DOTHAN, Ala. — In a move that sets Dothan City Schools apart from other districts in the state, the school board voted Tuesday night to raise the educational requirements for the position of superintendent. Board members voted 4-3 in favor of requiring that candidates for the position hold a doctorate degree.
This decision makes Dothan the first school district in Alabama to impose such a stringent qualification for its top leadership role. The vote was met with mixed opinions among the board members. Those in favor of the change were Melanie Hill, Franklin Jones, Brenda Guilford, and Brett Strickland. In contrast, Audie Jenkins, Amy Bonds, and Board Chairman Scott Childers voted against the proposal.
Currently, Alabama state law mandates that superintendents hold at least a four-year degree and have five years of public school experience, with a minimum of three years spent in roles such as a teacher, principal, or administrator. The board’s decision to require a doctorate goes beyond the state’s minimum standards, signaling a desire for a highly qualified candidate who can lead the district into the future.
The move comes as Dothan City Schools prepares to search for a new superintendent, as the current superintendent, Dr. Dennis Coe, will not be returning at the end of the school year. The board’s decision to elevate the educational qualifications for the position reflects their determination to find a leader with an advanced level of expertise and leadership experience.
