As Butler County students are graduating and preparing for the next chapter of their lives, so is one local administrator.

Dr. Tera Simmons, director of curriculum for the Butler County School System, has been named assistant superintendent of Hoover City Schools.

Simmons, who served as a teacher, assistant principal and principal before joining the Central Office staff, will be reunited with Dr. Kathy Murphy, a former principal and administrator with the Butler County School System.

“I love Butler County Schools and am very appreciative for the opportunities that I have been afforded,” said Simmons. “However, I am extremely excited for the opportunity to work in Hoover City Schools. I believe in the core mission of Hoover, which is to provide an exemplary education to each child enrolled.  Hoover has been rated as the ‘Safest School District in Alabama,’ ‘the Best School District in Alabama’ and one of the ‘Best Places to Teach in Alabama.’ I am also elated for the opportunity to work with Dr. Kathy Murphy. It is my desire to make a positive difference any place the Lord leads me.”

Murphy said she is excited to have Simmons join the Hoover City Schools staff.

“I had the privilege of working with Dr. Simmons when I served as an administrator in the Butler County Schools System,” she said. “Dr. Simmons is a competent administrator who is committed to nurturing students and supporting their personal and academic growth. Dr. Simmons understands there are no shortcuts in educating children and leading school districts. She knows the work, takes initiative and accepts accountability. Dr. Simmons is people oriented and task focused, which is a terrific approach to the work that lies before her. She is a quality person and a highly regarded educator. We are blessed to have Dr. Simmons join us at one of the top rated and most successful school districts in this state, Hoover City Schools.”

Simmons, a graduate of Greenville High School, has spent her entire career in education with the Butler County School System.

Butler County Schools Superintendent Amy Bryan said Simmons will be missed.

“Dr. Simmons is a graduate of Butler County Schools so, of course, we are proud for her to have this opportunity,” said Bryan. “If we have to lose her to anyone, I am excited that it is to work with our own Dr. Kathy Murphy in Hoover. They will be a dynamic duo! We, on the other hand, will lose one of the kindest and most dedicated team members. Dr. Simmons has been a fantastic teacher, assistant principal, principal, and district-level administrator. She’s been loved and respected in every position held and I am positive that Hoover will embrace her leadership and be better for it.”