Cherokee County Schools Open New Year with Inspiring Address from State Superintendent Dr. Eric Mackey
Centre – As summer draws to a close, Cherokee County Schools marked the official start of the new academic year with their annual Institute Day event, held Friday at Richard Lindsey Arena on the campus of Gadsden State Cherokee. This year’s gathering was highlighted by a homecoming, as Alabama Superintendent of Education Dr. Eric G. Mackey delivered the keynote address to faculty and staff—some of whom played a role in shaping his own educational journey.
Dr. Mackey, a 1988 graduate of Sand Rock School, spent all 12 years of his K-12 education in Cherokee County at Sand Rock. Reflecting on his roots, Dr. Mackey spoke warmly of his upbringing, noting that he is a seventh-generation Alabamian, with each generation having lived in Cherokee County. His return to address the very educators who serve in the district where his journey began was deeply personal.
Following his speech, Dr. Mackey spoke briefly with WEIS Radio about the significance of the opportunity to return home and share in the excitement of a new school year.
He began his remarks to attendees with a message of encouragement, stressing the lasting impact that educators have on their students’ lives. He credited his education at Sand Rock and the support of dedicated teachers for giving him the foundation to earn a scholarship to Jacksonville State University, eventually leading to his career in education.
“Pick good people and get out of the way,” Dr. Mackey advised educators, emphasizing the importance of trust and collaboration. He also encouraged staff to “pick good bosses,” highlighting the role leadership plays in achieving success.
A Career Rooted in Education
Dr. Mackey has served as Alabama’s Superintendent of Education since May 14, 2018, after being appointed by the Alabama State Board of Education. His term runs through 2027. Beginning his career as a high school physics teacher in 1993, Dr. Mackey later served as superintendent of Jacksonville City Schools from 2002 to 2011. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Jacksonville State University, along with a master’s and doctoral degree from the University of Alabama.
In his address, Dr. Mackey spoke about recent successes in Alabama’s education system, noting that Alabama is the only state where the governor serves as an active member of the state board of education. He praised the collaborative efforts of his staff and board members who support the work of educators throughout the state.
Among those present was Alabama State Board of Education Vice President for District 6, Marie Manning, whom Dr. Mackey introduced to the crowd. Manning, a lifelong educator and former superintendent of the St. Clair County School System, has dedicated decades to serving Alabama students. She expressed her pride in Dr. Mackey, describing him as “your hometown guy,” and emphasized that recent improvements in education across the state are the result of the hard work of the teachers and staff present in the room. Manning also asked for prayers for her husband, Paul Manning, former chair of the St. Clair County Commission, who has recently entered hospice care.
Focused on the Future
Dr. Mackey used his address to outline key priorities for the coming school year. He reiterated the Alabama Board of Education’s motto—“Every Child. Every Chance. Every Day.”—and emphasized its significance in guiding statewide educational strategy. He called for a renewed focus on foundational skills, particularly in reading and mathematics, stressing that “every child must learn to read and learn algebra.”
He noted that while private school attendance and virtual learning are both growing trends, 90 percent of Alabama’s students still rely on the public school system. In light of this, he said it is vital to continue investing in public education and to ensure that every student has access to quality instruction.
Dr. Mackey outlined three essential elements for success: strategy, focus, and investment. He thanked State Senator Andrew Jones and State Representative Ginny Shaver for their support in Montgomery, specifically highlighting legislative accomplishments that benefit educators. Among the key bills he mentioned were the RAISE Act, Focus Act, Choose Act, Teacher Paperwork Reduction Act, Paid Personal Leave, and expanded workers’ compensation coverage for educators.
The superintendent also spoke of national recognition Alabama has received for recent improvements in student performance, particularly in reading and math. He shared media coverage and details of his visits to Washington D.C. to present Alabama’s progress, expressing his desire to continue elevating the state’s educational rankings.
Dr. Mackey also updated attendees on efforts to reduce insurance costs, a move aimed at making room for long-overdue pay raises for educators. He emphasized the importance of supporting both active and retired teachers, saying, “We have to take care of our state’s educators.”
A Personal Note of Encouragement
In closing, Dr. Mackey offered words of encouragement, urging teachers to prioritize self-care alongside their commitment to students. He advised educators to “take time to breathe,” to enjoy lunch daily, to engage personally with students, and even to enjoy ice cream every evening—a lighthearted tip from one of his mentors. “Do what you can, and live with the rest,” he said.
Dr. Mackey concluded with a quote that resonated deeply with his message:
“Do all the good you can,
By all the means you can,
In all the ways you can,
In all the places you can,
At all the times you can,
To all the people you can,
As long as ever you can.”
— John Wesley
He encouraged educators to think creatively and work diligently, leaving them with the reminder, “We can’t do everything, but we can do something.”
Dr. Mackey’s message, filled with optimism and resolve, served as a powerful beginning to the new school year.
Institute Day Opening
Prior to Dr. Mackey’s keynote, Cherokee County Superintendent Michael Welsh welcomed staff and thanked Gadsden State for their support in hosting the event. He recognized new employees who joined the district in the past year, asking them to stand for acknowledgement.
Senator Andrew Jones offered remarks and led an opening invocation, praying for a safe school year and for the protection of students and staff. He cited Proverbs 22:6 and James 1:5 in his message. State Representative Ginny Shaver led the Pledge of Allegiance and presented Superintendent Welsh with a $50,000 check for special projects benefiting the school system. She also referenced the recently passed Paid Parental Leave Act, which she helped support.
The event also featured remarks from Supervisor Stephen Ingram, who thanked event sponsors, and Deputy District Attorney Brady Burns, who spoke about the legal responsibility educators have as mandatory reporters of abuse. Dr. Cassandra Lindsey provided updates on internet security and upcoming transitions in student assessments, while Lt. Jordan Kelly, lead School Resource Officer (SRO), emphasized the role all staff play in ensuring student safety.
The event concluded with a collective sense of purpose and enthusiasm for the new school year, as Cherokee County Schools reaffirmed their commitment to every child, every chance, every day.
https://www.cherokeek12.org/en-US/board-of-education-f77c17fd
