Dr. Lewis Brooks serves as Superintendent of the Shelby County School District. Known for his calm demeanor and measured approach, Dr. Brooks works diligently to uphold the district’s vision of achieving academic excellence and post-graduate success for the district’s more than 21,000 students.
Leading the seventh largest school district in the State of Alabama, Dr. Brooks supports Shelby County’s largest workforce of 2,800 employees who work in thirty-one schools and other departmental sites, including its central office in Columbiana.
Throughout his 32-year career in public education, Dr. Brooks has served with distinction at all levels from teacher to administrator. His prior positions also include serving as the district’s Deputy Superintendent and the Assistant Superintendent of Administration, during which he implemented a series of progressive initiatives to enhance safety and student learning.
Dr. Brooks began serving as Superintendent in 2018 and was re-elected in 2022 for a second term. During his tenure, he has led Shelby County Schools through several challenges including a global pandemic and the aftermath of a tornado. He has ensured that teaching and learning continue to be the primary focus as student achievement data continues to trend upward. Under Dr. Brooks’ leadership, the district has undertaken a $43 million dollar capital campaign project, providing classroom upgrades and facility improvements throughout the district. He has fostered innovation through instructional initiatives, including a new surgical technician program, and has broadened partnerships with colleges and universities to increase the number of dual enrollment class offerings for high school students.
Dr. Brooks has received numerous awards for his service to public education including the Samford University Learning for Life Award, the Alabama Association of Prevention and Support Services Leadership Award, and the University of Montevallo Distinguished Alumni Award. He was inducted into the University of Montevallo Student Athlete Hall of Fame and named a Superintendent to Watch by the National School Public Relations Association. He was recently honored as the 2022 Public Servant of the Year by the Greater Shelby County Chamber of Commerce. This year, in recognition of his exemplary achievement in educational leadership, Dr. Brooks was named District Superintendent of the Year for District Five of the State Superintendent’s Association (SSA).
Dr. Brooks holds a doctorate in Instructional Leadership from Samford University, and he earned his education specialist, master’s, and undergraduate degrees from the University of Montevallo. An avid supporter of lifelong learning, he serves as a member and presenter for the American Association of School Librarians (AASL) School Leader Collaborative.
With “What is Best for Students” as his guiding principle, Dr. Brooks remains dedicated to academic progress, leadership development, educational innovation, community partnerships and building a culture where all students are inspired to excel.
