Republican Tracie West announced her re-election campaign for the Alabama State Board of Education this week.

West, who has served on the board since 2020 and represents District 2, said Alabama’s K-12 system has made measurable progress by maintaining academic standards and prioritizing accountability.

“When I first ran for the state school board, I said there was no reason that Alabama couldn’t have one of the best education systems in the country,” West said. “Now, Alabama has emerged as a national leader in post-pandemic academic recovery. During one of the most challenging periods in modern education, we refused to lower expectations.”

She credited the state’s focus on core academic instruction and local leadership for recent improvements.

“Instead, we focused on what works — strong instruction in reading and math, accountability for results, and local leadership empowered to meet student needs,” West said.

West said improvements have extended beyond elementary grades. “Our high school outcomes have improved as well,” she said. “Alabama’s graduation rate has reached 91 percent, tying an all-time high, while college and career readiness indicators continue to rise. More students are earning industry credentials, dual-enrollment credits, and workforce-aligned certifications — preparing them for success after graduation. We owe it to our families to help our students have a clear plan after leaving high school.”

She said the results are consistent with conservative education priorities.

“These results show what happens when conservative principles guide education policy — high standards, fiscal responsibility, transparency, and respect for parents and local communities,” West said. “There is more work to do, but Alabama is moving in the right direction, and I remain committed to continuing this progress.”

West is a Lee County native and a 1991 graduate of Auburn University. She previously served nine years on the Auburn City Schools Board of Education, including as board president. She is a small business owner and licensed Realtor.

District 2 of the Alabama State Board of Education includes all or parts of Barbour, Chambers, Clay, Cleburne, Dale, Geneva, Henry, Houston, Lee, Pike, Randolph, Russell and Tallapoosa counties.

Sherri Blevins is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at [email protected].