Tony Willis Reflects on New Role in Calhoun County as Superintendent

Calhoun County — The Calhoun County School District recently appointed Tony Willis as its new Superintendent at a special meeting held on July 23, 2024. The district’s website has warmly welcomed Willis and his wife, Lisa, to the Calhoun County Schools family. The Calhoun Journal had the opportunity to speak with both Superintendent Willis and Board President Tobi Burt to gain insights into this significant transition for the district.

Tony Willis’s Vision for Calhoun County Schools

Tony Willis, who officially begins his role as Superintendent this month, is enthusiastic about the opportunity to lead the Calhoun County School System. In an interview with the Calhoun Journal, Willis outlined his vision for the district and shared his thoughts on his new position.

“I am incredibly excited and honored to be chosen as the Superintendent of Calhoun County,” Willis stated. “This is a wonderful community with a deep appreciation for quality education, and I am eager to contribute to its continued success. My approach will be to build on the solid foundation already in place, focusing on fine-tuning and enhancing our current systems rather than implementing sweeping changes.”

Willis emphasized his commitment to collaborative leadership, aiming to work closely with faculty, staff, and the community to foster a supportive and effective learning environment. “The strength of any school system lies in its people,” he said. “I look forward to collaborating with our dedicated teachers, administrators, and support staff to ensure that every student benefits from a positive and enriching educational experience.”

Willis brings a rich background in education to his new role. His career spans various positions, including teacher, coach, athletic director, and principal. He has also served as Superintendent in Demopolis City Schools, where he achieved notable success. Under his leadership, Demopolis City Schools was recognized nationally for its achievements, including being ranked number one in the nation for minority math growth and achieving a top-ten overall ranking for growth.

In addition to his practical experience, Willis has received numerous accolades, such as being named one of the National Districts of Innovation and one of 45 Districts of Distinction. He is an active participant in educational discussions at both state and national levels, contributing to advisory boards and committees focused on advancing educational practices.

Willis holds a PhD in Leadership Studies from Marshall University (ABD) and an M.A. in Instructional Leadership from the University of Alabama. His professional journey includes leading Demopolis City Schools to national recognition and being acknowledged for his contributions to literacy and educational innovation.

Board President Tobi Burt on Internal Growth and Development

Board President Tobi Burt shared his perspective on the recent appointment and the district’s broader strategy for staff development. Burt emphasized the Calhoun County School System’s commitment to nurturing local talent and promoting from within.

“Our goal has always been to foster and advance talent within our district,” Burt said. “We believe in investing in our people, which is why we focus on internal growth. By promoting from within, we not only recognize and reward our existing staff but also build a strong, dedicated team that is deeply invested in the long-term success of our schools.”

Burt highlighted the importance of this approach in creating a stable and effective educational environment. “Our strategy involves moving teachers and career coaches into administrative roles, which helps us leverage the skills and expertise of our current employees. This approach aligns with our objective of continually improving the school system by building on the strengths of our staff.”

He also acknowledged the contributions of Dr. Reyes, noting his role in the Administrator Academy. “Dr. Reyes has played a crucial part in preparing future leaders through the Administrator Academy. This program simulates real-world scenarios and provides aspiring administrators with valuable insights into the responsibilities of leadership. His work in growing our schools has been nationally recognized, and we value this internal training approach as it supports our goal of building a dedicated team.”

Burt emphasized that the district’s commitment extends to all staff members, including teachers, custodians, and bus drivers. “We are dedicated to ensuring that every staff member receives the necessary resources and support to excel in their role. Our ultimate goal is to create an environment where staff feel valued and motivated to contribute to the overall success and improvement of the Calhoun County school system.”

Looking Ahead

As Tony Willis steps into his new role as Superintendent, both he and Board President Burt express a shared vision for advancing the Calhoun County School System. Willis’s extensive background and proven track record in educational leadership will be instrumental in guiding the district towards continued success. Burt’s emphasis on internal growth and development underscores the district’s commitment to building a strong, dedicated team that is well-positioned to meet the needs of students and the community.

With a focus on collaboration, internal development, and ongoing improvement, the Calhoun County School District is poised for a promising future under the leadership of Superintendent Tony Willis.

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