Michael Gross

Michael Gross (born c. 1941) was the superintendent of the Homewood School System for seven years and principal of Vestavia Hills High School for fourteen.

Biography

Michael Gross began his educational career around 1964. He received a B.S. from the University of Alabama, Master of Education and Educational Specialist Degrees from the University of Montevallo, and did doctoral studies at the University of Alabama.

Gross worked his way up in the Homewood School System, from teacher to assistant principal to principal of Homewood Junior High School. Then, when Homewood started its own school system, it had to build a new high school. Gross was appointed as the first principal of Homewood High School, where he served six years. In 1978, Gross became superintendent of the Homewood schools.

In 1985, Gross stepped down as superintendent to become the principal of Vestavia Hills High School, a position he stayed in until his retirement on July 1, 1999. The Alabama Senate proclaimed May 14, 1999 as Michael Gross Day in honor of his retirement.

In December 1999, Gross was named interim superintendent of Vestavia Hills City Schools after the forced resignation of Harrison Cass. He originally agreed only to fill the position through February 2000, but the next superintendent, Jamie Blair, wasn't hired until the end of March, so Gross stayed on longer to help make a smooth transition.

Gross and his wife, Marilyn, have two daughters, Jennifer and Elizabeth. In addition to his job duties, Gross was involved with the Shades Valley Rotary Club, A Baby's Place of Alabama, Vestavia Hills Chamber of Commerce, Homewood Exchange Club, and Jefferson County Boy Scouts.

Preceded by: (none)	Homewood High Principal 1972–1978	Succeeded by: Jack Farr
Preceded by: Edna Snow (interim)	Homewood Superintendent 1978–1985	Succeeded by: Robert F. Bumpus
Preceded by: ?	Vestavia Hills High Principal 1985–1999	Succeeded by: Jane Newman
Preceded by: Harrison Cass	Vestavia Hills Superintendent (interim) 1999–2000	Succeeded by: Jamie Blair

References

• Alabama Senate Joint Resolution 57. (1999).
• "Principal Gross to Retire." (February 3, 1999). The Birmingham News.
• "Gross Leaves with 10,000 Memories." (May 5, 1999). The Birmingham News.
• Summe, Sheryl Spradling. (2001). Homewood: The Life of a City. Homewood, AL: Friends of the Homewood Public Library.