State board votes to intervene in Dallas County schools; Department names Daniel Boyd chief administrative officer

The Alabama State Board of Education on March 13 adopted a resolution recommending state intervention in the Dallas County School System, and Department staff said the intervention will begin immediately following the board’s vote.

During a brief report to the board, Dr. Mackey said the Dallas County board voted 5-0 to accept the takeover and that ‘‘we will be, taking over immediately.’’ He told the board that Dr. Daniel Boyd will serve as chief administrative officer for both Dallas County and Bessemer while the Department names an interim superintendent for Bessemer.

Dr. Mackey said the district faces ‘‘financial concerns’’ that make local recovery ‘‘a very heavy lift’’ and that Department staff have been meeting with local board members and district leaders. He said the Selma superintendent has submitted a resignation effective at the end of the school year, and that the departing superintendent has agreed to remain through the transition period to help ensure continuity.

The board approved the resolution to recommend intervention by voice vote; the meeting transcript records the action as adopted with members showing ‘‘raised hand’’ votes. Department staff said they will meet with the Dallas County board and begin work immediately to address the district’s financial and operational issues; staff did not provide a detailed timeline or a named interim superintendent for Bessemer at the meeting.

The board did not discuss budget appropriations or specific corrective measures during the public meeting; Department staff indicated the intervention will be intensive and will require significant Department support.

The board scheduled its next meeting for April 10, 2025, when staff may return with further implementation details.