Throughout the year, we spotlight wonderful school board members and showcase the outstanding work being done by school systems across the state!

Daxton Maze is a dedicated leader whose passion for public service and commitment to Hartselle City Schools runs deep. With experience in local government, construction, and now business ownership, he brings a thoughtful, student-centered perspective to his role on the board.

Read below to learn more about Daxton Maze!

Q: What is your current occupation? If retired, what did you do before?

A: I have worked in local government and municipal utilities for the last 10 years; however, I have recently transitioned to business ownership with a residential homebuilding company, Maze Custom Homes. I have been a licensed builder for several years and am excited to focus my energies on building this business and serving clients in Hartselle and Morgan County.  

Q: How long have you been on the school board, and what inspired you to join?

A: I was first elected to the school board in 2016 and just began my third term in November 2025. I am a product of Hartselle City Schools and I always say that the educational foundation I received from our district was instrumental in helping me be successful in many aspects of life since graduating in 2006. For me, my inspiration in seeking to serve on the school board was rooted in a desire to play a small role ensuring that our students are afforded every opportunity possible to help position them for their next steps in life.

Q: What excites you most about being a school board member?

A: I am always encouraged and excited to see the wins that our students and staff make on a daily basis. From receiving an 'A' on the state report card, to winning a state championship in athletics, or seeing a individual student make huge strides in their academic and personal progress, each of those things are inspiring to see and continue to drive me to provide the best support that I can so we continue to see those successes. 

Q: What’s one key thing you’ve learned since becoming a board member?

A: I have served in board roles for many organizations over the years and you learn a lot about the operations of the organization that you are serving. I have found that it really takes every person doing their role to ensure that the district is meeting the needs of every child. I have also become more aware of just how important high-quality public education is to a community. 

Q: Are there any special initiatives or projects you are particularly proud of accomplishing with your board? Anything you’re looking forward to working on together as a team?

A: With a background in engineering and construction, I gravitate to the capital projects for the district and strive to encourage our staff to continually evaluate and improve our facilities. Our district constructed a new elementary school to replace an aging building during my second term and that is a project that I think everyone was particularly proud of. Staying in the capital projects arena, I am looking forward to a master planning process for more updated facilities and utilization of  recently purchased land near some of our existing buildings. 

Q: What is one piece of advice you would share with an incoming board member?

A: I am a firm believer in honoring the lanes that each role serves within the district so I would just encourage any new member to work hard to understand the roles and responsibilities of the board. I am confident the most success comes when the governing body governs and the operational staff is empowered to do their jobs to the best of their ability. 

Q: What are some of your hobbies or interests outside of your role as a board member?

A: As a husband (to Olivia) and father of three kids, (Collins, 8; Max, 5; Walt, 2) I enjoy spending my free time with my family. We are active in church and sports so there is always something going on, and we really enjoy being outside and traveling. 

Q: Finish the sentence. One thing you should know about me is…

A: Public service is the fabric of my being and I feel most at peace when I am serving others. 

Q: What is your favorite inspirational quote or mantra that keeps you motivated?

A: We have framed inspirational sayings on the walls in each of our children's rooms. I find the one in my son’s room to be very fitting when thinking about the short time that the Lord gives us here on this earth.

This is the beginning of a new day.

I can waste it or use it for good.

What I do today is important because I am exchanging a day of my life for it.

When tomorrow comes, this day will be gone forever,

leaving in its place something I have traded for it.

I want it to be a gain, not a loss;

good, not evil;

success, not failure —

in order that I shall not regret the price I paid for it today.

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