BY SARAH STEPHENS
ELMORE/AUTAUGA NEWS
Alabama House Bill 99 has passed this week, and now awaits the signature of Gov. Kay Ivey to become official.
Once that is complete, the Elmore County Public School Superintendent will now be an appointed, rather than an elected, position. Current Supt. Richard Dennis will finish out his unexpired term, and then it will be up to the school board on an appointment.
HB99, sponsored by Rep. Reed Ingram, R-Pike Road, makes the superintendent of Elmore County Schools an appointed position. The bill passed 32 to 0 and moves to Gov. Kay Ivey.
This bill Relating to Elmore County; to amend Section 45-26-101, Code of Alabama 1975; to provide for the appointment of the county superintendent of education; and to repeal Act 258 of the 1931 Regular Session (Local Acts 1031, p. 117).
This bill stirred controversy, as some citizens said the position of the Elmore County Superintended should be an elected position, voted on by Elmore County residents. Citizens and officials in favor pointed out that Elmore County is one of only a handful of counties in the states that does not already have an appointed Superintendent. With an appointment, the Board would actually have more control, some say.
Autauga County has already moved to an appointed position for their schools.
School Board member information can be found at Board Members – Elmore County School District
