On Friday, November 15, the St. Clair County Probate Office certified the results of the 2024 General Election for St. Clair County and acknowledged the voters’ will on Local Amendment 1. Voters adopted the measure with overwhelming support.
In St. Clair County, 69 percent of voters approved Local Amendment 1. In the Pell City School Attendance Zone and Tax District, 54 percent of voters approved the measure. Overall, 28 of 30 polling locations voted “Yes” on Local Amendment 1.
The City Council of the City of Pell City accepts the responsibility bestowed by the voters to deliver fair representation to residents of the Attendance Zone through the appointment process. It also recognizes the voters’ desire for leadership of the highest caliber on the Pell City Board of Education.
As Mayor Bill Pruitt and members of the City Council stated during the leadup to the vote, the Council will prioritize a transparent process that results in the appointment of candidates who seek excellence in education. In addition, the Council will seek candidates that prioritize:
- A strong interest in public education and student success
- A commitment to excellence and continuous improvement
- Experience with budgeting and financial oversight
- Understanding of school law and policy
- Ability to analyze complex data and make sound decisions
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Willingness to collaborate with others and build consensus
- Strong work ethic and ability to dedicate time to board responsibilities
Following the General Election, many residents have expressed interest in the application process. A schedule for the release of the official application and the dates when applications may be submitted will be available soon. All procedures for appointment will be adopted by the City Council over the coming weeks following input from the Pell City Board of Education Steering Committee.
The Steering Committee was created by the City Council through Ordinance No. 2024-6158, which was adopted on October 14, 2024. The seven-member committee was activated upon the ratification of Local Constitutional Amendment 1, and have begun their two-year terms. Its members will be organized before the close of 2024 to provide input on the process for appointment.
The Council anticipates that the final appointment process will include most if not all the following actions.
- Research and Input
- Adoption of Procedures
- Timeline and Application Release
- Application Submission Window
- Steering Committee Application Review
- Public Interviews and Comment Period for Recommended Candidates
- Board of Education Appointment
Local Amendment 1, supported by the City of Pell City and the Pell City School System, was a ballot measure in St. Clair County, Alabama, on November 5, 2024, aimed at addressing a long-standing issue of representation for residents in the Pell City School Attendance Zone.
With its certification, the Amendment changed the Pell City Board of Education from an elected to an appointed board. The City Council of Pell City will appoint all members of the Board of Education beginning in 2025. At least two members of the Pell City Board of Education must reside within the county portion of the Pell City School Attendance Zone.
The primary goal of Local Amendment 1 was to ensure fair representation for residents in the Pell City School Attendance Zone, who for 40 years have had no direct voting power in the district’s leadership. By appointing the Pell City Board of Education, the Amendment gives these residents a voice in the governance of the schools their children attend.
