Nine school board members from across Alabama have achieved the coveted Master Honor Roll recognition, the highest distinction available through the Alabama Association of School Boards' School Board Member Academy. These dedicated education leaders were honored during AASB’s Annual Convention & Delegate Assembly held Dec. 4-6 at the Renaissance Montgomery Hotel & Spa.

The Master Honor Roll represents the pinnacle of school board professional development in Alabama. To earn this status, board members must complete all four academy levels (requiring 100+ training hours), earn the Master School Board Member distinction five consecutive years, participate in an advocacy day and complete the association’s poverty simulation training. 

"These nine Master Honor Roll recipients exemplify the gold standard of school board leadership," said AASB Executive Director Sally Smith. "Their sustained dedication—completing over 115 hours of training and maintaining excellence for at least five consecutive years—sets them apart as committed leaders who model ongoing learning and continuous improvement. Their efforts inspire all board members to pursue excellence in service to Alabama's students."

The 2025 Master Honor Roll inductees are:

• Samuel Morris, Bessemer City Board of Education
• Remeka Thompson, Bessemer City Board of Education
• Sybil Brundige, Brewton City Board of Education
• Leisa Finley, Elmore County Board of Education
• Elise McClin, Fairfield City Board of Education
• Anthony Hilliard, Limestone County Board of Education
• Brenda Obomanu, Selma City Board of Education
• Randy Smalley, Tuscaloosa County Board of Education
• Brad Ingle, Walker County Board of Education

The awards were presented as part of AASB's annual awards luncheon which featured 2025-2026 Alabama Teacher of the Year Katie Collins as guest speaker. The event drew more than 400 Alabama education leaders to Montgomery for three days of learning that embodied the convention theme, “Unbreakable: Bold & Resilient Leadership." 

The convention opened with AASB's Delegate Assembly, the association's annual business meeting, and featured dynamic keynote presentations focusing on resilient leadership in challenging times. Attendees also participated in breakout sessions and workshops including an innovative session on artificial intelligence.

About the AASB School Board Member Academy

Founded in 1986, AASB’s School Board Member Academy includes four achievement levels based on the number of credit hours board members earn through conferences, workshops and other training events. There are eight core courses: Roles & Responsibilities, Leadership for Policy & Planning, Leadership for Financial Accountability, Leadership for Positive Climate & Culture; Leadership for Academic Achievement, Leadership for Developing a Highly Effective Staff; Effective Boards & Relationships and Leadership for Community Engagement. Board members who complete the core courses and the Academy’s four levels can continue their training to earn the Master School Board Member distinction and ultimately an opportunity to attain Master Honor Roll recognition.   

 AASB’s Academy year runs July 1 to June 30. The Academy helps board members comply with the School Board Governance Improvement Act of 2012, which requires new board members take orientation and all board members earn at least 6 hours of annual training. Two of those 6 hours must be earned from training completed as a whole school board (with at least the majority of the school board in attendance).