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In response to the resignation of Montgomery Public Schools (MPS) Superintendent Dr. Melvin J. Brown, the Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce, alongside key elected officials and Alabama State Department of Education Superintendent Dr. Eric Mackey, held a press conference Thursday. The event centered on praising Dr. Brown’s accomplishments during his tenure and condemning what they described as “baseless and unwarranted attacks” against him and his family. During the press conference, the Chamber approved a resolution urging the Montgomery County Board of Education to reconsider its actions, which many believe contributed to Dr. Brown’s resignation.
The Alabama Education Association (AEA) also weighed in, expressing its strong support for Dr. Brown. “Dr. Brown was an extremely capable superintendent, and it is a disservice to MPS to lose an individual of his caliber,” an AEA representative stated. The organization emphasized the need for unity within the Montgomery County School Board to prevent further setbacks. “In support of Dr. Brown, AEA is committed to helping achieve unity on the Montgomery County School Board. We thank the members of the Chamber, the Montgomery County Commission, and the Montgomery City Council for standing alongside us in support of Dr. Brown.”
Dr. Brown himself expressed gratitude for the backing he has received during this challenging period. “I thank the Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce, the Alabama Education Association, and the many members of our community who have worked to support the district and the work we have attempted to do throughout this difficult time,” Dr. Brown said. He remained optimistic about the future of the district despite his impending departure. “Although my tenure as superintendent will conclude soon, I know MPS has the potential for greatness moving forward. I look forward to doing whatever I can to help achieve it.”
The press conference highlighted the need for stability in leadership to attract future superintendent candidates. Echoing sentiments shared by various speakers, AEA issued a stark warning to the Montgomery County Board of Education: “The actions of certain board members will deter potential candidates from seeking office in Montgomery County, sending a message that the board will become unsupportive and work to drive them from their positions.” They called for an immediate halt to the personal attacks on Dr. Brown and his family, urging the board to focus on unity and progress.
AEA also stressed the long-term impact of the ongoing turnover in the superintendent role. “It’s time to end the constant turnover of superintendents in MPS and its negative effect on our students, educators, and community.” In its closing statement, AEA urged the Montgomery County School Board to “work amicably in resolving all outstanding matters pertaining to Dr. Brown’s employment with MPS” and to show a united front in selecting and collaborating with the next superintendent.
