Elmore County students returned for the 2025-2026 school year on Thursday, August 7, and all schools reported a smooth opening. We currently have 11,163 students enrolled in 16 schools in the district, and we anticipate continued growth throughout this school year.
I am excited to report that Elmore County Schools has several construction projects underway across the district. A new main entrance is under construction at Wetumpka Elementary School. The school opened in 1963 as the W. B. Doby High School and is included on the Alabama Register of Landmarks and Heritage. This project will improve the safety and security of the main entrance to the school and create a bright, welcoming environment for students, parents, staff, and visitors. It is expected to be completed by second semester.
The Elmore County Technical Center continues to grow to meet workforce demands and student interest. A diesel mechanic program is being added to bring the total number of Career and Technical Education programs offered in Elmore County to 17. The target opening date for the diesel mechanic facility is at the start of the second semester.
The Wetumpka High School kitchen and cafeteria serving area are undergoing a much-needed expansion. The Eclectic Child Development Program is adding four classrooms to meet the growing demand for preschool and afterschool care in the community. The Holtville High School “old” gymnasium is under renovation and will provide updated training and practice areas for students. And finally, a wing of the former Wetumpka Junior High School is being renovated to provide additional space for our virtual school, EDGE.
The Focus Act, which prohibits students’ use of wireless communication devices during instructional hours, went into effect at the beginning of this school year. All reports indicate that students have done exceptionally well adjusting to the new requirements. One indication is the increased noise level in the schools as report by our principals, which means that students are talking to one another more. This is a positive, encouraging effect which we hope will continue to help strengthen relationships among students.
Elmore County Schools constantly strives to provide an exceptional education for every student and continually seeks ways to enhance safety and offer high-quality facilities for all stakeholders. In Elmore County, we believe “every student empowered – 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.
