Individuals seeking to run for County Superintendent, should begin with the Alabama Secretary of State’s Office
for specific guidelines. Please note local governments may have additional filing guidelines so please check with your local election official.
Qualifications for a county superintendent are found in Section 16-9-2, Code of Alabama 1975. The candidate for the office of the county superintendent must file a letter of qualification signed by the State Superintendent with the probate judge of the applicable county. To receive a letter of qualification, the candidate must submit the form entitled Supplement EXS.To ensure there is ample time for processing, Supplement EXS must be received in the Educator Certification Section at least two weeks prior to the last date candidates may qualify. Again, please remember local governments may have additional filing guidelines.
Please note, the letter of qualification only addresses certification requirements as set out in the above-referenced statute and does not determine the potential candidate’s eligibility to run for that office. If certification requirements are met, a letter of qualification signed by the State Superintendent will be sent to the Probate Judge and the potential candidate, verifying the individual:
- holds an Alabama certificate in administration and supervision based upon requirements established by the State Board of Education for such certificate,
- has had not less than five years of experience in public school work at the time he assumes office, and
- has three years of successful educational experience as a teacher, principal, supervisor, superintendent, educational administrator, or instructor in school administration during the five years next preceding his appointment or election.
Please contact Shavon Harris should additional information be needed.