Amendment 2 Puts School Board Consolidation on 2026 Ballot

Alabama voters will cast ballots on Amendment 2 during the November 3 election.

The amendment proposes a change to the state constitution that would grant county school boards the authority to consolidate with neighboring districts. If approved, boards could establish a single, multi-county governing body. The measure is voluntary and would not require any district to merge.

Rep. Terri Collins, R-Decatur, sponsored the legislation in the Alabama House of Representatives. She stated that the bill provides opportunities for districts that choose to join, but it does not force a merger if the arrangement is not suitable.

The proposal follows an announcement by State Superintendent Dr. Eric Mackey earlier this month. He reported that public school enrollment in Alabama has decreased by approximately 12,000 students. If the amendment passes, the State Board of Education will study the potential effects on students and teachers. The text of the amendment also specifies how residents can petition against a proposed merger.

Critics have raised questions about the process. In March, Rep. Curtis Travis, D-Tuscaloosa, expressed concern regarding long commute times for rural students and the potential impact on local taxes. He questioned how the state would determine which districts must consolidate, noting that many details remain unknown to the public.

Amendment 2 is one of four constitutional changes on the upcoming ballot. Voters will answer a simple yes or no question. The Alabama Secretary of State’s website provides detailed explanations for all four proposed amendments.