MONTGOMERY, Ala. – The Montgomery County Board of Education has completed its first performance evaluation of Superintendent Dr. Zickeyous Byrd, recognizing his first year of leadership with an overall rating of "Accomplished."
The evaluation assessed Dr. Byrd's performance across 40 indicators aligned to eight leadership standards. He earned an overall score of 4.38 out of 5 (87.5%)—the highest in the history of Montgomery Public Schools’ superintendents—reflecting the Board's assessment that district leadership exceeded expectations in most performance areas and demonstrated measurable progress.
"This evaluation shows that the board believes that we are headed in the right direction," Dr. Byrd said. "This evaluation is a reflection of the hard work that's taken place across this district. It's because of our wonderful employees, our wonderful students and parents, and we're definitely thankful."
Throughout the evaluation, board members highlighted Dr. Byrd's leadership in strengthening communication, establishing a clear vision for the district, maintaining fiscal transparency, and building collaborative relationships with students, families, employees, and community partners.
Montgomery County Board of Education President Pamela Portis said relationship-building has been one of the superintendent's greatest strengths during his first year.
"I think that Dr. Byrd has come into this district and built relationships that will last forever with the children, with the parents, with staff, with the board members," Portis said. "Once you build relationships, people don't care how much you know until they know how much you care."
Dr. Byrd emphasized that the evaluation reflects the collective efforts of employees across Montgomery Public Schools.
"It's been a long time since we've all been walking in the same direction," he said. "And it's wonderful."
Highlights from the Evaluation
The Board recognized progress in several key areas of district leadership, including:
Vision and Strategic Leadership: Establishing a clear strategic direction, implementing the district's 100-Day Plan, and providing regular progress updates.
Teaching and Learning: Expanding academic opportunities through Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), Career and Technical Education (CTE), and Dual Enrollment, while strengthening support for students through districtwide Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS).
Equity and Student Success: Increasing specialized services for students with Autism Spectrum Disorder through the addition of four language-based classrooms and new grant-funded sensory equipment.
Operations and Finance: Aligning budget priorities with classroom needs while enhancing fiscal transparency, technology infrastructure, school safety, and child nutrition services.
Governance and Board Relations: Maintaining consistent communication and collaboration with the Board of Education.
Stakeholder Engagement and Community Trust: Expanding opportunities for community engagement through public feedback initiatives, redesigned school websites, and partnerships that support students and families.
Organizational Management and Talent Development: Strengthening leadership structures across schools and district departments.
Accountability and Data Transparency: Demonstrating a commitment to sharing district progress through regular public reporting and performance updates.
In addition to recognizing areas of success, the Board identified opportunities for continued growth. Dr. Byrd welcomed the feedback as part of the district's ongoing commitment to continuous improvement.
"We're always learning. This is our first step," he said. "We're going to build upon this; this is the foundation. Again, we are never satisfied. We want to continue to improve."
As Montgomery Public Schools begins the 2026–2027 school year, district leadership remains focused on advancing student achievement, expanding college and career pathways, strengthening partnerships with families and the community, and ensuring every student has access to high-quality educational opportunities.
The Board's evaluation provides a benchmark for measuring future progress as the district continues its work to improve student outcomes and support the mission of Montgomery Public Schools.