Mary Jane Caylor Headshot

Huntsville City Schools remembers the life and legacy of Dr. Mary Jane Caylor.

Caylor served as superintendent between 1982 and 1991. She was a lifelong educator and the first female superintendent of the school district. She also served on the Alabama State Board of Education for four terms representing District VIII from 1994 to 2011.

“Dr. Caylor was a true innovator and advocate of public education,” said Dr. Clarence Sutton, HCS Superintendent. “Her passion for educating students, supporting teachers and staff members, and engaging the community remain hallmarks of her leadership. She paved the way and set the bar high for the direction we are going together as a school system.” 

She was a 2023 inductee in the Hall of Fame at the University of Alabama’s College of Education. She received Superintendent of the Year honors for the state of Alabama in 1991.

Caylor graduated from The University of Alabama with a B.S. in elementary education and a master’s degree in special education. She earned her Ed.D. in educational administration and planning from The University of Alabama.