Kiser prepared to lead Demopolis Middle School

Brandon Kiser did not grow up with the intention of entering education but he has since done a lot of his growing up in education. The new Demopolis Middle School principal, Kiser has spent five years in administrative roles despite only being in his early 30s.

“Initially it was, there is a scholarship available,” Kiser, who is nearing his fourth degree in education, said of the decision to pursue the field. “In high school, I didn’t really know what I wanted to do. There was a scholarship available for education at Auburn. I took it and went with it. I really enjoyed getting the know the students and developing those relationships. It really started to take off when I was getting my master’s. I was really enjoying what I was doing and making a difference in people’s lives.”

Kiser got his Bachelor’s in General Science Education from Auburn before obtaining a Master’s in Instructional Leadership from Troy-Phenix City. He went on to get his Ed.S. in Educational Leadership from Auburn and is now only a dissertation away from completing his Ph.D. in Educational Leadership.

He spent two years as an assistant principal at the middle school level in Russell County before working for two years as the principal at Oliver Elementary in Seale, Alabama. Kiser spent last year as a science teacher while also filling administrative duties at Eufaula.

“Any experience that you can get is going to help you regardless of the level. Definitely there were some things being a secondary teacher I didn’t have a lot of experience with. Some of those things at the elementary and middle school levels help you with the way you look at things,” Kiser said of his varied experiences. “I definitely saw those things that are unique things to the middle school, the challenges they face and the things they need.”

“Mr. Brandon Kiser will be a good fit for the students and staff at DMS as well as the Demopolis community,” Demopolis City Schools Superintendent Kyle Kallhoff said. “he has administrative experience at the elementary, middle and high school levels and understands the importance of instructional leadership.”

As he readies to take over his new post, Kiser is keenly aware of some of the interpersonal challenges that accompany the middle school level, particularly as they relate to students.

“Those interpersonal relationships. Students are learning how to interact with each other. I think that’s one of the things that’s important as a leader is to have things in place so that students can learn how to interact with each other,” Kiser said. “That’s definitely one of the things I noticed as an assistant principal is that it’s good to have something like that in place.”

Kiser takes over Demopolis Middle School after Rollie McCall served as interim principal during the spring semester. McCall, who was filling in after Blaine Hathcock departed the role for the same seat at Demopolis High School, will return to his assistant principal duties for the coming school year.

“He is inheriting a staff who are tight knit and will work hard to provide the best education possible for the 500 students we serve at the middle school,” Kallhoff said. “I look forward to great things that will take place at DMS under Mr. Kiser’s leadership.”

A native of Abilene, Texas, Kiser ultimately graduated from Athens High School and will relocate to Demopolis with his family, which includes his wife Lauren, daughter Ella Kate (7) and son Evan (3). A meet-and-greet with Kiser is set for Wednesday, June 14.