Elmore County’s mission is straightforward: to highlight the exceptional students, teachers, administrators, and staff who make Elmore County an outstanding place to learn and grow. We’re excited to announce the launch of our brand-new podcast, Heart of the School! On the channel, you’ll find highlights of the great things happening in our schools, stories from the people who serve our students every day, and insight into who works in Elmore County Schools and why they choose to be here. I hope you will support the channel by subscribing at http://www.youtube.com/@HeartoftheSchool, and follow along as we work together to make Elmore County the greatest school system in Alabama!
In preparation for the 2026-2027 school year, we will host a Meet & Greet Teacher Recruitment Fair on Wednesday, March 4, from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Wetumpka High School. Administrators from each school will be present to answer questions and share information about their schools, as well as available teaching positions for the 2026-2027 school year. Additionally, alternative pathways to teacher certification will be available. If you or someone you know is interested in learning more about our school system and/or becoming a teacher, please share this information and encourage them to attend!
February is Career and Technical Education Month in Alabama. We are especially excited to announce the opening of our new diesel mechanic shop this month! Elmore County Schools CTE programs give students technical skills, academic skills, and employability skills, and we encourage our students to participate whenever possible. We offer 16 programs at the Elmore County Technical Center as well as CTE programs at each of our high schools. Regardless of whether students plan to go to college or enter the workforce, CTE programs help prepare them for the future.
Chronic absenteeism, defined as students missing 10% or more of school for any reason, is an ongoing problem. We often think of reducing absences as solely the job of parents or school staff in the front office. However, in collaboration with juvenile court officials, we have made great strides to reduce our absenteeism rate and improve student attendance. In some areas, absenteeism has decreased by as much as 35%, and the number of students with zero unexcused absences has risen by up to 59%. These positive changes, together with our early warning system, contribute to students’ overall academic success and well-being. We will continue to keep our lines of communication open and strive to help all students be in school every day.
The Elmore County School System constantly strives to provide the best possible environment where every student is empowered and every student succeeds!
Richard Dennis is the Superintendent of Education for Elmore County Schools. He is a 1983 graduate of Holtville High School. He served 21 years as a high school principal at Holtville High, Wetumpka High and most recently, Prattville High. He and wife, Leslie (also an educator) have three sons and a daughter.
