Signed by Governor Kay Ivey

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that establishes a constitutional amendment to create a governor-appointed Board of Education.

Highlights:

• Specifies that this proposed amendment to the Constitution of Alabama will only take effect upon approval by a majority of electors voting in the primary election on March 3, 2020 (Sec. 1). 

• Establishes the Alabama Commission on Elementary and Secondary Education to replace the State Board of Education (Sec. 1).

• Specifies that members of the commission will be appointed by the Governor for each state congressional district, and additional members will be appointed for the state at large, so that the total number of appointed members equals 9 (Sec. 1). 

• Specifies that each member appointed to the commission must be confirmed by the Senate (Sec. 1).

• Requires the Governor to ensure that the appointed members of the commission reflect the geographical, gender, and racial diversity of the students enrolled in public K-12 education in the state (Sec. 1).

• Specifies that members of the commission will replace the members of the State Board of Education, and may serve up to 2 consecutive 6-year terms (Sec. 1).

• Establishes the Secretary of Elementary and Secondary Education, which will be appointed by the commission and will replace the State Superintendent of Education (Sec. 1). 

• Specifies that the salary, authority, and duties of the Secretary, including tenure in office, will be determined by the commission (Sec. 1).

• Repeals the provisions of Articles 5 and 14 of the Constitution of Alabama which conflict with this amendment (Sec. 1).

• Requires the commission to adopt all of the following (Sec. 1):

• Course of study standards that replace common core while maintaining nationwide consistency;

• Comprehensive educator certification and professional development programs; and

• Comprehensive systems of assessment and accountability.

• Requires the Governor to appoint a diverse team of educators, school administrators, and other appropriate officials to consult with the commission regarding the operation of the State Department of Education (Sec. 1). 

• Requires the State Department of Education to be governed by the commission and work in coordination with local boards of education (Sec. 1).

Full Bill Text