What an inspiring update at our September Chamber Luncheon today! Leeds City Schools Superintendent John Moore shared the incredible progress happening in our schools: 95% graduation rate 144 AP exam passing scores this year (up from 45 in 2017!) Nearly $70 million invested in facilities since 2008 Full-time social workers, nurses, and counselors supporting students
Family & Community Engagement Coordinator Mary Beth Lochridge added highlights of student and family programs, including: • Leeds Middle “Lodges” – giving every student a place to belong • Big Brothers/Big Sisters – more than 55 active pairs building lasting relationships • Peer Helper programs at elementary and middle schools • Parenting classes offered free to Leeds City Schools families • Summer Summit training for employees, focusing on the whole person Despite challenges like the June fire at Leeds Primary, the district continues to grow and thrive—now serving more than 2,200 students. As John Moore reminded us: “The single greatest determinant of the value of your real property is the quality of the public school. Leeds schools are thriving because this community supports them.” Thank you to Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama for sponsoring the luncheon. Many thanks to the ladies of Leeds First Methodist Church for serving our meal and to the church for hosting. Thank you to chamber diplomat Scarlett Kirkland for her assistance as well. Shown in the group photo, l. to r.: John Moore; Mary Beth Lochridge; chamber board president Steve Karr, Leeds Arts Council; chamber executive director Amy Lee; chamber board member Debbie Watkins, Bob Watkins Realty. Back row, l. to r.: chamber board members Phillip Samuels, AmFirst; Emanuel Vallejo, Kinetic; Steven Weems, First Baptist Church Leeds; and Casey Parsons, Guild Mortgage.