Madison City Schools superintendent to retire after impressive 38 years

Madison City Schools superintendent Dr. Ed Nichols announced plans to retire at the end of the 2025-2026 school year.

Nichols announced his intention earlier to principals and staff administrators, and to the Board of Education at the school board meeting on Thursday, April 9.

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Dr. Nichols leaving Madison City Schools

Nichols, 64, is serving his 38th year in public education, the past six as Madison City Schools superintendent.

Nichols served Decatur City Schools 28 years, retiring as superintendent in 2016 after a four year stint as superintendent, nine years as assistant superintendent and other years as teacher, band director and principal at Austin High School.

Nichols came out of retirement in 2020 to become the MCS superintendent following superintendent Robby Parker’s three-year stint as MCS superintendent. He had a brief introduction to MCS in late fall 2016 serving as interim superintendent following Dr. Dee Fowler’s retirement.

“Throughout my time here, I have been continually inspired by your dedication, passion and unwavering commitment to our students. The work you do each day truly makes a difference, and I am deeply grateful to have been part of such an exceptional team for these past six years.”

Dr. Ed Nichols

Some highlights during Nichols’ tenure include:

• Midtown Elementary opened
• Journey Middle School opened
• West Madison Pre-K Center opened
• Special Education wing at Bob Jones opened
• Groundbreaking was held for the new Russell Branch Elementary school which will open this fall
• Enrollment grew from 11,868 starting the 2020-2021 school year to 13,260 now

Board Attorney Woody Sanderson advised the board of state job posting timelines that may necessitate an earlier departure and rehiring a interim superintendent until his ultimate retirement date.

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