The Alabama Association of School Boards recognized recipients of the association’s highest honor, the All-State School Board Member Award, during a special awards breakfast held Dec. 4 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel Birmingham – The Wynfrey Hotel. Honorees included Kathy Landers of Talladega County, Chester Moore of Marengo County, Scott Suttle of St. Clair County, Matilda Woodyard of Tallapoosa County and James Woosley of Satsuma. 

A highlight of the 2021 AASB Convention, the awards breakfast featured remarks from Alabama 2021-2022 Teacher of the Year Kimberly Johnson. AASB began its annual All-State School Board Member recognition program in 1992 to recognize up to five of Alabama’s most outstanding past or present school board members. 

“This year’s honorees represent the very highest ideals of excellence in school board leadership” said AASB President Ronnie Owens. “We commend each of these recipients for their example and for their dedicated leadership and advocacy for all of Alabama’s schoolchildren.”

Kathy Landers

2021 All-State School Board Award recipient, Kathy Landers, has been a member of the Talladega County school board since 2010 and currently serves as board vice president.

A retired educator, Landers has achieved master honor roll status in the AASB School Board Member Academy, earning more than 360 training hours. She has held leadership roles in the association, serving as District 6 Director on the AASB Board of Directors from 2013 to 2017 and on several AASB committees, including the Bylaws, Board Training Advisory, Advocacy and Nominating Committees. 

Those who nominated Landers for the All-State School Board Member Award describe her as a board member known for fairness and integrity as well as for always putting students first. 

“Her passion and love for students is her primary concern,” said Talladega County Schools Superintendent Dr. Suzanne Lacey. “Mrs. Landers has the unique ability to see both sides of an issue without allowing outside forces to influence her beliefs and most importantly what is best for students.”

View Kathy Landers' Award Video

Chester Moore

2021 All-State School Board Award honoree, Chester Moore, is a retired educator who has served on the Marengo County school board since 2015. He has attained the master level in the AASB School Board Member Academy, earning more than 260 training hours. Moore also served on AASB’s 2018 Equity Committee. 

Moore is recognized by fellow board members and community members as an outstanding leader and excellent problem solver.

“Mr. Moore’s sustained leadership and grounded decision making with student wellbeing always at the forefront is a major contributing factor to what has made the Marengo County school system a strong educational institution,” said Marengo County Schools Superintendent Luther Hallmark. “His love of learning and concern and caring for students, staff, and the community continues to drive us to lead so students can learn.” 

View Chester Moore's Award Video

Scott Suttle

St. Clair County Board of Education President Scott Suttle is a 2021 All-State School Board Award recipient. A 20-year veteran of his school board, Suttle recently was elected to serve as District 6 Director on the AAB Board of Directors. 

Suttle, who is retired from a 40-year career with Thompson Tractor and currently works as a helicopter pilot for the St. Clair County Sheriff’s Department, has reached the master level in AASB’s School Board Member Academy, earning 425 training hours. 

Those who nominated Suttle for the All-State Award describe him as someone who leads with dignity, integrity and professionalism.

“As the leader of the board, Scott offers a vision to support and guide our schools so that the students can achieve the high academic standards we have established across the district,” said Nickie VanPelt, fellow board member. “Scott not only brings these leadership qualities to our board, but also holds himself to these high expectations in public.” 

View Scott Suttle's Award Video

Matilda Woodyard-Hamilton

2021 All-State School Board Award recipient, Matilda Woodyard-Hamilton, has served on the Tallapoosa County school board since 2006. She recently was elected to serve as District 4 Director on the AASB Board of Directors. 

Woodyard-Hamilton has achieved master honor roll status in the AASB School Board Member Academy, with more than 550 training hours. She has been actively involved in AASB, serving on the Bylaws, Pre-K and Academic Advisory Committees. She is retired from a lengthy career in legal services and volunteers countless hours working to register young voters in her local community. 

Woodyard-Hamilton is known in the Tallapoosa community as a tireless advocate for youth.

“She was and is a tireless supporter of children and vigilant in making sure to do her part to provide them every available opportunity,” said Tallapoosa County Schools Superintendent Raymond Porter. “She has worked with each superintendent to support initiatives to improve the quality of the educational experience received by these young people.”

View Matilda Woodyard-Hamilton's Award Video

James Woosley

2021 All-State School Board Award recipient, James Woosley, has been a member of the Satsuma Board of Education since the school system’s inception in 2011. He has held numerous leadership capacities in AASB, including president, vice president and District 1 Director on the AASB Board of Directors. He also has served on a host of committees such as the Resolutions, Nominating, Board Training Advisory and Microcredentialing Committees. 

Woosley has achieved the master honor roll designation in the AASB School Board Member Academy, earning more than 400 training hours. An author and entrepreneur, he is known among fellow board members for his careful attention to detail and thoughtful approach to decision making. 

“James is a logical, thoughtful and organized person and has earned the respect of our peers, our employees and the community,” said fellow Satsuma City Schools board member, Linda Robbins. “He works to ensure our board observes the highest of ethical standards and boardmanship.”

View James Woosley's Award Video