The Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce held its 2026 State of the Schools breakfast on Tuesday, Feb. 24, at the Jackson Center.

The event drew a packed room of business leaders, educators, and community stakeholders to discuss the connection between public education, workforce development, and economic growth.

Alabama School of Cyber Technology and Engineering (ASCTE) president Matt Massey gave an update on his school, noting the growing demand for enrollment. He said the school received 430 applications for just 100 slots next year.

Massey praised Huntsville as a forward-thinking city and reminded attendees of the school’s commitment to workforce development.

“There’s no better place for this school to be. We are building the next generation of talent in the fields of cyber and engineering, and now artificial intelligence,” he said.

Jeanne Greer, the executive director for The Schools Foundation, spoke about key initiatives that the organization is supporting across the area’s school districts.

One program Greer mentioned, All Star Abilities, supports organized sports teams for students with special needs. The initiative assists with uniforms, travel expenses, banquets, and other team-related expenses.

“This is about far more than sports. It’s about belonging, dignity, and inclusion. What makes this program so powerful is that the entire school shows up,” Greer said.

She continued, “These games are one of the most joyful events in our schools. If you’ve not been to one, I highly encourage you to do so because it’ll make your year. I just went to one last week. This is community at its best.”

A new program Greer shared about was Mission: Fourth Grade, which will allow every fourth-grade student in the region to visit the U.S. Space & Rocket Center at no cost. Thanks to the initiative, teachers will also receive professional development, memberships, and STEM classroom kits from the space museum.

“There is no better place to understand our state’s role in the space race and technology innovation than right here in our Rocket City. If we want these children to live, work, and lead in Huntsville one day, we have to show them what’s possible now,” Greer said.

Dr. Melissa Shields, Alabama Assistant State Superintendent of Student Learning, gave an update from the State Department of Education. She presented data showcasing significant statewide academic improvements, particularly in math and reading.

Dr. Melissa Shields speaks to the crowd at the 2026 State of the Schools event. Photo: Huntsville/Madison Chamber of Commerce

The event concluded with a panel discussion featuring the superintendents of Huntsville City, Madison City, and Madison County schools and moderated by Shields. The superintendents discussed their districts’ successes, challenges related to technology and career readiness, and the need for continued community and business support.

Huntsville City Schools Superintendent Dr. Clarence Sutton

Sutton emphasized the unity and positive momentum in Huntsville City Schools, with the community, staff, and parents all “pulling together in the same direction.”

Sutton highlighted the district’s strategic investments in advanced technology to meet industry standards and celebrated achieving a record number of schools earning A or B grades.

“All things are working together. From the partnership to this room, from the support, from you all, from our city. Last year was a record year for Huntsville City Schools, and this year is predicted to be even better,” Sutton said.

Madison County Schools Superintendent Kenneth Kubik

Kubick celebrated Madison County Schools achieving a 91, “A” district rating for the first time in its history.

“We are very blessed, all three of us, to have outstanding educators and support professionals in our school systems. That’s what I’m most proud of,” Kubick said.

Kubick stressed the need for community partners to help invest in modern equipment for career technical programs to ensure students were workforce-ready. He also detailed new initiatives to support at-risk students, including a therapeutic mental health program for K-3 students and a dropout prevention program for high schoolers.

Through the district’s LEAP program, 20 students who were previously at risk of leaving school have already graduated.

Madison City Schools Superintendent Dr. Ed Nichols

Nichols expressed immense pride in his staff for accepting and empowering every student who walked through their doors, regardless of their background or ability.

“We don’t turn anybody away, and whoever walks in the door, we do everything we can to make you achieve dreams you never thought of,” Nichols said.

The superintendent discussed expanding career-tech programs through academies within Madison City high schools and through partnerships with local colleges. Nichols also made a case for greater awareness and public appreciation of teachers.