Who’s running for Bessemer school board? Voters cast ballots in 2026 municipal election
The election marks the first time Bessemer voters have selected school board members since the state suspended the board, though those elected will serve only in an advisory capacity while state intervention continues.
Ethan Parker 
Polls are open today in Bessemer as residents head to the ballot box to select leadership across multiple municipal offices, including all seven seats on the Bessemer Board of Education. This marks a pivotal moment for the district, which has been under state intervention since 2024.
A New Chapter Under State Intervention
This election represents the first school board election held since the Alabama State Department of Education suspended the board in January 2026. While voters are choosing their representatives, the board will continue to serve in an advisory capacity. All official actions require the approval of the state superintendent or the chief administrative officer while state oversight remains in place.
Despite the current intervention, there is a sense of optimism regarding the direction of Bessemer City Schools. During the August State Board of Education meeting, State Superintendent Eric Mackey highlighted signs of improvement, citing "remarkable" growth in student achievement based on 2025-26 data.
Mackey praised the leadership team on the ground, specifically noting the work of chief administrative officer Dr. Daniel Boyd and superintendent Michael Turner. "There is a lot more work to be done, but they’re certainly headed in the right direction," Mackey stated.
Who is on the Ballot?
The race for the seven school board seats features a mix of incumbents and newcomers:
- Terry Dawson faces Remeka Little.
- Samuel Vaughn Morris is running unopposed.
- Margie Varner is running against five challengers.
- Lee Jones faces Carolyn Hudson Wilson.
- Several seats feature fresh faces, with no incumbents seeking re-election in those specific positions.
Election Day Details
Beyond the school board, voters are also casting ballots for the mayor and all seven seats on the Bessemer City Council. The polls are open today until 7 p.m. If any races require a runoff, those elections are scheduled for September 22. Bessemer residents looking to confirm their voting location can find more information here.
Bessemer joins Sumter County Schools and Dallas County Schools as one of the three systems currently operating under state intervention in Alabama.
