By Staff Reports

VALLEY HEAD, Ala.— Democrat Bill Monroe officially kicked off his campaign for DeKalb County Superintendent of Education this week. Monroe will face Republican Dr. Jason Barnett in the 2016 Election.

Minus a challenger in the Democrat Primary, Monroe has remained quiet so far in the race for superintendent so far, choosing to delay his official announcement to avoid the spotlight cast by the heated Republican Primary race.

Monroe is an experienced educator, and is in his 14th year as Principal at Valley Head High School after serving three years as Elementary Principal at the same school.  Before moving to Valley Head, Monroe taught and coached at Sylvania.

When making his announcement, Monroe stated, “My main focus is to provide opportunities for students.  We can improve the quality of life for everyone in DeKalb County – and, it begins with Education.”

“One of the most disappointing things to me is when our children have to leave DeKalb to find a job making a decent wage, or any job.  I have a 3-pronged plan that I want to put in place with Educators, business leaders, and the larger community,” Monroe added.

In outlining his plan, Monroe said he wished to 1) vastly improve technology in the classroom, 2) prepare students so they are career ready or college ready depending on their chosen path, and, 3) build partnerships between the school system and the community so we can mutually invest in each other.

“Most DeKalb County high schools are involved in dual enrollment with Northeast Alabama Community College.  I want to strengthen that relationship and take greater advantage of a remarkable resource we have with the college,” Monroe said. “There are grant funds available from various sources both public and private.  We will actively seek them to provide these initiatives.”

In addition to his wealth of experience, Monroe received a BS Degree with a History major and Chemistry minor from Jacksonville State University.  He completed a Master of Arts from the University of Alabama.  He is also a graduate of Geraldine High School.

Bill is married to Marilyn W. Monroe and they have one son, Clay, who is a graduate of Jacksonville State University.  The Monroe’s attend Skirum Baptist Church where he is a deacon, Sunday School teacher, and Church Treasurer.