Hoover City Schools Fine Arts

06/15/2026

If you don't have a "Support the Arts" Plate, please consider one! Hoover City Schools Fine Arts have previously received a $2,250 in grant from this source and have just applied for additional funding. These dollars go directly back into Alabama schools and arts organizations, helping provide meaningful opportunities for students and communities across our state - and the plates look really cool too!

For just $50 per year (including personalization, if desired), you can show your support for the arts while helping fund arts education, local arts programming, and arts organizations throughout Alabama. revenue.alabama.gov/license-plates/support-the-arts/

Alabama Arts Alliance Hoover City Schools

06/15/2026

We’re excited to have Mr. Portillo join us at Deer Valley Elementary this year! Hoover City Schools

After finishing his B.S. in Music Education at UA in 2021, Alan Portillo taught for 5 years at in Metro Nashville Public Schools at Amqui K-8 Global Communication Magnet School. During his time there, a musical theatre program was established that has led many students to pursue both Theatre and Music as a major focus of their school life. Mr. Portillo has also had students featured in soloist positions at the annual music festival held for all Elementary schools in the MNPS sector.

This up coming year Mr. Portillo returns to Alabama as the new Music teacher of Deer Valley Elementary School in Hoover, AL.

Roll Tide Mr. Portillo! Thank you for making an impact, and for being a part of our legacy!

06/15/2026

We are excited Gwin Elementary’s Ms. Russell is working on her Orff-Schulwerk Level II certification this summer! This two week training provides teachers with an amazing education in the Orff-Schulwerk Music Methodology, developed by German music educator Carl Orff.

06/10/2026

Welcome to The Pride of the Park, Mr. Bromley!

Spain Park High School is thrilled to announce Dakota Bromley as the new Director of Bands. Mr. Bromley joins the Pride of the Park following a highly successful 12-year tenure at Jemison High School in Jemison, Alabama, where he served as Director from 2014 to 2026.

An accomplished educator and musician, Mr. Bromley brings a wealth of academic expertise and a proven track record of musical excellence to Spain Park High School’s band program. He holds a Bachelor of Music degree in instrumental music education and saxophone performance from the University of Montevallo, a Master of Education degree in instrumental music education from Auburn University, and an Educational Specialist degree in teacher leadership from the University of West Alabama. Demonstrating a lifelong commitment to his craft, he is currently a candidate for the Doctor of Philosophy in instrumental music education at Auburn University.

Mr. Bromley’s dedication to music education has earned him significant statewide recognition. In 2023, he was named the recipient of the prestigious Phi Beta Mu, Rho Chapter, Outstanding Young Band Director award. He is also a National Board Certified Teacher.

Beyond the band room, Mr. Bromley resides in Alabaster, Alabama, with his wife, Rachel, and their three daughters: Addison (6), Jenna (4), and Libby (2).

We are excited to welcome Mr. Bromley and his family to the Spain Park community!

06/02/2026

We are excited to see Hoover High School’s Ahmad Austin returning to Birmingham Artwalk this year! Mark your calendars for this great event - Sept 11-12!

05/31/2026

Congratulations to Natalie Owens, drama teacher at Rocky Ridge and Riverchase Elementary Schools on her appointment/election to the Birmingham Children’s Theatre (BCT) Board of Directors for the 2026–2027 season!

Natalie is entering her 21st year in education, with teaching experience spanning grades K–12. She recently completed her educational administration certification through the Hoover/Samford University cohort and holds a Bachelor of Music Education from Auburn University, along with a Master of Education and Educational Specialist degree from the University of Montevallo.

We are proud to see her leadership and dedication to arts education recognized through this exciting opportunity. Congratulations, Natalie!

05/22/2026

Other districts receiving the designation included Alabaster, Albertville, Auburn, Homewood, Lee County, Shelby County, Trussville and Vestavia Hills.

05/21/2026

05/18/2026

We are proud of Spain Park’s Caroline Barnett and her accomplishments in the Visual Arts!