Hartselle City Schools

Dr. Holly W. Sutherland serves as Superintendent of Hartselle City Schools, bringing more than two decades of dedicated experience as a teacher, principal, and district leader. A native of Haleyville, Alabama, Dr. Sutherland began her career as an elementary teacher in Auburn City Schools before teaching for four years at Rocky Ridge Elementary in Hoover.

She spent 14 years in Hoover City Schools as a teacher, assistant principal, and 12th grade principal at Hoover High School before serving as Principal of Haleyville High School. In 2017, Dr. Sutherland was named Superintendent of Haleyville City Schools, where she led significant improvements in staffing, academic programs, and student opportunities. Under her leadership, Haleyville City Schools became the first school system in the nation to have all of its schools STEM Certified at one time and was recognized for its strong community partnerships and continued academic excellence. In recognition of her impact, Dr. Sutherland was honored as the Outstanding Administrator by Auburn University’s College of Education in 2019.

Dr. Sutherland holds multiple graduate degrees and certifications from Auburn University and UAB, and she earned her doctorate from Samford University. She is a member of the Central Board of Control for the Alabama High School Athletic Association, School Superintendents of Alabama, Council for Leaders in Alabama Schools, and the Alabama Association of School Boards. She is known for her student-centered leadership, commitment to teacher support, and dedication to fostering school environments where all students can succeed.