in his local church and is a strong advocate for autism awareness in Franklin County.

For comments and questions, Hamilton may be reached by phone at 256-810-9307, by email at greghamilton2016@gmail.com or on Facebook at Greg Hamilton for Franklin County Superintendent of Education.