The Alabama Association of School Boards honored its 2023 All-State School Board Award recipients during the association’s Annual Convention, which was held at The Sheraton Birmingham Hotel in Birmingham Nov. 30 – Dec. 2. The honorees included Shannon Cauley, formerly of the Baldwin County Board of Education, Jeffery Finch of the Chambers County Board of Education, Oscar Mann of the Jefferson County Board of Education, Claudia Mitchell of the Montgomery County Board of Education and Sandra Tuck of the Talladega County Board of Education. 

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. The award is the highest honor the association bestows to recognize exemplary boardmanship. The 2023 recipients were celebrated Dec. 1 during an awards luncheon which featured Alabama 2023-2024 Teacher of the Year Jeff Norris as speaker.  

“This year’s honorees embody the very essence of excellence in school board leadership” said AASB Executive Director Sally Smith. “We applaud each of these recipients for their example and for dedication, passion and unwavering advocacy for all of Alabama’s schoolchildren.”   

Shannon Cauley 

Shannon Cauley served on the Baldwin County Board of Education from 2013 to 2022. Cauley, a dedicated advocate for public education, previously served as president of AASB’s Board of Directors and as AASB District 1 Director, representing the Baldwin, Clarke, Conecuh, Escambia, Mobile, Monroe and Washington County Boards of Education; the Brewton, Chickasaw, Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, Saraland, Satsuma and Thomasville City Boards of Education; and the Alabama School of Math and Science.  

During her tenure as a school board member, Cauley achieved the master honor roll level in AASB’s School Board Member Academy, earning over 380 training hours and serving on a host of committees and task forces. She also testified during several committee hearings of the Alabama Legislature. 

Cauley’s nominators describe her as a strong, compassionate and thoughtful board member who not only advocated for her district but for the entire county.

“Shannon is a true example of a board member, and I consider myself and the system lucky to have experienced her leadership,” said Baldwin County Schools Superintendent Eddie Tyler.  

 View Shannon Cauley's Award Video

Jeffery Finch 

Jeffery Finch is president of the Chambers County Board of Education. Finch has served on the Chambers County school board for 18 years and reached master honor roll status in AASB’s School Board Member Academy, earning nearly 550 training hours. 

A senior manager and chief operating officer, Finch is credited with providing steady leadership to help the Chambers County school system navigate and resolve a 53-year-old federal desegregation case. His nominators describe him as a “natural born leader” who is “confident and decisive.”  

“He displays an uncanny ability to lead the board fairly while keeping order and following established board policies,” said Victoria Leak, a fellow Chambers County school board member. “He is dependable and respectful of others and has helped lead the board to successful oversight of the Chambers County school system.”  

View Jeffery Finch's Award Video

Oscar Mann

 Oscar Mann has been a member of the Jefferson County Board of Education since 2012 and current board vice president.  Mann has served on AASB’s bylaws and nominating committees and achieved the master honor roll level in AASB’s School Board Member Academy, earning over 280 training hours.

Mann is described by his board colleagues as a man of impeccable character. He is credited with using his governmental and education knowledge to meet with local leaders, elected officials and stakeholders to explain the importance of renewing an expiring tax millage in 2021. The renewal was successful, equating to $15.7 million to benefit Jefferson County Schools.  

“In our community, Oscar is known as a tireless worker, a man full of wisdom, and a great listener devoted to his family, church and friends,” said Gardendale Mayor Stan Hogeland. “Whatever the role, he did it with class and integrity and always with a ‘student comes first’ mentality.” 

View Oscar Mann's Award Video

Claudia Mitchell 

Claudia Mitchell has served on the Montgomery County school board since 2018. Mitchell has achieved master status in AASB’s School Board Member Academy with more than 200 training hours.  

Mitchell is described by colleagues as levelheaded, fair and prepared. She is credited as being among several individuals directly responsible for educating the community about the importance of a “yes” vote for an ad valorem tax in Montgomery County. The tax passed with 60% of the vote, representing the first tax increase to benefit Montgomery Public Schools in 50 years. 

A former educator and advocate for public education for more than 40 years, Mitchell is known for her involvement and visibility in the community, serving countless hours for organizations such as the Seth Johnson Neighborhood Association, Women in Training, One Montgomery and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. 

“She can be found on any given day at a school in her district or one that is not,” said former Montgomery County Board of Education President Clare Weil. “She goes to encourage the children. She encourages teachers and staff at the school as well. She becomes involved!”  

View Claudia Mitchell's Award Video

Sandra Tuck

 
Sandra Tuck is vice president of the Talladega County Board of Education. Tuck has served on the Talladega County school board since 2016 and achieved master status in AASB’s School Board Member Academy, earning more than 230 training hours.  

A veteran educator with nearly 30 years’ experience as a special education teacher, Tuck’s colleagues say she approaches her role as a board member with the same passion and confidence she demonstrated in the classroom.  

Tuck was instrumental in working alongside the superintendent to offer suggestions as state officials considered legislation for improving reading achievement. Specifically, Tuck worked to help others understand the value of providing additional time and resources for special education students. Her leadership resulted in additional reading resources and professional development training for all Talladega County elementary teachers.  

“Mrs. Tuck embraces the work and listens to each segment of her district to ensure students are receiving equitable resources and services,” said Talladega County Commissioner Kelvin Cunningham. “She demonstrates teamwork and models the highest level of public service.” 

View Sandra Tuck's Award Video