The Alabama State Legislature referred a constitutional amendment related to the consolidation of school districts to the Nov. 3, 2026, statewide general election ballot. On April 8, legislators passed the amendment, which would establish a process for two or more public county school boards to combine into a single, multi-county board of education.
The ballot measure would allow contiguous public county boards of education to consolidate under a single board of education. Multi-county boards of education would be responsible for any debts and contractual obligations previously incurred by their member counties.
Additionally, the amendment would require the state board of education to conduct an impact study on the potential effects of a consolidation proposal, including:
- impact on students and families;
- educational quality, programs, staff, and facilities;
- transportation and operations;
- finances and taxes;
- community identity; and
- governance.
The amendment would also allow residents within any school system proposed for consolidation to submit an initiative within 30 days after the adoption of the formal resolution. The initiative must be signed by at least 25% of the qualified electors residing within the boundaries of the school systems covered by the proposal. If such an initiative is submitted and deemed valid, the consolidation must be approved by a majority vote in each county covered by the proposal at the next general election.
As of 2026, there is no process in Alabama for county school boards to consolidate into multi-county school boards.
In Alabama, a 60% vote in both legislative chambers during a single legislative session is required to place a constitutional amendment on the ballot. The amendment was introduced as House Bill 380 (HB 380) on Feb. 3, 2026.
In the state House, HB 380 passed 96-2, with four Republicans and three Democrats not voting. In the state Senate, HB 380 passed 30-0, with three Republicans and two Democrats not voting.
The amendment was sponsored by Rep. Terri Collins (R-8). Speaking in support of the amendment, she said, "[County boards] could join with another board, or two or even three. They could combine some of that administration and they could put more money back in the classroom."
House Bill 380 is one of seven statewide ballot measures to be certified in Alabama for 2026.
During the state's primary elections on May 19, 2026, two of the measures — Amendment 1 and Amendment 2 — will appear on the ballot. Amendment 1 would add discharging a firearm in an occupied dwelling or other occupied space and any solicitation, attempt, or conspiracy to commit murder to the list of crimes for which a judge may deny bail. Amendment 2 would prohibit any reduction in a district attorney's compensation during their term in office.
The other measures — House Bill 208 (HB 208), House Bill 511 (HB 511), and Senate Bill 5 (SB 5) — will appear on the ballot with HB 380 during the general election on Nov. 3, 2026. HB 208 would increase the age limit for the judge of probate in Walker County from 70 to 75; HB 511 would require public schools to recite the Pledge of Allegiance each day and allow for student-led prayer; and SB 5 would require all public schools to broadcast or arrange for the performance of the first stanza of the national anthem at least once per week.
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