MADISON – Some people were satisfied, but many others knew the community deserved better. The rest is history, and Madison children have been the winners.

Fifteen years ago, the Madison City Schools district was founded. To celebrate, Madison City Council of PTAs will host an anniversary celebration on April 5 at 6:30 p.m. at James Clemens High School.

Students will showcase work “in the ‘4 A’s’ — academics, arts, athletics and achievements, all centered around our theme, ‘We are sitting in the shade because someone planted a tree long ago,'” PTA council president Sonja Griffith said.

Student musical groups will entertain. Guests can enjoy light refreshments.

In the auditorium, original members of the Madison Education Committee will be introduced. A video will document school history. “Students from all 11 schools will be actively involved in both portions of the program,” Griffith said.

Superintendent Dr. Dee Fowler said the district evolved when “expectations of the City of Madison were not the same expectations of Madison County Schools. The difference in those expectations led to the birth of Madison City Schools.” (quotes from 2013 Madison Chamber of Commerce Directory)

Fowler has served as superintendent since January 2007.

“Madison County Schools offered a very good education, but residents of Madison wanted to go to great,” Fowler said. “Financial barriers prevented Madison County from allowing Madison to assume the expectations we wanted.”

“Trying to meet the needs of every child individually separates us from other school districts,” Fowler said.

In the early 1990s, the Madison Education Committee led planning for a separate municipal district. Original members were Kim Whitworth, Hurcey Toney, Verna Wilkerson, Valerie McGlaughlin and Marc Jacobson, who will be recognized at the celebration.

Committee presidents were Jacobson, Debbie Overcash and Larry Smith. “We’ll also recognize all of the people that served on the committees over several years (required) to form the school system, including school PTA presidents and council appointments,” Griffith said.

For more information, call 256-325-0855, email to madisoncitypta@gmail.com or visit Facebook/Madison City PTA.