January 7, 2020

Tuscaloosa County School System Superintendent Dr. Walter Davie and Chief School Financial Officer Mr. Danny Higdon are both announcing plans to retire in 2020. Mr. Higdon plans to retire effective March 31, 2020. Dr. Davie will retire effective May 31, 2020.

“You just know when it’s time, and for me, the timing is right,” Dr. Davie said of his decision to retire this year.

“There’s never a perfect time for this transition, but when I think about the needs and direction of the school system, this is a good time for the next Superintendent to step into this role and begin laying the groundwork for the future.”

Dr. Davie began his career in education as a classroom teacher at Crestmont Elementary School in 1990. Throughout his career, he has served as an elementary assistant principal, elementary and secondary principal, TCSS Director of Federal Programs, and TCSS Deputy Superintendent. Dr. Davie was named Acting Superintendent of the Tuscaloosa County School System in August 2015. He was selected by the Board as Superintendent in December 2015.

“I never expected I would be Superintendent, so to have this opportunity and to work alongside the people that I have, has been a great honor.”

Mr. Danny Higdon joined the Tuscaloosa County School System as Director of Finance on July 5, 2005. He has held his current position as Chief School Financial Officer since October 2012. He has enjoyed serving the school system for more than 14 years, directing financial matters for the 34 schools of the Tuscaloosa County School System. In his retirement, Mr. Higdon looks forward to spending more quality time with his four young grandchildren.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed working for the Tuscaloosa County Board of Education,” Mr. Higdon said.

“I’ve had the privilege of working with some extraordinary people that I will never forget. It has been an honor working with people who care so much about the children of Tuscaloosa County.”

Upon learning of Dr. Davie’s and Mr. Higdon’s decisions to retire, Tuscaloosa County Board of Education President Mr. Charles Orr expressed his gratitude and well wishes to both men, but also noted his regret over losing two dedicated, respected leaders within the school system.

“The Board understands and respects that for personal reasons, Dr. Davie and Mr. Higdon have each decided they wish to retire this year,” Mr. Orr said.

“Because both men have been dedicated and effective leaders for many years, their work will certainly be missed within the Tuscaloosa County School System. The Board thanks them and wishes them well in their future endeavors. The Board is also grateful Dr. Davie and Mr. Higdon have both agreed to continue serving in their roles, while the Board searches for the next Superintendent and CSFO of the Tuscaloosa County School System.”

Since Dr. Davie and Mr. Higdon just notified the Board of their plans to retire, the Board has not determined a specific timeline for filling the positions. However, Mr. Orr said the work will begin quickly and the Board will share more details when they are available.

The Tuscaloosa County School System serves approximately 18,900 students in grades pre-k through 12, across 34 schools. TCSS is the ninth-largest school system in Alabama. TCSS is the fourth-largest employer in Tuscaloosa County, with more than 2200 employees. More than 60 percent of TCSS employees hold a master’s degree or higher.