Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence

Old Mill Elementary Selected for Disney Musicals in Schools Program; Students Choose Aladdin KIDS as First Disney Production OLD MILL ELEMENTARY — A dream years in the making is becoming a reality for students at Old Mill Ele...

Guntersville City Schools is proud to announce the hiring of Mr. John Doyle as the new Principal of Guntersville High School. His hiring was approved at this morning’s Special Called School Board Meeting.

Mr. Doyle brings a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of Guntersville City Schools to his new role. Throughout his career, he has served as a history teacher at Guntersville High School, Assistant Principal at Albertville High School and Guntersville High School, and most recently as Principal of Guntersville Elementary School. His leadership experience across multiple levels of education has provided him with a strong understanding of student growth and success from kindergarten through graduation.

As Principal of Guntersville High School, Mr. Doyle will lead the school's efforts to provide students with exceptional academic opportunities, meaningful extracurricular experiences, and a positive school culture that prepares graduates for success beyond high school. Having dedicated much of his career to serving Guntersville students and families, he is deeply committed to the continued success of the school and community.

Superintendent Dr. Brad Cooper expressed his enthusiasm for Mr. Doyle’s appointment.

“We are excited to welcome Mr. John Doyle as the next principal of Guntersville High School. Throughout this process, we were looking for someone with extensive high school leadership experience who is fully committed to the Guntersville community, and Mr. Doyle embodies both qualities. We are confident his leadership, experience, and dedication will help Guntersville High School continue to grow and build upon its tradition of excellence.”

Mr. Doyle also shared his excitement about returning to Guntersville High School.

“I am incredibly honored and excited to serve as the next principal of Guntersville High School. Guntersville has been home to my family and me for many years, and I am grateful for the opportunity to continue serving the students, staff, and community that mean so much to us.

Throughout my career, I have been blessed to serve Guntersville City Schools in a variety of roles including teacher, coach, assistant principal, and most recently as principal of Guntersville Elementary School. Each of those experiences has helped shape my belief that strong relationships, high expectations, and a commitment to excellence create the foundation for student success.

While it is difficult to leave a school and staff that I love at Guntersville Elementary, I am excited about this new chapter and the opportunity to lead Guntersville High School. One aspect that makes this transition especially meaningful is that the first group of second grade students I welcomed to Guntersville Elementary as principal will be juniors at Guntersville High School next year. Having had the privilege of watching many of these students grow over the years makes this opportunity even more special.

Guntersville High School holds a special place in our family’s heart. My wife, Beth, and I were blessed to watch both of our children, Molly and John Martin, graduate from GHS and benefit from the outstanding education, opportunities, and relationships they experienced there. Molly is now a fourth grade teacher at Cherokee Elementary School. John Martin earned a golf scholarship to Snead State Community College and then went on to earn a degree in finance from the University of Alabama at Birmingham and is currently employed with Ace Aero. The foundation they received at Guntersville High School helped prepare them for success in their careers and lives. GHS has truly been a blessing to our family, which makes this opportunity even more meaningful and personal for me.

Guntersville High School has a long standing tradition of excellence in academics, athletics, fine arts, and extracurricular activities. I look forward to working alongside our outstanding faculty, staff, students, parents, and community members to build upon that tradition and continue preparing students for success in college, careers, and life.”

Guntersville City Schools looks forward to the leadership, dedication, and commitment Mr. Doyle will bring to Guntersville High School as he begins this new chapter. His passion for Guntersville, its students, and its future make him well-positioned to continue the strong tradition of excellence at GHS.

Back by popular demand! Dr. Alicia Early returns to the BRSE National Conference to present two powerful sessions designed to inspire, challenge, and equip educators for success.

A nationally recognized leader and educator, Dr. Early brings a unique blend of expertise, energy, and practical application that resonates with teachers and school leaders alike. Her sessions are always among the conference favorites, providing attendees with innovative strategies, fresh perspectives, and meaningful takeaways they can put into practice right away.

Make plans now to join Dr. Early and discover new ways to elevate excellence in your school and district!

Nine Kentucky educators named 2027 Teacher Achievement Award winners The Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) announced nine Kentucky educators as recipients of the 2027 Kentucky Teacher Achievement Awards. These teachers are also nominees for the 2027 Kentucky Teacher of the Year Award, which will be

More great sessions!

Another outstanding session presented by Dr. Tamala Martin!

MORE great sessions joining the 2026 BRSE Conference Line-Up! Visit blueribbonschools.com for more details.

Buddy Berry, Superintendent, Eminence Independent Schools, KY
Presentation Title: Big Brand Brilliance

Presentation Description: How are you known by your students? What’s your “teacher street cred?” And most importantly… what do students say about your class when they leave your room? In today’s world, the best educators don’t just teach content — they create experiences. The most memorable classrooms have a clear identity, energy, and culture that students want to be part of.

Join this high-energy session to discover how to build your own powerful educator brand while transforming everyday lessons into engaging, unforgettable learning experiences. We’ll take a deep dive into the “Big Brands” and uncover what makes companies like Disney, Starbucks, Apple, Buc-ee’s, and even the Savannah Bananas so magnetic, memorable, and successful — then connect those same principles directly to classroom instruction.