Each month we'll be featuring school board members in an effort to learn more about the wonderful individuals serving on our boards!

Charlie Anderson has been a Clarke County board member since 1982— giving him 39 years of service and counting! He has a strong passion for public education and is always ready to do what he can to support the schoolchildren of Alabama. When he's not busy with school board work, you are likely to find him watching his son, Buddy Anderson, the winningest high school football coach in Alabama, take to the field. Read below to learn more about Charlie!

Other than your service as a school board member, tell us about your career/professional background.

I worked over 30 years for the State Department of Mental Health as a hospital administrator before I retired. 

What inspired you to join the school board?

I've always been interested in doing what I could to help kids. I voluntarily coached kids in sports for three-four years and taught Sunday school to youth of all ages when I was in college. After being asked about joining the board, I was intrigued and I thought it was important that we have people who are truly interested in helping the youth to serve. My parents and brother were educators, and now my son is a teacher as well. Education has always been a part of my life.

What are you most proud of accomplishing with your school board?

I am most proud of the fact that we have always been a cohesive group. Although we have differing ideas and come from different points of view, we've never really had any situations where we are at odds. We have a harmonious board, and our superintendent relationships have always been very good. We work together to meet the goals we have for our district.

What do you do outside of the school board, and what are some of your hobbies?

Outside of the board I enjoy volunteering with the youth. I have also enjoyed going to football games and watching my son, who is the winningest high school football coach in Alabama, coach his team. I do some of the heavy lifting for my wife in the garden, although I'm no expert at the actual gardening! I am involved in my church and enjoy spending lots of time with my grandchildren.