February 2025

Autauga County Schools has been educating students as the only public school system in the county since 1912 - that's more than 100 years of commitment to preparing students to be business and community leaders! Public education is the foundation by which we prepare the next generation of leaders, workers, and citizens who will go on to shape our world. When we invest in public education, we are not just investing in the education of individuals - we are investing in the collective success of our entire community. A well-educated population drives innovation, strengthens the economy, and fosters a sense of civic responsibility.

This storied history has been made possible by dedicated supporters of our system, who, for years and some even decades, have shown up with a straightforward question: What can we do to help? There are countless stories of people showing up and simply getting the job done for nothing more than knowing that their contributions benefit our students, giving them the chance to live out eir dreams. I couldn't be more thankful for these faithful supporters! As a former coach, I can always find the athletic parallels, so it's only fitting that the phrase "a team is only as strong as its fans" keeps running through my head. We have fans in every corner of our community; two of those groups are our school board members and our legislative delegation. I would like to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude and appreciation for their unwavering support of public education. Their commitment to ensuring that our students have access to the highest quality education possible has made an immeasurable difference in our community, and for that, I am truly thankful. 

To our school board members, your leadership, vision, and tireless advocacy on behalf of our students, families, and staff is commendable. You work diligently to ensure that our schools are not only a place of learning, but also a space where every child can thrive. The time you devote, often behind the scenes, to policy discussions, budget planning, and strategic decisions shapes the future of our district, and we are fortunate to have such a dedicated group of individuals leading the way.

To our legislative delegation, your ongoing support of public education is invaluable. The work you do at the state and local levels is vital to ensuring that our schools are well-resourced and equipped to meet the needs of all students. Your advocacy for funding, educational equity, and policies prioritizing our students' well-being and academic success is essential to our community's future. The investment you make in public education is an investment in the future of our children and, by extension, the future of our entire community.

Thank you to anyone who's ever volunteered or contributed to an ACS student, school, or staff member! I appreciate your support and unwavering dedication to our community. It is a privilege to work alongside such committed individuals and groups who share a common goal of strengthening the future of our children and our community.

Why Not Us,

Lyman Woodfin
Autauga County Schools Superintendent