BIRMINGHAM, Alabama -- Allowing charter schools in Alabama -- one of just nine states that doesn't allow them -- will be a priority in the upcoming legislative session, Rep. Mike Hubbard, R-Auburn, told the Birmingham Rotary Club Wednesday afternoon.

"The status quo is not an option," said Hubbard, who is speaker of the House of Representatives. "(The system) isn't working, and we need some changes."

Charter schools are public schools that exist through a contract with either a state agency or local school board. Charter schools are free from much of the bureaucracy and regulations traditional public schools must follow, but must achieve stringent goals set out by the charter, including improving student achievement.

"We must do something to fix Alabama's drop out rate, which is up to 40 percent in some schools," he said. "I am an advocate of school choice."

Margaret Louise Buchannan Parrish, a retired teacher from Albertville, was named the Marshall County Retired Educator of the Year for 2011 at the Marshall County Retired Teachers Association luncheon held at Catfish Cabin in Albertville recently.

Parrish was emotional as she was presented with a plaque in honor of her accomplishments.

"I don't know what to say," Parrish said to the audience as she held back tears. "I appreciate this so much. You don't know how much it means to me. I love you. I truly love all of you and I thank you so much."

Parrish began her teaching career at Albertville High School while working on her undergraduate degree. After teaching at the high school for five years, Parrish was transferred to Alabama Avenue Middle School where she began a tenure teaching eighth-grade math.