Talton Named Assistant Superintendent for Etowah County Schools
Story courtesy of the Gadsden Messenger

Gadsden-Etowah County Schools has named Julie Talton as the district’s new assistant superintendent, marking a significant step for the longtime educator who has spent more than two decades serving Alabama school systems.

Talton currently serves as director of elementary curriculum, continuous improvement and testing for the district — a role she will continue to oversee while also taking on new responsibilities in human resources and system operations.

A Glencoe High School graduate, Talton joined the Etowah County central office last school year. Her 26-year career includes leadership positions in St. Clair County and Oneonta City Schools, where she most recently served as principal of Oneonta Elementary before returning to her home district.

As assistant superintendent, Talton will work closely with Superintendent Dr. Alan Cosby.

“I will be working alongside Dr. Alan Cosby to assist with the daily operations of the school system, while also focusing on human resources to build, grow and support our employees, as well as overseeing elementary curriculum and instruction,” she said.

Talton acknowledged that serving a district the size of Etowah County — with 21 schools and around 8,000 students — presents unique challenges.

“It can sometimes feel like it’s difficult to reach everyone and provide the level of support I want for each student, teacher and leader,” she said.

Even so, she said the district’s administrators and central office staff make the work rewarding.

“Their dedication, expertise and commitment ensure that each school thrives,” Talton said. “While the scale is challenging, the impact we can make when we work as a team is incredibly rewarding.”

Talton credits much of her leadership approach to those she has worked under throughout her career.

“I’ve had the opportunity to work for multiple superintendents and principals, each with their own leadership style,” she said. “I’ve learned something valuable from each of them and have taken the strengths I admired to shape the leader I am today.”

She also emphasized the influence of early-career mentors who guided her first years in the classroom and encouraged her pursuit of instructional leadership.

“I had the privilege of working with a principal who was an outstanding instructional leader and taught me so much about elementary education,” she said. “These people poured into me and helped me learn how to be an effective leader.”

Talton said those formative experiences shaped her belief in building strong relationships with staff, students and families — a cornerstone of her educational philosophy.

When asked what career she might pursue if not education, Talton said she could not imagine another path offering the same opportunity to make a meaningful impact.

“I can’t picture myself doing anything else,” she said.

https://gadsdenmessenger.com/talton-named-assistant-superintendent-for-etowah-county-schools/