It’s been said that the foundation of every community is the education of its youth.

To make sure local students start this school year with a firm foundation, the county’s three school systems will team up to take part in the first-ever Covington County educational summit.

The day will feature three guest speakers – state schools superintendent Dr. Tommy Bice, Congresswoman Martha Roby, R-Ala., and New York Times bestselling author Andy Andrews. The day will also serve as an in-service day for teachers.

“We are so excited about the educational summit,” Opp City Schools superintendent Michael Smithart said. “There will be about 1,000 people in the same room, all who share the same goals. We are all in this together. We are putting a lot of people here. It’s going to be a packed agenda.”

Andalusia City Schools superintendent Ted Watson said last week, “It’s a good thing that all of us are able to come together so we can hear these important messages.”

Bice will speak to educators about assessment, accountability and the No Child Left Behind waiver plan 2020 at 9 a.m.

Roby will give updates from Washington, D.C., at 10 a.m.

Andrews, who will speak on making a difference at 11 a.m., is famous for books “The Traveler’s Gift,” “The Noticer” “The Butterfly Effect” and “How Do You Kill 11 Million People?”

The event will take place Tues., Aug. 14, beginning at 8 a.m., at Opp High School.