Lauren Estes-Velez

Hartselle Enquirer

The 2017 CLAS Schools of Distinction were announced this week – and a local school was among their ranks.
Hartselle Intermediate School of Hartselle City Schools has been selected as a CLAS School of Distinction.

This award recognizes schools or programs that serve as outstanding educational models for other schools in Alabama. Each school was nominated for this award by its respective superintendent.

HIS, along with other Schools of Distinction, will be recognized at a luncheon Feb. 26 in Prattville, at which time the CLAS Banner School from State School Board District VI will be announced.
The CLAS Banner School program was created in 2001 to recognize schools in Alabama that showcase outstanding programs and service to students. A total 107 schools or programs were nominated for this prestigious recognition.
“I am very proud of the work of the teachers, staff and administration,” Hartselle City Schools Superintendent Dee Dee Jones said. “Mr. (Gaylon) Parker and his staff have worked very hard to create goals and focus on student success.”

Former Hartselle City Schools superintendent and current executive director of the Council for Leaders in Alabama Schools Vic Wilson said each of these schools should be commended for striving for excellence.
“Congratulations to these wonderful Alabama public schools,” Wilson said. “The CLAS Schools of Distinction provide excellent examples of the significant learning opportunities taking place in public education in Alabama. Further, the stakeholders at every School of Distinction are to be commended for striving for excellence daily.”
This program would not be possible without its generous sponsors. LEAN Frog is the program’s Keystone Partner, and Foundation Partners are American Fidelity Assurance, Classworks, Curriculum Associates, Edgenuity, Jostens and PowerSchool.
Nearby Cullman City Primary School of Cullman City Schools was also announced as a School of Distinction.