Falcons Connect: Board Meeting Update - September 2026

FLORENCE, Ala. — Florence City Schools Superintendent Bill W. Hopkins Jr. has released his second Florence City Board of Education Falcons Connect Update. The new video includes Central Office LAUNCH interns Sam Irons and Carson Brooks providing the updates.

What Was Approved:

“At Tuesday's meeting, the Florence City Board of Education approved the Florence City Schools Five-Year Capital Plan.

It also approved memorandums of understanding with North Alabama Electrical Training Alliance and Langston Service Group to support career tech students and workforce development needs. These agreements will allow the participating students to learn jobsite knowledge that will create opportunities for future careers."  

What You Need to Know:

“Homecoming 2026 is right around the corner, and here's how you can get involved.

The theme for this year is ‘Lights, Camera, Falcon.’ For the first time in years, the parade will be a Friday afternoon event.

School will dismiss early on Friday, September 18, and the parade will take place downtown at 2 p.m. The game against the Decatur Red Raiders will be later that evening at 7 at Braly Stadium.

If you'd like to be in the parade, the registration deadline is Friday, September 11.”

The early dismissal schedule for Friday, September 18, 2026:

• Florence High School and Florence Middle School: Dismissal at 11:30 a.m.
• Pre-K through sixth grade: Dismissal at 12:15 p.m.
• Central Office employees: Dismissal at 1 p.m.
• The Homecoming Parade begins at 2 p.m.
• Homecoming game at Braly Stadium 7 p.m.

For parade registration and route information, click here:

What We’re Celebrating:

“Congratulations to Florence City Schools Social Worker Sonja Croone, who was named the 2026 TimesDaily Shoals Woman of the Year.

We would also like to extend congratulations to Hibbett Elementary's Yate Hirbo and Forest Hills Elementary's Mason Johnson, who both represented the City of Florence at the AAU Junior Olympics.

Hirbo was named an AAU Junior Olympic Champion and Johnson was named an All-American.

Two Kilby students, Wyatt Black and Tucker Cozart, represented the city on the Florence Navy 9U Baseball Team. The team was named the Cal Ripkin 9U World Series Champions.

Annette Aviles from Florence High School's FAFA Dance Company was one of 15 students from across the state selected for the Youth Arts Collective, a statewide student leadership and arts advocacy initiative of Amp Up Arts.

Florence High School Student Council President Ella Marie Clayton has been named the first student representative to sit on the Florence City Board of Education. While she won’t have voting power, she will be able to collaborate with board members on district decisions. A new student will hold this seat each school year.  

And lastly, the Florence Academy of Fine Arts Falcon Gallery had its unveiling at the Central Office. The large display features artwork from students at every FCS campus.”

The next regularly scheduled Florence City Board of Education meeting will be Tuesday, October 6, 2026 at 5 p.m. For past minutes and approved actions, click here.

By Jeremy Jackson