SYLACAUGA, Ala. – Indian Valley Elementary School has been named a Gene Bottoms Pacesetter School by the Southern Regional Education Board, marking a major milestone for both the school and the organization.
This is the first year elementary schools have been considered for the award, which recognizes schools that epitomize excellence through the implementation of the Southern Regional Education Board’s Making Schools Work framework.
Indian Valley will formally receive the award in July at the Making Schools Work Conference in New Orleans.
Principal Dr. Paula Bruno credited the school’s success to the dedication of her staff and her experience in the Council for Leaders in Alabama Schools PreK–3 Leadership Academy.
“I believe that if you take care of the teachers, they will take care of the students,” said Dr. Bruno. “Everybody in the building plays a part, and creating a culture of appreciation and teamwork makes all the difference.”
Through her Council for Leaders in Alabama Schools capstone project, Dr. Bruno launched initiatives aimed at boosting morale, strengthening collaboration, and aligning the staff under a unified vision. Inspired by Move Your Bus by Ron Clark, she introduced themed school years and led book studies to drive professional growth.
Dr. Bruno’s leadership has displayed both culture and academic rigor. Indian Valley uses Professional Learning Communities to encourage data-driven instruction and shared strategies. Teachers meet twice a week to focus on student achievement and instructional goals.
Custom gifts, low staff turnover, and high satisfaction rates have become hallmarks of the school’s culture, driven by Dr. Bruno’s belief that supporting teachers leads directly to student success.
Indian Valley’s honor comes alongside a district-wide win, as Sylacauga City Schools was also named the 2024 District Winner of the Gene Bottoms Pacesetter Award.
This recognition places Indian Valley Elementary at the forefront of educational excellence in the region, setting a strong example for elementary schools both throughout the state and nationwide.
