MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) -- A newspaper is reporting that the new
executive secretary of the Alabama Education Association sends his
children to a private school in Montgomery for its religious
education.

Political observers tell The Gadsden Times that Henry C. Mabry's choice of schools could lead to a public relations problem. But they also say the reason he was hired should outweigh those concerns.

The AEA bills itself as the voice of public school teachers and
employees.

Mabry last week was chosen by the AEA board of directors to
succeed retiring AEA Executive Secretary Paul Hubbert pending
successful contract negotiations.

Mabry said the decision to send his children to Holy Cross
Episcopal School is a personal faith issue. He said they are able
to attend chapel, which is not available in public schools.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)