Dr Eric Mackey

Great start to the morning — I attended a student prayer breakfast in Huntsville with students from Madison City Schools including Bob Jones, James Clemens, and a few middle schoolers — appreciate the invitation from Jamie Mackey from First Baptist, Huntsville

Over 88% of 3rd Graders in Alabama are reading on or above grade level 🎉

Had the opportunity to take a quick lunch-time tour of Camp MAC with Allen McBride on my way back to Montgomery today.

Camp MAC is doing more than providing students with a fun outdoor experience — they’re helping young people develop important life skills, including communication, teamwork, problem-solving, leadership and responsibility.

These are skills students will carry with them into the classroom, their communities and, ultimately, the workforce. Creating opportunities for young people to learn and grow in a fun, engaging environment is an important part of preparing Alabama’s future workforce.

Appreciate Allen and the Camp MAC team for investing in Alabama’s young people and helping them build skills that will serve them well for years to come! And, hopefully I can visit again when campers are there!

Welcome back, students — A new school year means new opportunities, new challenges and new possibilities.

To our teachers, administrators, bus drivers, counselors, support staff and families: thank you for everything you do to help Alabama’s students learn, grow and succeed!

Let’s make this our best year yet! 🍎📚🚌

Today marks an exciting milestone for Lauderdale County and the Shoals as we celebrate the opening of the Lauderdale County Innovation Center in Florence. President Pro Temp Dr Allen Long, Assistant State Superintendent for Career and Technical Education and Workforce Development Dodd Hawthorne, and I along with Senators Melson and Livingston, the Lauderdale County Delegation, numerous state and local dignitaries including Superintendent Jerry Hill, school board members and other officials attended today’s event.

This facility represents far more than a new building—it is an investment in students, workforce development, and the future of our community. By providing students with access to innovative learning opportunities and hands-on career pathways, the Innovation Center will help prepare the next generation for success in high-demand careers while strengthening our local and state economy.

Thank you to the many state, local, and federal officials, community leaders, educators, business and industry partners, and supporters whose vision, collaboration, and commitment made this project possible. Great things happen when communities come together with a shared purpose.

Congratulations to everyone who helped bring this vision to life. The impact of the Lauderdale County Innovation Center will be felt for generations to come.

There is something special about the start of a new school year. It brings renewed purpose, fresh opportunities, and the chance to make a lasting difference in the life of a child.

Great being at the Dale County Schools Back-to-School Institute alongside Member Tracie West and spending time with the remarkable team that makes education possible every day—teachers, administrators, bus drivers, Child Nutrition Program staff, custodians, paraprofessionals, office staff, and so many others. Appreciate the leadership of Dale County Superintendent — and Alabama Superintendent of the Year — Ben Baker.

Thank you to Ben Baker and the entire team at Dale County Schools for your unwavering commitment to serving students with excellence. The work you do extends far beyond the classroom. You inspire dreams, build confidence, open doors to opportunity, and help prepare the next generation of leaders. Wishing each of you a school year filled with purpose, joy, and the knowledge that your impact will be felt for years to come.

It’s Tee Shirt Tuesday and today I am wearing a tee shirt from Saks Elementary School, part of Calhoun County Schools.

It was an honor to return to Calhoun County today where my own teaching journey began 34 years ago — thank you to Superintendent Tony Willis for the invitation to speak at the Calhoun County Back-to-School Institute. Member Marie Manning also spoke during the institute.

Enjoyed catching up with former students and colleagues today including Sheriff Falon Hurst. Great seeing district board members, county commissioners, law enforcement, and other local officials at today’s event supporting the schools.

To all the teachers, administrators, bus drivers, CNP staff, administrators, and other staff members beginning a new school year: thank you for investing your hearts, your talents, and your time in the next generation. The impact you make today will be felt for years to come, often in ways you’ll never fully see.

Had a great time visiting with Jeff Norris today as a guest on the very first episode of his new podcast, From Moment to Momentum. Excited to see where this journey leads—congratulations on the launch!

Enjoyed speaking to Randy Scott from Alabama Public Television about the upcoming school year and incredible improvements in education across our state — the interview will air this weekend