Superintendent
As superintendent of Huntsville City Schools, ChristieĀ FinleyĀ is a third-generation educator with more than 25Ā years of experience in public education. Ā
She embraces a core belief in the power of innovation, which is representative of the city and stakeholders she serves. This innovative spirit is embedded within the districtās strategic plan that serves as the systemās roadmap for the future.Ā Whether it is partnering with ADTRAN and Huntsville Utilities to provideĀ wifiĀ to all children or ensuring the district met its required one-month reserve while limiting impacts on classrooms, Finley is focused on finding solutions as she serves students.Ā
In collaboration with her leadership team, Finley wasĀ able to guide the Board to earning partial unitary status in its desegregation case, which marks the first time the district has received a partial green factor in the more thanĀ 55-yearĀ history of the case.Ā
Finley believes in the power of collaboration to promote student achievement. She has partnered with The Schools Foundation and the Creative Cities Fund for the Committee of 100 to help increase the number of teachers within the district who engage in the National Board Certification process. She has alsoĀ strengthened existing partnerships, such as with the Aviation and Missile Center (AvMC).Ā
FinleyĀ receivedĀ theĀ 2019/2020Ā Sustainer of the Year Award from the Junior League of HuntsvilleĀ for her leadership and commitment to the organization. SheĀ wasĀ alsoĀ recognized by the School SuperintendentsĀ of AlabamaĀ (SSA)Ā inĀ February 2020 with theĀ Legislative Engagement Award for her collaborative efforts and partnerships with state legislators. Additionally, she was named the SSA Superintendent of the Year for District 9.Ā
During her career in Huntsville City Schools, Finley has served in a variety of roles including school principal, Director of Secondary Programs, and Deputy SuperintendentĀ of Strategy and Innovation.Ā
SheĀ earnedĀ her undergraduate degree from Auburn University andĀ began her career in education asĀ a high school socialĀ studiesĀ teacherĀ at Bob Jones High School. She completed her masterās degree from Alabama A&M University in schoolĀ counseling,Ā and,Ā while working as a counselor, she earnedĀ herĀ educational leadership degreeĀ from the University of South Alabama. Ā
She is a proud parent of a Huntsville City Schools student and believes in the HCS mission of inspiring, engaging, and empowering all students to become creative problem solvers, active citizens, and lifelong learners.