Governing Board

2026-27 Governing Board Members

As mandated by the State Legislature and the Alabama Department of Education, the Athens State University Regional In-Service Center (Athens State RIC) operates under the direction and authority of a Governing Board. According to the Bylaws of the Athens State RIC Governing Board, the board should include eight classroom teachers, four administrators, two Institution of Higher Education employees, one State Department of Education employee, and one school board member. Board members serve staggered three-year terms and are eligible for one re-appointed term.

Peggy Baggett – Chairperson
School Board Member
Decatur City Schools

Kayla Usery
Elkmont High School
Limestone County Schools

Shannon Hollingsworth
Susan Moore Elementary
Blount County Schools

Beth Patton
Superintendent
Athens City Schools

Dr. Lourdes Smith
College of Education
Athens State University

Dr. Tim Thornton – Co-Chair
College of Education
Athens State University

Lyndsay Heatherly
Speake Elementary
Lawrence County Schools

Toni Bailey
Elementary Curriculum Director
Athens City Schools

Courtney Speciale
East Elementary School
Cullman City Schools

Crystal Webster
Hatton Elementary School
Lawrence County Schools

Christy Anders
Union Hill Elementary
Morgan County Schools

Jennifer Woods
Oneonta Elementary School
Oneonta City Schools

Jamie Watts
Austin Middle School
Decatur Clty Schools

Ashly Johnston
Hartselle High School
Hartselle City Schools

Danny Weaver
Holly Pond Middle
Cullman County Schools

Dr. Courtney Wilburn
Office of School Improvement
ALSDE