Back-to-school week arrives in Etowah County as new superintendent settles in

GADSDEN — The countdown to the new school year is down to days in Etowah County, and the district is entering the home stretch under new leadership.

Etowah County Schools employees return Thursday, Aug. 6, for professional development, with additional in-service days Aug. 7-11. Students head back Wednesday, Aug. 12 — the first of 180 instructional days on a calendar that runs through May 27, 2027. Registration remains open for new and returning families.

The system is also opening the year with a new superintendent. Julie Talton officially took the helm Aug. 1, following the retirement of Dr. Alan Cosby, who led the district for 16 years. Talton is a familiar face in the central office: she joined Etowah County Schools in 2024 as director of elementary curriculum and became assistant superintendent in 2025. She brings more than 27 years in education to the role, and this week marks her first full workweek at the top.

For families, the next several days are about logistics — finishing registration, confirming bus routes, updating meal and medication forms, and checking each school’s open-house schedule. Parents are encouraged to watch their child’s school for those dates and to complete any outstanding paperwork before the first bell.

GadsdenThrive will follow up with a full back-to-school service guide, including open-house times and transportation details, and plans to request an interview with Talton about her priorities for the year ahead.