The Huntsville City Schools Board of Education oversees one of Alabama’s largest school systems, making decisions that affect thousands of students, families, and educators.

Ahead of the 2026 Huntsville municipal election, which will take place on Aug. 25, 2026, the Huntsville Business Journal invited every Board of Education candidate to answer the same question:

What do you see as the single most important issue facing Huntsville City Schools, and if elected, how would you work to address it?

The responses below are presented in the candidates’ own words, with only minor edits for AP style, grammar, and length where appropriate.

Board of Education District 2

Holly McCarty

“In my opinion, the most pressing concern facing Huntsville City Schools is ensuring that every investment has real classroom results that benefit all students. The Capital Plan addresses facility needs across the district, but we also must focus on what happens in those school buildings, including the programs and instruction students receive. Every student deserves access to high-quality instruction that will engage and motivate them.

The best way to achieve this goal is by investing in our educators and offering innovative programming that inspires every child. I believe that every student should have a teacher, a class, or a program that inspires them, enriches them, and enables them to envision a prosperous future. Programs such as the Artemis Virtual Academy and the Career Technology Center already give students meaningful pathways to explore their future.

I’m proud of the progress of Huntsville City Schools and I look forward to continuing to keep student success at the center of every decision made. I will continue to support investments that improve student outcomes and support teachers.”

Holly McCarty is a Huntsville native, attorney, and former prosecutor who has represented District 2 on the Huntsville City Board of Education since 2022. She currently serves as the board’s Third Presiding Officer.

Matt Woolsey

“The biggest issue facing District 2 is ensuring Huntsville City Schools grows alongside our community. Huntsville continues to welcome new families, but too many are choosing educational options outside our public schools. I believe our goal shouldn’t simply be to manage enrollment; it should be to earn it.

If elected, I’ll focus on transparent long-term planning that prepares for future growth, invests in outstanding teachers, and creates more opportunities for students through strong academics, athletics, career pathways, and innovative programs. Every decision should answer one question:

Will this make Huntsville City Schools the school system families choose? If we provide an exceptional and accessible educational experience in every school that families can depend on, enrollment will grow, our schools will become stronger, and our entire city will benefit.”

Matt Woolsey is a history teacher and wrestling coach at the Alabama School of Cyber Technology and Engineering. A retired U.S. Army officer, he and his wife, an elementary school principal, have two children enrolled in Huntsville City Schools.

Board of Education District 3

Robert “Coach P” Person

“Huntsville’s rapid growth is both an opportunity and a challenge for our schools. Every new neighborhood and business brings more students, increasing the demand for classrooms, teachers, transportation, and resources. If we don’t plan carefully, growth can lead to overcrowding, frequent rezoning, and added strain on educators, all of which can impact student learning.

That’s why I believe the most important issue facing Huntsville City Schools is managing growth while improving academic outcomes. Every board decision, whether it‘s budgeting, facilities, staffing or attendance zones, should be guided by one question: Will this improve student learning?

Our focus must remain on increasing reading and math proficiency because those skills are the foundation for lifelong success. With thoughtful planning, responsible financial stewardship, and support for our teachers, Huntsville’s growth can strengthen our schools instead of stretching them thin. Our goal should be to ensure every student, in every neighborhood, has access to a high-quality education.”

Robert “Coach P” Person recently retired after more than 30 years with Huntsville City Schools, where he served as a teacher and coach.

Payten Redfearn

“One of the most important issues facing Huntsville City Schools is restoring trust.

Families, teachers, staff, and taxpayers all need to know that decisions are being made with accurate information, honest communication, and a laser focus on helping every student reach their full potential. That starts with leadership at every level.

Teachers lead classrooms. Principals lead schools. The superintendent manages the district. The Board’s role is to set direction, provide oversight, approve the budget, and hold the system accountable.

As a parent, Army veteran, and business leader, I have spent my career in roles where decisions had to be backed by facts, measurable results, and accountability.

That is the approach I would bring to the Board: ask tough questions, insist on accurate information before major decisions, and make sure the community understands not just what decisions are being made, but why.

Trust is earned when people can see the work.”

Payten Redfearn is a 21-year U.S. Army veteran and former contracting officer and division chief. He is the father of three children enrolled in Huntsville City Schools.