By Barnett Wright | The Birmingham Times
Mark Sullivan, Ed.D, superintendent of Birmingham City Schools, has been selected as the 2025–26 Alabama Education Association Outstanding Superintendent of the Year.
Sullivan, who has served as superintendent since 2020, received the award following a vote of his peers. The honor recognizes superintendents for professional achievement, innovation that supports schools, efforts to promote public education, and leadership that enhances the image of educators.
“I’m honored to be recognized by my peers and the Alabama Education Association,” Sullivan said. “But no single individual can take credit for the growing success of Birmingham City Schools. What’s happening here is the result of a school board that continues to set the right tone, a faculty and staff laser-focused on getting results, students and families doing their part, and a city and community that have invested in our schools like never before.”
Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin, long an advocate of city schools and Sullivan, said he “couldn’t be more proud.”
“[Dr. Sullivan’s] vision and passion for our students have had a transformative effect across Birmingham City Schools,” said the mayor. “His hard work, paired with commitment from teachers, parents, staff, school board, has elevated our approach to education. The City of Birmingham is honored to partner with Superintendent Sullivan, and we continue to cheer him on, just as he cheers on our students.”
Under Sullivan’s leadership, Birmingham City Schools has made several notable accomplishments, including:
- Executing a comprehensive academic improvement plan focused on early literacy, instructional support, and data-driven decision-making to increase student achievement across Birmingham City Schools. This included working with community and professional partners to identify needs, and it has produced results, including Birmingham City Schools’ highest grade ever on the Alabama State Department of Education Report Card.
- Restructuring the organization and developing a long-term strategic plan to strengthen the school system and improve academic outcomes.
- Expanding college and career pathways, partnerships and postsecondary opportunities to better prepare students for success after high school. This included expanding Early College opportunities for all high school students and working strategically with area public colleges to increase access to professional credentials, job preparation and undergraduate degrees.
- Advancing equity-centered policies and resource allocation to ensure all students have access to high-quality instruction, support services, and safe learning environments. This included a holistic approach addressing not only student academic needs, but also social and emotional support with the availability of additional counselors.
Sullivan has worked in Birmingham City Schools for 30 years, including four years as a teacher and 26 years in administrative roles at both the school and district levels. He has received numerous honors, including the Birmingham Metro NAACP Trailblazer Award and the Birmingham Educator of the Year Award in 2023.
“This is such a well-deserved honor for Dr. Sullivan,” said Sherman Collins, president of the Birmingham Board of Education. “His outstanding leadership has helped Birmingham City Schools make historic progress, and his work has made a tremendous difference in the lives of our students. I’m thrilled to congratulate Dr. Sullivan on behalf of the entire board.”
The honor for Sullivan comes less than a year after Jefferson County schools chief Walter Gonsoulin, Ed.D was named by the AASA, the School Superintendents Association as National Superintendent of the Year and U.S. News & World Report named Gonsoulin to its list of 2025 Best Leaders.
