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Tuscaloosa Schools Pause Superintendent Search, Extend Current Leader
The Board of Education will vote to keep Dr. Mike Daria as superintendent after he previously announced plans to retire.
Feb. 5, 2026 at 11:15pm
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Tuscaloosa City Schools has stopped its search for a new superintendent and will instead vote to extend the contract of current superintendent Dr. Mike Daria, who had previously announced plans to retire in June 2026. The school board cited Dr. Daria's 30-year tenure with the district and his leadership on key initiatives as reasons for keeping him on.
Why it matters
Maintaining continuity of leadership is seen as essential for Tuscaloosa City Schools to continue its recent progress, including the formation of the Saban Center and strengthening community partnerships. Dr. Daria's long experience with the district is viewed as valuable for sustaining the district's current trajectory.
The details
Dr. Daria had announced plans in May 2025 to retire in June 2026, allowing time for a national search for his replacement. However, the Tuscaloosa Board of Education has now decided to extend Dr. Daria's contract, citing his 30-year tenure with the district in various roles including teacher, principal, and assistant superintendent before becoming superintendent in 2016.
- Dr. Daria announced plans to retire in June 2026 in May 2025.
- The Tuscaloosa Board of Education will vote on a proposed contract extension for Dr. Daria at their next meeting on February 10, 2026.
The players
Dr. Mike Daria
The current superintendent of Tuscaloosa City Schools, who has spent 30 years with the district in various roles including teacher, principal, and assistant superintendent before becoming superintendent in 2016.
Tuscaloosa Board of Education
The governing body of Tuscaloosa City Schools that will vote on extending Dr. Daria's contract as superintendent.
Eric Wilson
The chair of the Tuscaloosa Board of Education.
What they’re saying
“From the moment Dr. Daria announced his plans to retire, the Board has been trying to convince him not to leave. From our perspective, he is the best superintendent in Alabama, and Tuscaloosa City Schools needs his continued service.”
— Eric Wilson, Board Chair, Tuscaloosa Board of Education
“I am deeply grateful for the Board's confidence and support. The progress we have made is the result of the hard work of our teachers, staff, students, families, and community partners. I believe strongly in the direction we are headed, and I am honored to continue serving the Tuscaloosa City Schools during this important time.”
— Dr. Mike Daria
What’s next
The Tuscaloosa Board of Education will vote on a proposed contract extension for Dr. Mike Daria at their next regularly scheduled meeting on February 10, 2026.
The takeaway
Maintaining experienced leadership is seen as crucial for Tuscaloosa City Schools to build on recent progress, including key community partnerships and a focus on early literacy. The school board's decision to extend Dr. Daria's tenure as superintendent reflects the value they place on continuity during this important time for the district.
