Dr. Todd Freeman, superintendent of Vestavia Hills City Schools, has been named Alabama’s 2026 Superintendent of the Year by the State Superintendents of Alabama (SSA). The recognition highlights Freeman’s ongoing contributions to public education and leadership within one of the state’s high-performing school districts.
Vestavia Hills City Schools congratulated Freeman on social media for being recognized as a finalist by the organization.
“We’re proud to share that our superintendent, Dr. Todd Freeman, has been named a 2026 Alabama Superintendent of the Year Finalist! Finalists were chosen from nominations submitted to the School Superintendents of Alabama (SSA) from across the state. Congratulations, Dr. Freeman, on this well-deserved recognition!”
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Freeman has served as the seventh superintendent of Vestavia Hills City Schools since March 2018. During his tenure, the district has launched a new set of strategic goals, renewed its accreditation, and carried out a district-wide restructuring and rezoning plan. That effort included the opening of three new campuses: Vestavia Hills Elementary Dolly Ridge, the new Louis Pizitz Middle School campus, and the Vestavia Hills High School Freshman Campus.
Prior to his role in Vestavia Hills, Freeman led Sylacauga City Schools in east Alabama. There, he oversaw the development of a strategic plan and the extension of an ad valorem tax, which helped fund multiple capital improvement projects. The district also expanded offerings in fine arts, career and technical education, and early childhood education under his leadership.
Freeman brings more than three decades of experience in public education. He began his career as a social studies teacher at Auburn High School, later serving as Auburn City Schools’ Executive Director of Operations and Administrative Services before returning to Auburn High School as principal in 2010.
A native of Clay County, Alabama, Freeman holds degrees from Jacksonville State University and Auburn University, along with a doctorate in educational leadership from Valdosta State University.
Sherri Blevins is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at [email protected].
