Ed Nichols is superintendent of one of the fastest growing school districts in the state.

Madison City Schools has more than 12,500 students, with an increase of more than 200 since the start of the school year. The district, which is celebrating 25 years of existence, is also one of the top performing districts in the state.

Madison City Schools is currently made up of two high schools, two middle schools, seven elementary schools and a stand-alone PreK Center.

A third middle school, Journey Middle, will open this coming fall. Journey Middle was built with the capacity for 1,200 students but won’t start with that many because its school zone will pull from two existing middle schools, Discovery Middle and Liberty Middle.

Nichols is completing his third year as superintendent. He previously served 28 years with Decatur City Schools, serving as a teacher, principal, assistant superintendent and superintendent from 2012-16, before retiring.