The Alabama Association of School Boards honored recipients of its A-Team Advocacy Award during the association’s Annual Convention held at The Renaissance Montgomery Hotel & Spa Dec. 5-7. The honorees included Travis Cummings of the Madison City Board of Education, Donna Jones of the Haleyville City Board of Education, Pam Price formerly of the Chilton County Board of Education and Don Presley of the Tuscaloosa County Board of Education.

AASB launched the award in 2023 to annually recognize local school board members who successfully engage in legislative and policy advocacy in their school board service. Cummings, Jones, Price and Presley were recognized Dec. 6 during an awards luncheon which featured Alabama 2024-2025 Teacher of the Year Deborah Stringfellow. 

“These dedicated advocates understand that strong local voices lead to better education policy,” said AASB Executive Director Sally Smith. “These deserving honorees truly have gone above and beyond to elevate the voices of Alabama’s local school boards at the federal, state and local levels.” 

Travis Cummings

Travis Cummings, vice president of the Madison City Board of Education, has fostered vital connections between the school system and elected officials since his 2018 appointment. Working alongside his fellow board members, he helped lead a community forum on critical education legislation, demonstrating their shared commitment to advancing Madison City Schools' priorities through collaborative advocacy. 

“He has consistently demonstrated an unwavering commitment to improving the quality of education in our district,” said Madison City school board member, Alice Lessmann. “His contributions to our school district and the broader education community are invaluable.” 

Donna Jones

A member of the Haleyville City Board of Education since 2016, Donna Jones has distinguished herself through her proactive approach to educational advocacy, maintaining regular communication with state legislators and effectively leveraging these relationships to advance public education priorities. 

“Jones actively works with our legislators to stay informed on school-related legislation,” said Haleyville Board of Education President Christopher Haughton. “She wants what is best for public education and for Haleyville City Schools. 

Pam Price

Pam Price served on the Chilton County Board of Education from 2012 to 2024 and showed exceptional dedication to educational leadership through her consistent attendance at State Board meetings and AASB Advocacy Days, where she actively engaged with policymakers and shared vital information with her fellow board members. Her commitment has always extended beyond the school system to state-level advocacy to building strong local relationships with Chilton County leaders, including the mayor, police department, county commissioners and the business community.

“She voluntarily contacts policymakers about issues that are important to our school system as well as AASB,” said Chilton County Board of Education Member Jaqueline Sullivan.

Don Presley

A 24-year veteran of the Tuscaloosa County Board of Education, Don Presley has demonstrated a strong commitment to advocacy through intentional relationship building with state and local policymakers as well as participation in multiple AASB Advocacy Days.

“Mr. Presley's dedication, hard work and commitment to the Tuscaloosa County School System have earned him widespread respect and admiration,” said Tuscaloosa County Board of Education President Bill Squires. “His leadership and involvement have had a lasting and significant impact on the students, educators and the broader community.”