MADISON – Three Madison campuses are enjoying awards for exceptional strategies and practices as CLAS Schools of Distinction.

CLAS abbreviates Council for Leaders in Alabama Schools, which was founded in 1969.

James Clemens High School, Liberty Middle School and Mill Creek Elementary School received the CLAS honor for 2020. In additional recognition, James Clemens and Mill Creek are a 2020 CLAS Banner School for their grade level in District 8 of State School Board Districts in Alabama.

Since 1969, CLAS has focused on children, while providing high quality professional development and other needs for schools and system administrators. As Alabama’s premier school leader organization, CLAS represents 4,000-plus members.

Created in 2001, the CLAS Banner School program recognizes schools that showcase outstanding programs and service to students. Superintendents nominated each school for this award with 138 nominees statewide.

CLAS serves 11 affiliate organizations that represent each type of administrator in Alabama’s schools: principals of elementary, middle and secondary schools; district superintendents; curriculum development; special education; attendance and support services; child nutrition; personnel; career/technical; English learners and 504 coordinators of state and federal disability discrimination laws. (clasleaders.org)

The mission of CLAS is to coordinate and facilitate resources of all members for advancement of public education. Consistently, CLAS members choose quality professional development as the most important function of the umbrella organization.

CLAS membership is open to individuals who hold or are seeking positions in school administration. CLAS’ affiliate organizations provide job-alike conferences.

Dr. Vic Wilson, CLAS executive director, congratulated “these wonderful Alabama public schools, which provide excellent examples of the significant learning opportunities taking place in public education in Alabama. Further, the stakeholders at every school are to be commended for striving for excellence daily.”

CLAS sponsors include LEAN Frog, the program’s keystone partner, and foundation partners American Fidelity Assurance, Classworks, Curriculum Associates, Edgenuity and Lathan Associates Architects P.C.

For more information, visit clasleaders.org.