“We are excited to welcome Dr. Zickeyous Byrd as our new Superintendent. His extensive experience, unwavering dedication to students, and leadership capabilities make him the ideal candidate to lead Montgomery Public Schools into the future.”
-Arica Smith - Board President
The Montgomery County Board of Education officially selected Dr. Zickeyous Byrd as the next superintendent of Montgomery Public Schools (MPS), following a comprehensive search process supported by HYA. Byrd succeeds Dr. Melvin Brown, who resigned in September of 2024, and stepped into his new role with a clear mandate to build on district strengths while addressing the evolving challenges in K-12 education.
Dr. Byrd brings to this role a wealth of leadership experience, including his service as superintendent of Selma City Public Schools in Alabama. He has proven his ability to lead in complex, demanding environments and to foster positive outcomes for students, educators, and communities. The Board’s decision was unanimous, and Board President Arica Smith expressed confidence in Byrd’s fit for the district’s vision.
HYA is committed to leading a search process designed to be rigorous, transparent, and responsive to stakeholder input. Board members, educators, families, and community leaders were engaged at multiple points to shape the profile for the new superintendent and to vet finalists. This approach ensured that the board could make an informed decision rooted in the community’s top priorities.
For school districts considering a partner for executive searches, the Montgomery County engagement highlights HYA’s ability to guide boards through a comprehensive, transparent, and stakeholder-informed process. By leveraging our expertise, districts gain access to a slate of high-quality candidates, streamlined evaluation processes, and professional support that ensures an efficient and confident hiring experience.
As Dr. Byrd steps in to lead Montgomery Public Schools, the district has gained a leader who understands the educational context of Alabama, has led in challenging settings, and is committed to engaging the entire community. For HYA, this successful placement reinforces our commitment to matching districts with leaders who can make an immediate impact while building long-term capacity for excellence.
Need Leadership Capacity? HYA Can Help.
HYA’s superintendent and cabinet search services empower districts to recruit and build strong, student-focused leadership teams through a transparent, community-driven process, reducing the burden on HR staff while helping ensure long-term organizational success. Contact us today to learn more about our search services.
