Hoover City Schools is proud to announce Scott Mitchell as the district’s Chief Administrative Officer. With 27 years of dedicated service within Hoover City Schools, he brings extensive experience, strong leadership, and a deep understanding of the district’s operations and culture.

Mitchell has served the district in a variety of roles, including classroom teacher at Trace Crossings and Riverchase Elementary Schools, assistant principal at Deer Valley Elementary, and principal of Brock’s Gap Intermediate School. As the district’s longest-serving active principal, he has focused on building a strong school culture, supporting teachers, and creating opportunities for student growth and success.

Under his leadership, Brock’s Gap has consistently demonstrated high levels of academic performance, earning consecutive State Report Card scores of 98, 99, and 100. The school has also received recognition at the state and national levels, including designation as a National School of Character and a National Green Ribbon School. Click here to read more about Mr. Mitchell.

Hoover City Schools is proud to announce Leah Colley as the principal of Deer Valley Elementary School for the upcoming school year. With 21 years of experience in education, she brings a strong background in teaching and instructional leadership in the elementary school setting.

Mrs. Colley began her career as a first-grade teacher, later teaching second grade and serving as an instructional coach and reading specialist. She has served as an assistant principal in Tuscaloosa County before joining Hoover City Schools and currently serves as the assistant principal at Shades Mountain Elementary School, where she has supported students, staff, and school initiatives for the past three years. 

During her time at Shades Mountain Elementary, she has been part of the leadership team that helped the school earn National Blue Ribbon recognition and i-Ready Super Stretch School honors for two consecutive years, and has helped develop a culture of trust and positivity among students and faculty. Click here to read more about Mrs. Colley.

Hoover City Schools is proud to announce Dr. Sherita Williams as the principal of Riverchase Elementary School, bringing more than 30 years of educational experience. She will join the Riverchase family from Greystone Elementary School, where she has served as assistant principal for the past 10 years.

Throughout her career, Dr. Williams has served as an elementary teacher, math tutor, reading and math intervention teacher, and school administrator. She brings 15 years of elementary leadership experience from her time as an assistant principal at Greystone and South Shades Crest Elementary School, along with two additional years of K-8 administrative experience in Sumter County. As an assistant principal in Hoover City Schools, she has participated in the district’s Aspiring Principals Academy, a leadership development program designed to prepare future principals. 

In 2025, Dr. Williams was recognized as the Alabama NAESP National Outstanding Assistant Principal District IV Nominee, reflecting her commitment to instructional leadership and student success. She is also an active member of the Council for Leaders in Alabama Schools (CLAS), the Alabama Association of Elementary School Administrators (AAESA), and the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP). Click here to read more about Dr. Williams.

Hoover City Schools is proud to announce Aldric Bennett as assistant principal of South Shades Crest Elementary School. As a dedicated educator and instructional leader, he brings 15 years of experience in education.

Bennett currently serves as assistant principal at Simmons Middle School. During his time there, he has led schoolwide initiatives in curriculum and instruction, school safety, positive behavior supports, and family engagement, contributing to both academic growth and a positive school climate.

Throughout his career, Bennett has served as a teacher, instructional technology coach, and school administrator. His experience at the middle school level has provided a strong understanding of the academic and social expectations students face as they transition beyond elementary school. He brings that perspective to South Shades Crest Elementary, supporting the school’s ongoing work to help students build a strong foundation and prepare for the path ahead. Click here to learn more about Mr. Bennett.