Let me take this opportunity to welcome you to Hayden High School.  On March 31, 2003 the students, teachers and staff of Hayden High School made the long-awaited move from a campus filled with trailers and a building that had been occupied since 1937 into a brand new state of the art facility.  We are very proud of our school and the faculty and staff that enable it to function.  Our students are among the state’s brightest and our test scores and graduation rate attest to that fact.  We want to provide the highest quality education and services possible to all parties involved in the educational process.  We strive diligently to provide programs that meet the physical, emotional, social, and intellectual needs of all students.  It is our earnest desire to ensure fair and equitable treatment of all students and enhance both our school and community at large.  Hayden High School and its surrounding community are rich in tradition and expect the highest standards from its students and staff.  We want to produce young people who are responsible, productive, successful, and caring.  With a friendly, innovative, and enthusiastic climate, Hayden High School educates its students and prepares them to become a part of an informed, advancing society.

My wife Lisa, our four children (Audra, Owen, Jared, and Lee) and I are very proud to be a part of this Hayden High School family.  Lisa teaches fourth grade at Hayden Elementary School.  Audra is a 2006 graduate of Hayden High School,  a 2010 graduate of Auburn University, and just received her PhD from UAB. Owen is a 2009 graduate of Hayden High School, a graduate of Jacksonville State University and is currently pursuing a CRNA Doctorate.  Jared and Lee are 2012 graduates of Hayden High School. Jared is also a  graduate of Jacksonville State University with a degree in nursing and is currently  pursuing a CRNA Doctorate at Samford University.  Lee is a 2017 graduate of UAB with a degree in civil engineering. We love this school and will work hard to make it a great place for your children to grow and learn.

Mrs. Brandi Smith, Assistant Principal
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I am happy and honored to serve as the Assistant Principal of Hayden High School. I am eager and deeply committed to making a positive impact on the lives of our students and am looking forward to making this an outstanding school year.

My husband Zac, and I are very excited to be a part of the Hayden community! In our free time we enjoy hunting, fishing and everything outdoors! 

I am a graduate of the University of West Alabama with a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education. I received a Master’s Degree in Educational Administration from the University of Alabama in 2016. Prior to joining Hayden High School in 2018, I most recently served as a Math and Science teacher at Hillcrest Middle School. 

I am committed to establishing and maintaining relationships with faculty, staff, parents, and community stakeholders in order to build a foundation that will enable all students to obtain academic success. Further, I aim to empower each student to become productive citizens and lifelong learners. If, over the course of my career, I am able to touch the life of one child, then at least I would know that I have done some good for the world at large.

If ever I can be of any assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions or concerns! 


Mr. Chris McCrackin, Assistant Principal
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I am honored to have the opportunity to serve as Assistant Principal of Hayden High School. In 2003, I began my career in education at Oak Grove High School.  From there I moved to Tarrant High School and taught Government and Economics.  In 2007, I moved to Shelby County and spent the majority of my career at Calera High School where I taught history, served as athletic director, and head softball coach.  My most recent teaching position was at Pelham High School where I taught US History and was a varsity football coach.

I grew up in Gordo, AL and attended the University of West Alabama where I received my undergraduate degree in Social Science Education.  I also hold a Masters’ Degree in Educational Leadership from Arkansas State University.  My wife Angie and I have two children, Polly Kate (13) and Jake (6) and we enjoy spending our time at the golf course or riding in our Jeep.