AISA
                           HISTORY

A BRIEF HISTORY
OF
THE ALABAMA PRIVATE SCHOOL ASSOCIATION
FROM THE AISA ARCHIVES - 1972 

In the winter of 1966, nine representatives met in Montgomery to discuss the possibility of the formation of a private school association.  Represented that night were Lyman Ward (one of the oldest in the state), Macon Academy 1963, Lowndes Academy 1965, Southern Academy 1965, Morgan 1966, Perry Christian 1966, Catherine Academy 1966, Dixie 1966, and Union Academy who was to open in 1967. 

Elected as first president was John Ames of Perry Christian.  Following this, meetings were held quietly and general “growing pains” were experienced.  Ray Bass of Lowndes was elected president in 1967 and again in 1968.  It was then that the Athletic Association was founded under the leadership of Bass and Mac Champion, Lowndes Coach.  This phase of the Alabama Association of Private Schools stepped forward.  Jerry Comer was elected as Athletic Association president and basic problems were being worked out (central scheduling of football, the formation of a league and establishment of other sports).

In 1969, John Segrest of Macon Academy was elected the third president of the Association.  Within the next two years he was to see the Association grow from the meager nine schools of an overwhelming 57 members.  Spring 1970 showed re-election of Segrest, also offering a full slate of officers.  Listed as:  Segrest, President; Ray Johnson of Union, Vice-President; John Ames, Secretary-Treasurer; Jerry Comer, Athletic Association Chairman; Max Howell, Headmasters’ Chairman; and Mrs. John Segrest, Classroom Teacher Chairman.

Accomplishments for 1970 saw a very successful athletic program develop an eight-team football play off system put into practice with Monroe Academy winning against all opponents, and state basketball championship tournament won also by Monroe Academy.  Minor sports such as wrestling with South Montgomery County going undefeated in its first year and a full slate of spring sports.  Track was won by Monroe and baseball championships were won by Bullock.  Not to put the “horse before the cart”, the academic area also had organized.  The Headmasters and the classroom teachers are now working with executive officials to establish accreditation standards and now have schools fully accredited by the Alabama Private School Association.  Leadership in this area as set forth by the schools mentioned, surely will be the catalyst that can bring meaning to this association.  Without the academic atmosphere of quality education, not one school can feasibly justify its existence.  On June 1, 1971, Max Howell was hired as Executive Secretary of the APSA.  He has explained that his office will be that of service and can benefit each and every school. 

With the opening of schools in September 1971, the APSA had grown to an astounding 60 members.  A district plan was initiated where the state was divided into six basic areas for meetings and athletic competition.  As the academic year proceeded, and more schools joined the association additional staff was added.  The April meeting of the state board of directors saw Max Howell named Executive Director and two additional staff personnel added:  Dr. Wilda Pickett, Academic Coordinator, and Ed Jones, Athletic Coordinator.  Within the 1971-1972 year fifteen schools were evaluated of which 12 were recognized as doing more than an accreditable job.  Athletic champions were as follows:

                Football:                Monroe Academy

                Basketball:             John T. Morgan Academy

                Baseball:                Autauga Academy

                Track:                     Crenshaw Christian Academy

                Golf:                        Ft. Dale Academy

The second annual All-Star events were hosted by the Montgomery Shriners and proved to be a very successful affair.