A familiar face at Hoover High School will be at the helm in the new year.
John Montgomery, an assistant principal at HHS, was appointed as the school’s new principal starting in January.
He succeeds longtime principal Don Hulin, who will retire in December.
Montgomery is a native of Tuscaloosa County and has served on the HHS administrative team since 2011. Prior to Hoover City Schools, he worked at Northside High School and Tuscaloosa County High School (both Tuscaloosa County Schools), Pickens County High School (Pickens County Schools), Morgan Academy, Chambers Academy and Sumter Academy.
His roles have included classroom teacher, coach, athletic director and assistant principal.
Now, as he stands prepared to assume the top spot at Alabama’s largest high school—2,950 students and 300 faculty and staff members—Montgomery believes communication will be key to his overall success. “I am very excited about being principal at Hoover High School,” he says. “Hoover has so many great programs for students. I want to be a leader of our programs and help all students reach their potential.”
Montgomery says it was early in his tenure at HHS that he noticed a special culture and climate – one that helps this large school operate as a much smaller campus. The pride and professionalism among students, faculty and staff served as motivation for Montgomery when he sought the position. “We have a very professional team. Everyone here really cares about students and puts their needs first,” he says.
At the special-called Board of Education meeting where Montgomery’s appointment became official by way of a unanimous vote, Hoover City Schools Superintendent Dr. Kathy Murphy commended Montgomery for seeking this role. “We appreciate the things you have already done to support Hoover High School and we are glad that we have chosen you,” Murphy said.
Academics, fine arts, athletics and more have put Hoover High School on the national map. Montgomery hopes to continue that legacy as he prepares to guide a school that continues to experience growth. “People look to Hoover High School to be champions in everything we do,” he says. “We always communicate to our families the many opportunities available to students starting with academies, Advanced Placement classes, our International Baccalaureate Program and the Fine Arts programs.”
The husband and father of two has spent 34 years in education. He credits many mentors and colleagues with helping prepare him for this moment in time, including outgoing principal Don Hulin.
“Mr. Hulin always took time for people; he always put students first – reminding us it was our duty to help them graduate,” Montgomery says. “I want Hoover High School to continue to be a place where students are prepared for their futures – and valued.”
