This year, the Tuscaloosa County School System is excited to launch TCSS University (TCSS U), a program designed to engage members of our community who are passionate about education, give them a deeper understanding of issues facing our schools, and equip them to become informed advocates for education and students in our community. Applications are being accepted for this new program, now through Friday, September 20, 2019, at 4 pm. You will find more information about the program and application process below or through this document. 

What is the purpose of TCSS U? 

• To provide members of the community with an opportunity to learn more about the Tuscaloosa County School System and its operations, including instructional and administrative services.  
• To create a sense of pride and knowledge among program graduates, enabling them to act as informed advocates for our schools. 

How will the program work? 

Members of the program will meet six times: 

Session One: Tuesday, October 22, 6 – 8 pm, TCSS Central Office 

Session Two: Tuesday, November 19, 6 – 8 pm, Maxwell Elementary School 

Session Three: Tuesday, January 14, 6 – 8 pm, Tuscaloosa County High School 

Session Four: Tuesday, February 18, 6 – 8 pm, Lloyd Wood Education Center 

Session Five: Tuesday, March 24, 6 – 8 pm, TCSS Transportation Department 

TCSS U Reception and Graduation: Monday, April 6, 4 – 6 pm, TCSS Central Office 

Sessions One through Five will focus on various aspects of our school system, and will be facilitated by TCSS leaders who work in each of these areas. Topics will include school finance, curriculum, school safety, teacher recruitment and retention, counseling, assessment and accountability, special education, transportation, facilities, child nutrition, and more. Dinner will be provided at each of the five sessions, beginning at 5:30 pm. Each session will officially begin at 6 pm.  

The final session will be a Reception and Graduation at the April 6 Tuscaloosa County Board of Education meeting. In order to graduate, a program member may miss no more than one of the October – March sessions. In addition to the regular TCSS U sessions, program members will have the opportunity to attend several other events and activities, some during regular school hours.  

How many members will be accepted to TCSS U? 

30 – 35 members. 

Who can be a part of this program?  

The purpose of TCSS U is to engage a wide variety of citizens, from all areas of Tuscaloosa County, who care about education in our community. This includes, but is not limited to, parents and guardians of TCSS students, educators, business professionals, community and civic leaders, members of non-profit organizations, and retired educators.  

Is there a cost to apply or be a part of the program? 

No.  

How do I apply? 

Applications are available at all TCSS schools. Contact your local school office for an application. You may also call (205) 758-0411 for an application. The application includes submission instructions. Applications must be received by Friday, September 20, 2019, by 4 pm. 

How will program members be selected? 

A steering committee, comprised of TCSS leaders, educators, and community members, will review applications and hold interviews. All applicants will be notified if they have been selected or not by Thursday, October 3, 2019.  

Additional questions? 

Please call (205) 758-0411 with any additional questions.