Administration
Leading the Echols Middle community
Mr. Jason Stapp, Principal
I am a lifelong Northport resident. I am a proud graduate of Tuscaloosa County High School, class of 1990. I graduated from Shelton State with an Associate degree in Machine Tool Technology. I worked in the trade and continued my education at the University of Alabama. I graduated with a degree in special education in 1999. I started my teaching career at Crestmont Elementary in 1999. I transferred to Echols when it opened in 2000 to teach and coach. I became the Assistant Principal here in 2006. I replaced the wonderful Nancy Terry as Principal when she retired in 2014.
I am married to Julie. She is a retired Speech/Language Pathologist from the school system. We have two wonderful children, Kylee and John Colby. Kylee is a 2nd grade teacher at Flatwoods Elementary. John Colby is a junior at UA studying to be a physical education teacher and coach. We enjoy our time together watching sports, hunting, fishing, and attending church.
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Mrs. Laurie Copeland, Assistant Principal
I am excited about beginning my 10th year as assistant principal at Echols Middle School. We are fortunate to have great students, staff, and parents here to support our school. I am from Tuscaloosa, and graduated from Central High School. I went on to complete three educational degrees from the University of Alabama. I have been married for 20 years to my husband Ray. He is an industrial engineer. I have two wonderful high school children. Ben is 17 years old and enjoys science, math, and track and field. Sarah is 14 years old and enjoys painting, reading, and softball. In my free time, I love to read, attend church activities, and watch my kids participate in athletics. I am a big fan of the Crimson Tide!
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Mr. Charles Steiner, Assistant Principal
Mr. Steiner is joining our administrative team as Assistant Principal this year.
Before joining the Echols team, Mr. Steiner served as Director of Student Services for Empower Community School in Bessemer, AL. He served in the Tuscaloosa City Schools for over ten years, most recently at Northridge Middle School. Mr. Steiner is pursuing a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership at Trevecca Nazarene University. He completed the Post-Master’s Certificate in Instructional Leadership at the University of West Alabama. Mr. Steiner holds a Master of Education in Special Education from the University of West Alabama and a Bachelor of Science from Freed-Hardeman University. He is a proud graduate of Tuscaloosa County High School.