The Alabama State Board of Education voted Thursday to assume control of Dallas County Schools due to financial and academic concerns. With this decision, Dallas County becomes the third school system currently under state intervention, joining Sumter County and Bessemer City Schools.
According to the resolution passed by the state board, the local board consented to the intervention in February.
A state review of Dallas County Schools’ financial management followed an audit released on June 28, 2024, which covered the 2023 fiscal year. The audit examined $12 million in district spending and flagged concerns regarding procurement practices.
On February 27, 2025, the Dallas County Board of Education passed a resolution agreeing to comply with state directives, paving the way for the intervention. Superintendent Anthony Sampson acknowledged the district’s challenges and expressed a commitment to improving financial and academic performance.
While district report card grades have improved in recent years, a significant portion of schools still struggle academically. Five of the district’s 11 schools received a ‘D’ rating, classifying them as priority schools. This designation allows families to transfer students to non-priority schools within the district if space is available.
With the state board’s approval, Dr. Daniel Boyd has been appointed as the Chief Administrative Officer to oversee Dallas County Schools. Additionally, Alabama State Superintendent Dr. Eric Mackey announced that he will soon appoint an interim superintendent in Bessemer City following the departure of the previous superintendent.
Meanwhile, legislators are considering Senate Bill 215, sponsored by State Sen. Donnie Chesteen (R-Geneva), and House Bill 344, sponsored by State Rep. Terri Collins (R-Morgan). These two bills would expand the state superintendent’s authority during interventions, including granting subpoena power. Superintendent Mackey has voiced support for these measures, stating that current laws lack a structured transition process after state control ends.
The state is also currently overseeing interventions in Sumter County and Bessemer City Schools. Sumter County, now in its second year under state management, is working toward consolidating four campuses into one. At the same time, Bessemer City, placed under intervention in August 2024, continues to address operational inefficiencies.
Since the passage of the Educational Accountability and Intervention Act in 2013, Alabama has intervened in four school districts, including Montgomery City Schools (2017-2021) and Selma City Schools (2014-2017). State officials stress that intervention is a last resort, pursued only after significant efforts to assist struggling districts.
State officials will now work closely with Dallas County Schools to implement changes aimed at improving financial oversight and academic performance.
Sherri Blevins is a writer for Mountain Valley News and a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at [email protected].
