Tuscaloosa School Board Extends Contract for Superintendent Daria

Mike Daria will remain at the helm of Tuscaloosa City Schools for a while longer after the board of education approved extending his contract on Tuesday night.

According to a press release from a TCS spokesperson, the board met and unanimously voted to extend Daria's contract through December 2027 - he had previously expected to retire this June.

Daria has served as superintendent since 2016, after nearly three decades within Tuscaloosa City Schools as an English teacher, assistant principal, principal, executive director of personnel, assistant superintendent, and superintendent.

In 2023, he was named State Superintendent of the Year by the School Superintendents of Alabama.

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TCS said they have been working to change his mind since he made the announcement last year while also preparing for a national search for his replacement.

“When you have the best, you want to keep the best,” said Board Chair Eric Wilson. “Dr. Daria’s leadership has been proven time and again. The academic growth, stability, and momentum we see across our system today are the result of his steady, student-focused leadership.”

As the Thread has reported, scores on Alabama State Department of Education Report Cards have steadily climbed at TCS schools in the last several years under Daria's direction. He has also championed requiring a plan for all TCS students after graduation - higher education, employment or enlistment.

Board Co-Chair Marvin Lucas praised Daria’s ability to extend the reach of the school system beyond the classroom.

“Dr. Daria understands that public education does not exist in isolation,” Lucas said. “His ability to connect our schools with community partners, industry leaders, and organizations across the state has brought meaningful opportunities to our students and strengthened the district as a whole.”

Dr. Daria said he is grateful for the Board’s support and remains committed to the work ahead.

“I am honored by the Board’s confidence and deeply proud of what our students, educators, and community have accomplished together,” Daria said. “The progress we’ve made belongs to our entire school community, and I look forward to continuing this important work in the years ahead.”

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