When Eddie Britton thinks about why he wants to serve on the Franklin County Board of Education, he has the future in mind.

He said he wants “to make sure that our grandchildren and children in Belgreen, as well as all of those in Franklin County, are given the very best opportunity to succeed in life; that they attend school in a safe environment; that their teachers are the best, second to none, who are supported and given the tools they need to adequately do their jobs; that they have caring and dedicated administrators; and that financial decisions are made which allow for stable learning environments for the entire system for years to come.”

“I have spent my entire career in the field of education,” Britton said. “I believe that the things that I have learned throughout my career are beneficial in making certain that our kids are protected and our educational leaders are committed to excellence.”

Britton is a retired school administrator and teacher with 27 years experience as a principal in two states (BHS for 21 years and TCHS for six years) and 11 years as a classroom teacher of mathematics and science while serving four of those years as an assistant principal. He also taught mathematics at Northwest Jr. College at night for those same 11 years. Currently he is doing professional development training and consulting for school systems in Alabama and Mississippi. He and his wife also have a small excavating business, mini-storage/boat storage units and lake lots on Cedar Creek Lake.

In addition to his vision for the future, “a genuine passion for our children’s education; the moral values of honesty, integrity and a commitment to excellence, high ethical standards and professionalism” are a few of the important qualities Britton said he feels he brings to the position. He also put an emphasis on being open to questions and feedback from the community.

Britton faces off with Shannon Oliver for the Democratic nomination for the position on the board, but he said this election “is not about me versus my opponent. He and his wife come from great families – friends of mine, who are good people. We will be friends after the election,” Britton said. “This is about who can do the most for our children. I believe my educational experience of 38 years – 31 years of which I was either an assistant principal or a principal – as well as working in numerous positions at the state level and with organizations such as AEA and NASSP, give me a level of knowledge and understanding that is hard to duplicate. Having lobbied at both the state and national levels, I know what it takes to ensure that our system is well funded and also how to protect the resources we currently have.”

When it comes to issues facing the school system, Britton hopes to focus on safety, finances, technology, hiring the best candidates, support for teachers and staff and making the best decisions for the students.

“Being a team player with a willingness to work as one member of a team whose desire and focus is to advance the programs for all the students in Franklin County” is the mindset it will take to succeed in this role, Britton said.

Britton’s favorite part about living in Franklin County is the area’s many resources and assets, most important of which, he said, are the people. “We have loving parents, caring grandparents and loyal community supporters, all who go the extra mile to help our schools. We have great students who are growing into future leaders and parents themselves,” Britton said. “One of my favorite teachers was Mrs. Audrey Ezzell, who always referred to this area as ‘God’s Country,’ and that says a lot.”

Britton is married to Kathy Patterson Britton, and they have two children: son Dr. David Britton, and his wife Traci, with their children, Bryant and Nicole; and daughter Alison Gallman, and her husband Pete, with their children, Noah and Kathryn.

He likes to fish, hunt and play golf, as time allows – when he’s not playing with the grandchildren. He raises cattle and beagles, and “I am trying to shorten my wife Kathy’s Honey-Do-List, at which I do not seem to be having much success.”

He is a member of Belgreen United Methodist Church, the Alabama Emmaus Community, the Franklin County Gideons, the Franklin County Cattlemen’s Association, the Rotary Club of Florence, the UNA Alumni Association and the Franklin County Retired Educators Association. He has also been a volunteer fireman, a past member of the Belgreen Bass Club, president of the Franklin County Educators Association, president of the BHS Alumni Association and served on numerous civic committees.