The Alabama Association of School Boards (AASB) will honor Alabama school board members, educators and school staff lost to the COVID-19 pandemic during a memorial dedication Sunday, Oct. 17 from 2-2:30 p.m. The dedication will take place on the grounds of the AASB office at the corner of South Jackson and Houston Streets. 

State Superintendent of Education Dr. Eric Mackey, Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed and AASB President and Baldwin County Board of Education Member Shannon Cauley will deliver remarks. 

The association chose to create a permanent memorial space to commemorate the loss of those who dedicated their time to schools and school systems statewide. The new memorial features a special bench, oak tree and garden that will serve as a public space of reflection and remembrance for all whose lives they touched.

“Our school systems have experienced so much unprecedented adversity due to the pandemic – the most difficult of which has been the loss of so many dedicated school employees and leaders, and we felt compelled to recognize that in a meaningful way,” said AASB Executive Director Sally Smith. “We hope this memorial will serve as a poignant tribute to these education heroes who touched so many lives. We invite all to join us for this moment of reflection.”

The dedication is being held in conjunction with AASB’s 2021 Fall Academy Core Conference, Leadership for Creating Positive Culture & Climate, Oct. 17 & 18 at the Renaissance Montgomery Hotel & Spa in downtown Montgomery. More than 300 Alabama school board members and superintendents are expected to attend this year’s conference which will focus on best practices to create positive, high-quality learning environments that foster student achievement.