Dear Parents, Students, and Community Members,

Welcome back to a brand-new school year! As we begin the 2025–2026 academic year, I am honored to introduce myself as the new Superintendent of Lauderdale County Schools. While I may be new to this role in our district, I bring with me a wealth of experience and a strong commitment to the success of every student. I may not always make decisions that please everyone, but I promise to always listen, to learn, and to lead with the goal of supporting students and achieving Tiger Excellence.

Our dedicated teachers and staff have been hard at work preparing for your return. Over the summer, our teachers have been busy designing meaningful lesson plans, engaging in professional development, and preparing their classrooms for dynamic learning experiences. Meanwhile, our maintenance and custodial teams have been cutting grass, trimming shrubs, deep cleaning buildings, and ensuring our campuses are safe, clean, and ready to inspire learning.

We’re also proud to share several exciting facility upgrades across the district. Improvements include new roofing, renovated bathrooms, enhanced athletic facilities, and improved safety through the closure of Knee Street at the intersections of Washington, Jefferson, and Armory. The new main entrance for Ripley High School will be off of Jefferson Street. These changes are part of our ongoing commitment to provide a safe and welcoming environment for all students.

We’re excited to welcome all students back to school on Tuesday, August 5, 2025. Please note that Pre-K and Kindergarten students will follow a phase-in schedule. Families should check with their individual schools for specific start dates and procedures for these grade levels.

In preparation for the new school year, we have also posted an updated bus itinerary on our district website. We encourage all families to review this information in advance to ensure a smooth and safe start to each day.

Attendance matters. Every day a student is present is another opportunity to grow, learn, and succeed. We encourage all families to prioritize regular school attendance—because every day counts toward a brighter future.

To support our students in learning and health, we continue to offer free breakfast and lunch for all students. Proper nutrition plays a vital role in academic success, and we’re proud to ensure every child has access to healthy meals every day.

As we move into this new school year, I invite each of you—families, students, and community members—to partner with us. Together, we will face challenges, celebrate achievements, and build a district that reflects the best of who we are.

Thank you for your continued support and commitment to Lauderdale County Schools. Let’s make 2025–2026 our best year yet! Go Tigers!

Sincerely,
Selina Sparkman
Superintendent
Lauderdale County Schools