JOHN HARDIN (ADMINISTRATOR): Born in Jackson (MS), Hardin, 69, grew up Marion County in the small town of Hackleburg, graduating in 1974 and earning his college degree four years later at the University of Mississippi. He finished his master’s at West Alabama.
He began his career as an educator at Amory (MS) where he taught and coached through 1983. He then moved back home to Hackleburg to begin a tenure that would last for the next three decades. He made his impact first as a teacher and coach – guiding the Panthers’ football team to a 118-98 record, 12 state playoff appearances and seven region championships from 1980-2008.
Hardin also served as the school’s head girls’ softball coach with even greater success compiling a 246-119 record from 1988-2000. His teams won five area titles, advanced to two Final 4 appearances, and four Elite Eight appearances. He was girls’ head basketball coach from 1992-2005 with 236 wins, 106 losses, four area crowns, two Elite 8 appearances, two Northwest Region titles and two Final Four appearances.
As impressive as his coaching success was, his remarkable rise to become one of the AHSAA’s strongest leaders as a principal was one of his shining moments. As the Hackleburg principal, he served 23 years on the District 7 Legislative Council, eight years on the AHSAA Central Board of Control with two terms as CBOC president.
His sage advice and wise counsel helped mold the AHSAA’s future. He served on the Finance Committee, Re-classification Committee, Long-Range Planning Committee, and Hall of Fame Selection Committee during his time on the board.
While his leadership statewide was important, his leadership at home after a tornado destroyed much of his town and county and the high school was his finest moment.
“The true test was in 2011,” said nominator Ann West, Superintendent of Marion County Schools. “The April 27 tornadoes that year destroyed both the elementary and high schools in Hackleburg,” she stated in her recommendation letter or Hardin. “Mr. Hardin stepped up and provided great leadership during a very trying time. Not only were the schools destroyed, but the entire town was also destroyed. For the next four years, they had school in modular units. It was a tough situation that Mr. Hardin made the best of every day – and did it with a great attitude.”
Those who watched his leadership at work certainly agreed. Hardin was named the Hackleburg Alumnus of the year in 2019 and earned the AHSAA’s coveted Class 1A Making a Difference Award in 2019. Hardin was inducted into the Marion County Sports Hall of Fame in 1999.
Reporters from the New York Times visited Hamilton Elementary and Hackleburg Elementary today. These schools will be included in an upcoming story about schools in southern rural areas that are out performing schools across the nation. It was an exciting day! We are incredibly proud of the students and staff at these schools!
Congratulations to our Alabama Ag in the Classroom Mini-Grant Recipients:
*Esther Ballard, Hamilton Middle School, Marion County- Awarded Grant for STEM in the Garden
*Jenna Cochran, Hamilton Elementary School, Marion County- Awarded Grant for Garden to Table: Student Led Project
*Ana Colburn, Hamilton Elementary, Marion County- Awarded Grant for Milk Around the World: exploring Agriculture, Culture and History
*Tracy Cox, Guin Elementary School, Marion County- Awarded Grant for Watch Us Grow
*Alana Hawkins, Marion County High School, Marion County- Awarded Grant for Promoting Nutrition in the Classroom
*Donna Hill, Phillips Elementary, Marion County- Awarded Grant for Grow Bear Garden: Grow, Grow, Grow
*Jennifer Lauderdale, Phillips High School, Marion County- Awarded Grant for “ Put the Bee in Bears”
*Ryan Sanderson, Brilliant School, Marion County- Awarded Grant for Hand on learning for our “Little Tigers”
*Seth Seaborn, Marion County High School, Marion County- Awarded Grant for Fish Tanks
*Kristi Sink and Jessica Emerson, Hackleburg Elementary, Marion County- Awarded Grant for Composting for Agricultural Literacy: A Hands-On Approach to Sustainability
*Brittany Swinney, Hamilton Middle School, Marion County- Awarded Grant for Growing Minds: Hydroponics and Agri-Innovations Lab
*Josh Weatherly, Guin Elementary School, Marion County- Awarded Grant for sensory Supplies for Greenhouse
All Marion County Schools will be closed tomorrow, November 11th, in observance of Veterans Day. Thank you, veterans, for your service to our country!
All Marion County Schools' students will dismiss 1/2 day tomorrow, November 5, for a professional development/teacher workday. Buses will run at 11:30.
Their participation reflects Marion County Schools’ ongoing commitment to excellence in providing the highest quality education for every student.
All Marion County Schools' students will dismiss 1/2 day tomorrow, September 10, for a professional development/teacher workday.
CELL PHONES AND OTHER ELECTRONIC DEVICES: The Marion County Board of Education and its employees are not responsible for personal electronic devices brought to school by students. Cell phones and other electronic communication devices (including watches that connect to the internet or cell phones) are to be OFF and STORED OFF THEIR PERSON during the school day. Cell phones and personal communication devices should be stored in a secure location, such as a vehicle, locker, or similar storage location. Students participating in extracurricular activities and athletic events must follow the rules of the coach or sponsor involving cell phone use after school hours or on activity bus trips.
1st Offense: Phone/device will be confiscated for the remainder of the day.
2nd Offense: Phone/device will be confiscated for the remainder of the day. Parent/Guardian will be notified and required to pick up phone. Student will receive a warning.
3rd Offense: Phone/device will be confiscated for the remainder of the day. Parent/Guardian will be notified and required to pick up phone. Student will receive one day of ISS.
4th Offense: Phone/device will be confiscated for the remainder of the day. Parent/Guardian will be notified and required to pick up phone. Student will receive three days of ISS.
5th Offense: Phone/device will be confiscated for the remainder of the day. Parent/Guardian will be notified and required to pick up phone. Student will receive five days of ISS.
