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

 

 

 

 

 

 

Travis Cummings joined the Madison City school board in 2018 and has served on several committees. He is an active parent in Madison City Schools who decided to take the opportunity to give back to the school system that has provided and continues to provide his son with amazing educational opportunities. Travis has a soft spot in his heart for children, and education holds a special place in his heart. 

Read below to learn more about Travis!

 

 

 

What inspired you to join the school board?

Our son’s achievements inspired me to join the school board. The opportunities he has been given by the Madison City school system have been amazing. Before we moved to Madison 22 years ago, we were looking for the best schools our future kids could attend. Madison City Schools was the best choice for our needs. Some of the exposure and experiences our son has received should have an impact on his future educational goals. I wanted the opportunity to give back to the system that has and is continuing to give our son so many educational opportunities and experiences.

What is your favorite part about being a school board member?

The students! Witnessing the hard work performed behind the scenes by the central office team and other educators to constantly find ways to improve their programs and courses is truly amazing. Then being able to see the results of their hard work for our students is one of my favorite parts of being a school board member. The abundance of hard work from everyone in the system does not go unnoticed. In my opinion, the Madison City school system is never satisfied. We are always working to provide the best services for our all students, and I'm honored to volunteer my time.

 

Is there anything you're especially proud of accomplishing with the school board?

Yes, not letting my feelings get in the way of voting on what is best for our system. It is easy to get upset when someone does not support one of your ideas and pay them back by not supporting them. I am proud that I have always voted and supported what was best for the students, teachers, and staff.

 

Tell us about your career and/or professional accomplishments.

I am employed by the City of Huntsville where I am the zoning administration coordinator for zoning administration in the Planning department. This position is exciting! Every day we are reviewing and making decisions on new and existing residential, commercial and industrial projects. Our team is also a part of the approval process for building permits, business licenses, alcohol licenses, sign permits, and zoning enforcement. zoning administration functions. We try to find a way to keep projects moving forward and how to improve the process through lots of communication. We also get a chance to work with the Board of Zoning Adjustment (BOZA), which is the board people will go before if they are not able to meet the rules but feel their situation should be taken into consideration. I love working with this board because they listen and try to make the right decisions based on the information given, much like school board members.

 

What are some of your hobbies?

I enjoy volunteering and working around our church, but since COVID-19, I have not been as active. I also enjoy spending time with my wife of over 20 years and our 17-year-old son, taking time to enjoy nature and traveling.

 

What is a fun or interesting fact you would like to share about yourself?

I attended tech school for Heating Ventilation and Cooling (HVAC) in high school because it was the only class open. Not only did I stay in the course, but I made it my career choice, later completing an associate certification at Drake State Technical College in HVAC. Then, I attended Alabama A&M University and received a master’s degree in urban and regional planning. My technical experience opened the door for my academic experience and job opportunities. On another note, I will share that I am a softy for kids and the elderly. I love to see older married couples walking and still holding hands, it always brings a smile to my face. I hope my wife and I are that old happy married couple trying to help each other get around!