State Sen. Bryan Taylor met with area superintendents Monday for a roundtable discussion to talk about challenges facing Alabama schools, as well as possible resolutions.

“This is the first time we’ve had an opportunity to sit down together and share some ideas and solutions,” said Taylor, R-Prattville.

“It was very good to hear some of their thoughts in practical terms. That really helps.”

Superintendents from Troy City Schools and Pike, Autauga, Crenshaw, Butler and Lowndes counties were present for the meeting at the Troy Municipal Airport where the group discussed hot-button topics currently talked about by the Legislature – from charter schools and budgets to school flexibility.

“We have done education in this state the same way, over and over for decades,” Taylor said. “It’s time to do some new things and think more outside the box.”

Pike County Schools Superintendent Dr. Mark Bazzell said, “It was a very good meeting. Sen. Taylor coming here and spending time with us shows he supports the superintendents he represents.”

Troy City Schools Superintendent Lee Hicks echoed that sentiment.

“It was nice to have an informal meeting to share ideas and discuss our thoughts and concerns with the senator,” Hicks said. “He cares about the students.”

Taylor described the superintendents present as “willing and eager,” and said that makes for a good group of leaders.

Taylor said, “What we are trying to do in Montgomery is give our school leaders maximum flexibility to innovate and improve education in Alabama.”