By NEAL WAGNER / City Editor

Members of the Alabaster Board of Education reflected on an “exciting” first week of school for the upstart school district, while School Superintendent Dr. Wayne Vickers called it the smoothest start he has been a part of.

“This is my seventh year as a superintendent,” Vickers said. “This has been the smoothest opening I have ever been a part of as a superintendent.”

Vickers said he had visited all Alabaster school campuses “at least twice” since classes resumed on Aug. 19, and said students and parents have been pleased with the upgrades made to the campuses over the summer.

“All you have to do is walk down the halls and look at the kids, and you know we can compete with anybody,” Vickers said. “I want to take this time to brag on our employees. They have really stepped up to the plate and greeted our kids with a smile.”

School Board member Ty Quarles thanked Vickers and said he helped turn a potentially stressful transition into a success.

“What you’ve done in such a short time is nothing short of miraculous,” Quarles told Vickers. “You’ve turned those nerves into excitement for our system. You are to be commended for the type of leader you are, and for being so visible.”