Alabama school system leader to step aside after nearly three decades in education

NewsMichele Eller will retire as superintendent of Sylacauga City Schools in February after more than 28 years in education.Courtesy of Sylacauga City SchoolsBy Michaela Yielding | myielding@al.comMichele Eller will retire as superintendent of Sylacauga City Schools in February after more than 28 years in public education.Sylacauga City Schools recently announced her retirement. Eller has served as the district’s superintendent since 2021. According to the district, Eller has helped lead efforts to improve student achievement, expand student programs and modernize district facilities.School board President Olwyn Twymon praised Eller for her service to the district and its students, teachers, administrators and families.“We want to thank Superintendent Dr. Michele Eller for her years of dedicated service to Sylacauga City Schools and for the tremendous commitment she has shown to our students, teachers, administrators and families,” Twymon said.“Her leadership has helped strengthen our school system and expand opportunities for our students, and the impact of that work will continue to be felt for years to come.”Throughout her career, Eller served in a variety of roles at five school systems, including classroom teacher, administrator and assistant superintendent. She said meaningful school improvement begins with building relationships and trust among students, staff and the broader community.“I have always believed that relationships are at the heart of leadership,” she said. “When you take the time to know people, their strengths, their challenges, their personalities and what motivates them, you build the trust necessary to accomplish great things together.”During her tenure in Sylacauga, the district said it had improvements in student achievement and overall school report card performance. District leaders also invested in campus facilities and security enhancements, including secure vestibules and upgrades to athletic and fine arts spaces.Under Eller’s leadership, the district also expanded its Multi-Tiered System of Supports, or MTSS, including mental health services designed to address students’ academic, social and emotional needs.The district also increased career and technical education offerings, Advanced Placement courses, dual enrollment opportunities, STEM programming, robotics teams and fine arts experiences.Eller said she viewed the superintendent’s role as an opportunity to build partnerships among educators, parents, students, businesses, elected officials and community organizations while maintaining a focus on student success.“There is never a perfect time to leave something you love,” Eller said. “But there comes a time when you recognize that you have given your heart, your energy and your very best to the work, and it is time to begin a new chapter.”As she prepares to retire, Eller said she is grateful for the students, educators, families and community members she worked alongside throughout her career.Michaela Yielding is a Birmingham native who covers data, education and more for AL.com. She is a 2025 graduate from Auburn University with a bachelor’s in journalism and a minor in political science. She has...