Leeds City Schools Update Presented at September Chamber Luncheon

The Leeds Area Chamber of Commerce welcomed Leeds City Schools Superintendent John Moore as the featured speaker at the September Chamber Luncheon, where he provided an in-depth update on the progress and growth of the district.

Moore, who is in his 17th year as superintendent, highlighted the district’s achievements, including a 95% graduation rate, significant growth in Advanced Placement scores with 144 passing scores this year (up from 45 in 2017), and nearly $70M invested in facilities since 2008. Leeds City Schools now serves more than 2,200 students with an annual operating budget of $28M and remains the city’s largest employer with over 280 full-time staff.

He emphasized the community’s role in the district’s success, noting: “The single greatest determinant of the value of your real property is the quality of the public school. Leeds schools are thriving because this community supports them.”

Family & Community Engagement Coordinator Mary Beth Lochridge also shared highlights of programs designed to strengthen student support and community engagement. These include:

• Leeds Middle “Lodges,” giving every student a sense of belonging.
• Big Brothers/Big Sisters, with more than 55 active pairs of students building relationships.
• Peer Helper programs at the elementary and middle school levels.
• Free parenting classes offered to Leeds City Schools families.
• Summer Summit training, a professional development day focused on supporting the whole person, not just academics.

Lochridge also previewed upcoming events such as the kindergarten performance “Thunder” on October 7, the Monster Mash Dash 5K on October 25, the Veterans Day program at Leeds Middle School on November 6, and holiday concerts in December.

Despite challenges such as the June lightning strike and fire at Leeds Primary School, which caused more than $4M in damage, the district continues to grow and thrive. Moore noted that Leeds schools remain a driving force in attracting families and strengthening property values in the community.

Thank you to Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama for sponsoring the luncheon. Many thanks to the ladies of Leeds First Methodist Church for serving our meal and to the church for hosting. Thank you to chamber diplomat Scarlet Kirkland for her assistance as well.

Shown in the group photo, l. to r.: John Moore; Mary Beth Lochridge; chamber board president Steve Karr, Leeds Arts Council; chamber executive director Amy Lee; chamber board member Debbie Watkins, Bob Watkins Real Estate. Back row, l. to r.: chamber board members Phillip Samuels, AmFirst; Emanuel Vallejo, Kinetic; Steven Weems, First Baptist Church Leeds; and Casey Parsons, Guild Mortgage.

The Leeds Area Chamber of Commerce appreciates the continued support of its members and community partners in making these monthly gatherings a valuable experience for all who attend.

For more information, please email amy@leedsareachamber.com, visit www.leedsareachamber.com, follow on Facebook @Leeds Area Chamber, or call 205.699.5001.