BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Jefferson County Schools Superintendent Walter Gonsoulin was named National Superintendent of the Year on Thursday at the National Conference on Education in New Orleans. He is the first Alabama superintendent to receive the honor in its 37-year history.
“To me, this is one of the greatest honors of my life,” Gonsoulin said in a press release. “As a child growing up in New Iberia, Louisiana, I never could have imagined achieving this. However, I want to be clear, while my name is on the award, I am only one part of it. I would not be in this position if it were not for the hard work of the teachers, administrators, support personnel, board members, students, and parents. They are the heartbeat of Jefferson County Schools.”
As part of the honor, Gonsoulin was given a $10,000 scholarship to award to a senior at his high school alma mater in New Iberia, La., or to a senior in Jefferson County schools.
Gonsoulin was chosen from a group of finalists representing Illinois, Arkansas and Florida. The award recognizes superintendents for their leadership, innovation, and commitment to student success.
Alabama State Superintendent Eric Mackey called the award a big moment for the entire state.
“This is a great day for Alabama,” Mackey said in a news release. “It’s a way for us to shine the light on our very best, who does so much for children on a daily basis. Of course, it’s big for Jefferson County. It’s big for Dr. Gonsoulin. But this is big for Alabama because it tells the whole country that we’ve got great people doing the right thing for kids every day. I couldn’t be more proud.”
Since becoming superintendent in 2019, Gonsoulin has focused on expanding opportunities for students. Among other initiatives, the district launched Signature Academies at each of their high schools. That led to a 357% increase in students earning industry credentials and the Class of 2024 brought in a record $108 million in scholarship offers, according to the district.
“There are going to be other districts all over the country that are going to say, ‘What is going on in Jefferson County? We need to know!’” Gonsoulin said. “We already knew we were doing the right thing. But this seals the deal.”
Jefferson County Board of Education President Ronnie Dixon said the whole district is celebrating.
“Dr. Gonsoulin is the one who leads the charge on ‘this is a family,’ and this is a family affair. From the deputy superintendents, the board, teachers, custodians, all of us are celebrating what he is representing us for.”